Results 761-780 of 1,714 for speaker:John Dardis

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: We have plenty of meetings to attend. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach will give permission to those who have other announcements to make.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Senators Brian Hayes, O'Toole, Ó Murchú and Mansergh raised the agreement in Derry on the Orange Order parade and I echo the sentiments expressed. It was a significant event and the chamber of commerce should be congratulated along with the Orange Order and the residents of the Bogside. It demonstrates what co-operation can do but, even in the most difficult times, Derry reached...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: With regard to the ducks, which was raised by Senators O'Toole and Mansergh, and the appalling puns that have circulated as a result, it is a serious issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Those of us who have been in the House for a while can recall a period when the ducks were escorted by the Garda across the road from Leinster Lawn to St. Stephen's Green. They are an integral part of the Oireachtas. Yesterday, we received an e-mail which stated we should not feed them bread because it is toxic.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: However, Dublin Zoo is sending a special supply of feed for the ducks, which is good.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Hopefully, there will not be bodies on which to have an inquest.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: This is a serious issue. I strongly support Senator O'Toole's comments on the issue of farm gate prices. The corporate food industry has got the EU by the scruff of the neck to ensure people who produce wholesome, natural food on farms and try to sell it in their local communities should be prevented from doing so. That trend has been consistent over a number of years. As a member of the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: It deserves to be mentioned.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: The port tunnel and associated issues were raised by Senators O'Toole, Ormonde and Ryan. Heavy goods vehicles present a major issue, which was raised previously, and I accept the figures quoted by Senator Ryan. However, it is extraordinary, no matter how often one travels on the dual carriageway out of Dublin towards Cork and Limerick, the number of vehicles that have no number plates on the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Ireland is one of the top nine countries in the provision of such aid. Economic growth domestically has provided for an enormous increase in the ODA spend. While it has not reached the target set, as we had all hoped, progress has been made.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: More than €500 million is provided in ODA with no conditions attaching, unlike many other countries.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: We will be delighted to debate the issue in the autumn. The employment permits Bill, which will provide rights to non-nationals who come to Ireland to work, will come before the House. The employee should be the permit holder rather than the employer and the Bill is heading in that direction to ensure the rights of employees are vindicated. Senators Ryan and Finucane raised the issue of cost...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Matters relating to this were discussed earlier at a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights but I had to attend to ensure a quorum. Such issues should be debated at this forum and I hope those responsible will attend to debate them. The Leader dealt in detail with the matter of risk equalisation yesterday. There is no proposal to privatise the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: I do not know about the situation with regard to the emergency Bill in the Dáil on the registration of births, deaths and marriages but we will look into that. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children has actively tried to deal with the MRSA bug. Senator Leyden is correct, however, this involves a question of hygiene. I noted in Scotland there was a recommendation that telephones...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Resources are available that hopefully can be used to market the region. The Senator's point about the regional tourism organisations is correct and it should be examined. Senators Scanlon and O'Meara raised the question of overruns in public contracts. Senator White also raised the matter of a child care conference on Friday at 10 a.m. in the Berkeley Court Hotel.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Senator O'Meara mentioned BreastCheck. I noted a suggestion last week that a blood test could be far more accurate in terms of diagnosis than the scan so perhaps that should be studied. That could be a cheaper and more efficient way of doing this test.

Seanad: Treaty of Amsterdam: Motion. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion provided by Article 1.11 of the Treaty of Amsterdam to take part in the adoption of the following proposed measure: proposal for a Council Decision on the exchange of information and co-operation concerning terrorist offences, a copy of which proposed measure was laid before Seanad Éireann on 16 June 2005.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: The Order of Business is No. 1, a motion referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights which has completed its discussions on it. The motion concerns efficiencies in the exchange of information concerning terrorist offences between the member states, Europol and Eurojust. It is proposed to take this motion without debate; No. 2, Electoral (Amendment) Bill...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: The first five months of this year saw the lowest increase in house prices since records began.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

John Dardis: Of all parties, I am sure.