Results 1,021-1,040 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (19 Nov 2013)

Jim Walsh: I have difficulties with the per capita approach being applied to Independents. I know the Minister has changed that to some extent but there are issues none the less. If the criterion at present is that people who are elected independently are entitled to those supports, it follows that people in Fine Gael or the Reform Alliance - who find themselves in such as position, although not of...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Nov 2013)

Jim Walsh: Aontaím go hiomláin leis an méid atá ráite ag an Seanadóir Healy Eames on health insurance. It is time the Minister for Health was invited to the House for a full debate on the issue. I am sure the Leader will remind me that legislation will be before us presently on the increase in the health levy. I do not have a great difficulty with that Bill because the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (13 Nov 2013)

Jim Walsh: I thank Mr. Kelly for his contribution and applaud the fact that we responded expeditiously to this terrible disaster. He referred to the NDRRMC in the Philippines, which seems to be good. The saying, "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail" comes to mind. Is this is a feature of other at risk areas around the world, in particular in the Caribbean where similar disasters have occurred?...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (13 Nov 2013)

Jim Walsh: I thank Dr. O'Neill for his comprehensive presentation which covered a wide spectrum of development and aid issues. It is a challenging scene, given the global economic environment and the many demands for aid made across the globe. It is a challenging scene given the global economic situation and also the many demands for aid across the globe. The preamble of the European Commission...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations Human Rights Council: Discussion with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (6 Nov 2013)

Jim Walsh: I appreciate that Mr. Wrafter may not be in a position to respond on the following issues. I refer to the book on the issue of collusion in Northern Ireland and the protection of the unborn as a human rights issue.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: United Nations Human Rights Council: Discussion with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (6 Nov 2013)

Jim Walsh: I welcome the delegates and thank Mr. Wrafter for his comprehensive report. I welcome co-operation with Hungary in regard to the civil society space. I am pleased to see that link-up, because I see many instances, particularly at EU level, where people criticise that country without having done any research. In fact, Hungary has changed its constitution and done a great deal of good work...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Ronán Mullen. I refer to what was said by Senator Colm Burke and the need to improve, enhance and empower local government. There are many fine exponents within the local government system who are hard-working councillors. With regret, I join Senator Darragh O'Brien in commiserating with the family of Councillor Gary...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: Yes, absolutely. Everyone is familiar with the phrase "lies, damn lies and statistics". Now we have "lies, damn lies and broken promises". The country is being run by headless chickens and bean counters. It is a serious issue. I ask for a debate on the deficiencies of our governance system and in the structures of the Houses such that we can hold these people to account.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: The Senator is speaking like a "No" voter.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: I join those who have called for a debate on the latest ESRI economic commentary. Next week, obviously, we will be concentrating on the budget. Between then and Christmas, we should have several debates to deal with various reports, starting with the ESRI's. I note that it is predicting higher growth rates next year. I do not believe this is correct, but we will find out in due course....

Seanad: Political Reform: Statements (8 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: Perish the thought.

Seanad: Political Reform: Statements (8 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: I thank those Senators who played a pivotal and influential role during the campaign. They have done the State a service in that we have maintained one of the democratic institutions of State. I am somewhat surprised by the result. I had conceded to my colleagues that the temptation to dispense with 60 politicians would be irresistible, but I am happy that did not happen. The debate showed...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: I understood the Chair was not going to call me due to the time constraints.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: Reform is obviously the buzz word of the moment. In that regard, there should be an in-depth debate in the House with the Minister for Health on the HSE. The HSE has been dysfunctional, and recognised as such, for a number of years. It must be overhauled and, in my opinion, totally restructured. The fact that we find ourselves in a position where people who are in need of medical...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: I ask the Leader for a substantial debate on political reform. The stranglehold on these Houses that not just the Government, but also the gang of four has really worries me.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: In this regard, the Cathaoirleach, the Leader and those in this House who hold office should come behind the Ceann Comhairle in his campaign to assert the independence of these Houses.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: If Members fail in that regard, no meaningful effective reform will take place under this Administration and regime. Such reform is absolutely essential if democracy in Ireland is to be as robust as one would wish.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: I call on the Leader to arrange a debate over the course of the next number of weeks with regard to the ongoing Middle East situation, in particular the plight of the Palestinian people and the refugees. During the past year I visited a number of refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon and elsewhere. The appalling conditions in which those people are living, particularly the Syrian and Palestinian...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2013)

Jim Walsh: I call for a debate on the issue of political reform. In the same way, I am keen to see a debate on the other referendum because it is totally premature as well. I am well aware of the backlog in the Supreme Court but to think of setting up an appeal court without first tackling the antiquated hours our court systems work makes no sense. There are well-paid people at all levels, including...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Situation In Syria: Discussion with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (18 Sep 2013)

Jim Walsh: I compliment the Tánaiste, who has been very sure-footed on this issue. His analysis both today and previously has been impressive. In addition, the part played by Russia in this regard in recent weeks has been highly constructive. While one may disagree about what the Russians have been doing at the United Nations Security Council, the manner in which they took up the issue of the...