Results 841-860 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: Is Senator Hayes referring to me?

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: That is fine, but the Senator should be more specific.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: The Senator is a working class hero.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in congratulating the IRFU on its decision. I also congratulate Members on the Government side of the House for the clarity and sense of depth they brought to the debate on the issue last week which, I hope, brought about that decision. With regard to mutterings from Montenotte, I rather think they came from Mayfield – my address is Montenotte, about which let us be...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2003)

John Minihan: Will the Leader consider having a debate on planning, a matter we raised on a number of occasions in the last session? Many Senators and I share the belief that we should have such a debate.

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister to the House. I am glad he is here for this debate. Initially I had not intended to speak on this issue. I felt there were enough people from the west and from Connacht to eloquently outline the issues on the Private Members' motion, but having listened to Senator Ryan I decided I would have to speak and take issue with the points he made. I do not question the right of...

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: If it wishes to raise it, so be it. I welcome the opportunity to have such a debate. We, as public representatives, have a duty to represent the views of the people who gave us the privilege of sitting in this House. If there is a strong sense of feeling about particular issues, it would be remiss of us not to highlight those issues in this House, if for no other reason than to bring them to...

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: I have a fond interest in all sport, be it rugby, Gaelic football, hurling or whatever, and I value its importance to society and to the social development of our young people. The tradition in Ireland, be it in rugby or GAA, of club, parish, town, county, province and country is a tradition that young people aspire and work up to. It is a chain that is clearly established in one's...

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: I will not interfere with the work of Kerry GAA either.

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John Minihan: The next Munster final will be played in Fota, I understand, but we would be happy to have it back in Páirc Uí Chaoimh if Senator O'Toole wants it there also. I hope this debate will highlight the strong views held by people in Connacht about the issue. I support the motion, if only in order that the IRFU might see that this matter affects the social fabric of life in Connacht.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I endorse the tributes that have been paid to the staff and the usher, John McCabe. At this time of extending seasonal greetings, we should be conscious of the work that will be done over the Christmas period by our emergency services, including members of the Garda and the Defence Forces. We should acknowledge the people who are serving on UN missions overseas and separated from their...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Cork School of Music. (18 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. Cork City has been declared European City of Culture in 2005, a prestigious honour not only for Cork but for the country, which will help us promote the arts and culture on both the European and world stage. The Cork School of Music is steeped in the cultural history of Cork. It has received world-wide recognition for its contribution to...

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage (Resumed). (17 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I, too, welcome the Minister to the House to introduce this timely and necessary Bill. Trends in recent years clearly indicate an increase in the incidence of domestic violence at this time of year. I agree with the Minister that the Bill is aimed specifically at restoring the power to put barring orders in place ex parte in a manner which conforms to constitutional requirements. Equally, it...

Seanad: National Development Finance Agency Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (17 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister to the House. We have said for years that we suffer from an infrastructural deficit. We have failed to keep pace with the development of the economy, making ourselves less competitive and, in doing so, threatening the future of the economy. With that in mind, I welcome this initiative and the leadership the Government is showing in bringing it forward. This is a policy...

Seanad: National Development Finance Agency Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (17 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I did not mention Luas. The Senator should listen to the debate. If he does not listen, he will not understand.

Seanad: Alcohol Consumption by Young People: Statements. (11 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming this debate, which is timely, if not too late. International surveys have clearly set out that we are on a slippery road when it comes to our future, but it is no harm to remind ourselves of what such surveys indicate about Ireland. Previous speakers have referred to some of the results, but we should emphasise the point. We need to listen and face up to...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I, too, welcome the Minister. I am glad to have the opportunity to debate the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002 which was flagged in the programme for Government. I am one of the wishful thinkers referred to by Senator Quinn and believe this course of action was necessary. Having listened to what the Minister said about withering sites, this action was necessary. He has also...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: It is the local authorities.

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Adoption Arrangements. (5 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Callely for coming to the House to respond to this matter. I raise the issue of the bilateral agreement between Ireland and Vietnam in relation to foreign adoptions because it has been reported that existing arrangements will cease at the end of the month. Vietnam is changing from a province-based system to a centralised government-based system, with...

Seanad: Budget Statement: Motion. (4 Dec 2002)

John Minihan: I move: "That Seanad Éireann notes the Minister for Finance's Budgetary Statement." Budget 2003 paves the way for continued economic success. It is a prudent and cautious budget, which encapsulates the best thinking of the two parties that contributed to its formulation. It is a good budget for the country by several different measures. It sets out to deliver another strong surplus on the...