Results 9,761-9,780 of 10,035 for speaker:Martin Cullen

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: If the Senators were serious about reform, they would support the provisions I seek to introduce. In this case, they wish to know the result of the race before they allow their horse to run. This is an evolutionary process.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: Some very junior grades are allowed.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I have listened with great interest to the debate on this aspect and intend to introduce an appropriate amendment on Report Stage to address the concerns raised. It will insert a new expanded section to replace section 3. The matter will be addressed by way of statutory regulations as opposed to guidelines. I hope the amendment will be seen as an attempt to deal with the issue in a fair and...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I will take everything into consideration. There is much validity in what has been said, both in this House and elsewhere. There will be a full debate on my proposals on Report Stage.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: On Report State I will propose the insertion of a new section. Issues may arise regarding the statutory regulations but the key provision will be a repeal of section 3. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Amendments Nos. 5 to 9, inclusive, not moved.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I understand the logic behind the amendment which would insert a new subsection (5) in section 3 of the Bill, as published. It seeks to have local authority annual reports laid before both Houses. I have already indicated my intention to bring forward a new version of section 3 by way of amendment on Report Stage which will provide for the making of regulations. I propose to deal with the...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I was not aware of this but the Local Government Act 2001 does set time limits for the production of annual reports to be approved by elected members. The time frame is about four months. Therefore, the accounts should be laid before members by April of the following year. Some councils are achieving this target. Perhaps those Senators who are councillors should raise the issue. This is...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I am saying by 1 April, which is three months. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Section 3 agreed to. Sections 4 and 5 agreed to. SECTION 6. Question proposed: "That section 6 stand part of the Bill."

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: This is just to bring clarity. The person must choose. By doing it this way we bring certainty into which authority the person chooses. Question put and agreed to. SECTION 7.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: The Senator is discussing amendment No. 14. We are discussing amendment No. 11 tabled by both Fine Gael and the Labour Party. The Labour Party opposes the repeal in section 7 of the Bill of the provisions of the principal Act providing for direct election of county and city cathaoirligh in 2004. The relevant provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 are principally contained in Chapter 3 of...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: That is accepted by the Senator's colleagues.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: The Senator's colleagues accept there is a different point of view.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: The elimination of the dual mandate as proposed will in itself bring about significant change to the local government system and allow for an influx of fresh blood, with the opportunity for councillors to participate in a fuller and more meangingful fashion with SPCs, information training and back up as well. We will also open the system to wider representation by women and young people. I...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: We might include Waterford too.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: Of all the things I have done in this Bill, this is the one on which I can solemnly say there is political consensus. Every politician wanted this removed. We can have political arguments and make political points but let us not talk in a way which does not represent the facts, and I include, with all due respect, the representative body with which the Senator is very much involved and the...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: This has already been dealt with in the 2001 Act. People now have the right to get a postal vote if working outside their area as returning officers etc., on polling day. It has been dealt with but perhaps it has not come into effect because we have not had elections. It is a good amendment but it is already covered by the Electoral Act.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: If outside their area, those working as returning officers etc., are entitled to a postal vote. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: There might be a misunderstanding but the effect of the amendment would be to make sure no election other than a local election could take place.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I accept from what the Senator has said that the amendment would have that effect. We are trying to encourage the electorate to vote on polling day. There is no conflict between a European and local election which can be complementary in that they deal with clearly defined and different issues. People understand what they vote for on the day.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Martin Cullen: I will not go down that road. I cannot accept the amendment, though I understand the Senator's point which was fairly made. As Senator Moylan said, a situation might arise where a new council was elected but could not have a mayor for five years. A bigger danger would be the creation of different classes of councillors, some of whom would be eligible for the position of cathaoirleach while...