Results 821-840 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Inland Waterways: Statements (26 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I think we are okay on time.

Seanad: Inland Waterways: Statements (26 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I ask the Minister to examine the imposition of regulations which could impact negatively on the use of the river and try to facilitate the slow-moving heritage barges, some of which have been attracted to New Ross in the past few years because of the marina. They are very slow-moving and some of them will spend a number of days at their destination. I ask the Minister to re-examine that...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: It is no difficulty.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I agree with Senators Mooney and Wilson on the need for a campaign with regard to the post offices. A Government action plan is required for the survival of the post office. The dismantling of rural Ireland continues apace. We have seen Garda stations close in many rural areas and an increase in the amount of break-ins and burglaries that have ensued when gardaí are not on the ground...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: What about confidence in the Minister?

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: The Senator is putting words in his mouth.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by the Pope: Motion (19 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: This is an interesting motion. I note that, for whatever reason, my name is not attached to it. Senator Hayden stated that Christianity is about power. I do not see it that way. Christianity is about salvation and involves encouraging and helping us to live our lives in a way that is in accordance with the teachings of Christ. As we go through life, we are constantly searching for the...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: Section 87(1)(b) of the 2010 Act provides for a person driving or using a vehicle under the direction of a member of the Garda Síochána. Will the Minister clarify if it covers a garda who is off duty?

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: If the Minister finds that it is not the case, I suggest he brings forward an amendment on Report Stage to correct it.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: On a point of order, the Minister was here last week when I attempted to raise this in connection with a specific amendment and the Cathaoirleach told me to raise it under the section. I am following through on that guidance. The Minister is amending the principal Act and I am referring to the principal Act.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: It is an important point. The slow driver is as much a hazard as a really fast driver, although some people may dispute that. This phenomenon has caused accidents. I take on board what the Minister says about its being difficult to fine someone for this, but it is not impossible. It is not impracticable to have a minimum driving speed. It happens in other countries on particular types of...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I do not know where the Minister stands on it.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: The points are being made sincerely. He responded on the speed limits-----

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I accept that. I did not raise that point the second time around. He has not responded at all to the other point about the slow drivers who are a hazard.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: May I come in?

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: There is also an issue-----

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I am not disputing that, but the Cathaoirleach told me to raise the point under this section. That is why I am doing it here. If the criterion is that people are being killed or injured, why do we have parking offences? There is a ream of offences in the Road Traffic Act which are judged not on the basis of injury to people but on the basis of best practice for traffic management. I am...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: The Cathaoirleach said that I could raise a number of points on this section and I will do so with the indulgence of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, although I may be stretching it. This section deals with the principal Act. There is an issue that needs more specific attention in the principal Act. I do not know if the Minister is of a mind to examine it on Report Stage. It concerns slow...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I report lack of progress.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: The motivation behind all these amendments is to improve road safety, which the Minister is also endeavouring to do. Very practical issues have been put forward, although I am not sure whether one should include them in legislation. I have some concerns that the plethora of offences are such that motorists are confused. We should be encouraging a change of culture in our driving, as the...