Results 9,741-9,753 of 9,753 for speaker:Terry Leyden

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: I support the motion that a sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges should be established so that proposals on the reform of the Seanad can be brought forward and discussed.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: Yes. What could be better than having Senator Norris representing the State as a guest speaker at a tourism venue in New York on that momentous day? The James Joyce industry is major in areas as far away as Japan. The same can be said for any Senator who is experienced in a particular profession or business. The Government should avail of the services of Members of this House in the interests...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: That would be a wonderful gesture. I do not think it would require a report from an all-party committee. It would give the Seanad more prominence and make it more meaningful to the public—

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: —if it were to have a two day session in each region. I am sure Members would be adequately catered for. I know that would be the last thing on Senator Norris's mind. I also welcome him back from his holidays.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: I suggest to the Leader that many of the suggestions that will be raised in this debate could be implemented under existing rules and procedures. I would not like to see reform of the right of councillors to vote in Seanad elections.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: There are 950 councillors who are a vital part of the machinery of State. They are not from a small, selective borough like Trinity College.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: That is fine, but councillors represent 3.5 million people. It is a great privilege for them. I do not want to see reform as I am quite happy with their right and privilege to vote in Seanad elections. Having been an unsuccessful candidate on two previous occasions I would still prefer the vote of councillors rather than a list system. I am not in favour of a list system, not because I am...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: He devised a system that ensures a working majority in this House, rightly so. We do not want to see this House rejecting legislation and precipitating a general election. That would not be healthy. The quality of appointed Senators since the Constitution was enacted in 1937 has been remarkably high. They have played a very important role in this House. It is a wonderful opportunity for those...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: Yes, it was reborn under the Constitution passed by the people. It is up to all of us to make it more meaningful. By making it more meaningful to the people we will ensure the work continues and its Members will be held in respect. I am glad there are so many young people in the Visitors Gallery listening to this debate. In time, I hope the young ladies present will be Members of the Seanad,...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Terry Leyden: It is not undemocratic.

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Terry Leyden: As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted ten years ago while paraphrasing de Valera in Ennis in 1922—

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Terry Leyden: I offer my sincere congratulations to Senator Kiely on his election as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann and wish him every success. I also pay tribute to the former Cathaoirleach, Brian Mullooly, for his excellent service to the House over 21 years. He will be sadly missed but he played a great role and I wish himself and his family every happiness in his retirement. I congratulate the new...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Terry Leyden: I am sorry about that. I have much more to say but I will have to leave it for another day. We have nothing to fear. I do not believe there will be mass emigration to this country and we will cope very well. Also, the opportunity we will have to travel in eastern Europe will be of great benefit to us and we will exploit it. The Treaty of Nice is the best deal for Ireland and I recommend it...