Results 10,421-10,440 of 11,433 for speaker:Michael Kitt

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: From the Seanad (8 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: I stated on Report Stage in this House that I would address the circumstances raised by Members on both sides of the House and bring forward an amendment on Committee Stage in the Seanad. This section provides that the making of false or misleading statements or providing false or misleading information to the national and-or international authorities is an offence. It will be for the...

Seanad: Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages (3 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: Section 1 contains the usual provision of a general nature dealing with such matters as interpretation and is a standard feature of all legislation. I have been advised by the Parliamentary Counsel's office that the Government cannot accept this Opposition amendment as the language used in the Bill in regard to the treaty in terms of the Schedule is English. Therefore, there is no need to...

Seanad: Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages (3 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: This section deals with the major offence of a person carrying out or causing to carry out a nuclear explosion in the State or outside the State or who attempts, conspires or incites the carrying out of this offence. It carries the penalty of a fine with no maximum limit and imprisonment for life or less as the court may determine or both. This insertion has been advised by the...

Seanad: Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages (3 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: Section 12 provides that the documentation required under this Bill is privileged unless it is required to be disclosed in the interests of public safety and it prevents communication of such information unless it is required to enforce the provisions of this Bill or the terms of the Protocol. This section prohibits the disclosure of information except in specified circumstances. It will be...

Seanad: Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages (3 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: This section provides that the making of false or misleading statements or providing false or misleading information to the national and or international authorities is an offence. It will be for the prosecuting authorities and the courts to determine this. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence, a summary offence carries a fine up to €5,000 or imprisonment of up to six...

Seanad: Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages (3 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: I thank you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, and all Senators who contributed to the debate and their co-operation in taking all Stages. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty will make an important contribution towards preventing the proliferation of materials, technologies and knowledge that can be used for nuclear weapons — one of the most important challenges facing the world today. Like all...

Statements on Climate Change (3 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: I thank Deputies on both sides of the House for their contributions to the debate. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, wished to take part in this important debate given his strong interest in the issue of climate change, which was the main reason the Green Party entered Government. However, the Minister is meeting other EU Ministers of the...

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (2 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: The report of the Expert Group on Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields examined a wide range of issues in relation to the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields, including those produced by electric appliances in the home and from electricity pylons. It answers many of the health risk questions raised by the public in relation to the potential effects of electromagnetic...

Seanad: Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Second Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: I thank all Senators who contributed to what was a constructive debate. It is interesting to note that 2008 marks the 12th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. As I mentioned earlier, the treaty will enter into force when the 44 countries named have ratified it. It is important, given our long-standing position on nuclear disarmament and...

Seanad: Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Second Stage (2 Jul 2008)

Michael Kitt: The purpose of this Bill is to enable the transposition into Irish law of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. While Ireland is not, and will never be, a nuclear weapons State, it is appropriate that we complete processes such as this to ensure consistency with well developed public policy. The nuclear test ban treaty was opened for signature in 1999 but has yet to come into force....

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: I am sure the Deputies would accept that liability to a fine not exceeding €500,000 or imprisonment for a term of two years are not commensurate. Similarly, Deputy Ciarán Lynch would make the point, with which I would agree, that liability to a fine of €5,000 fine or imprisonment for a term of six or 12 months are not commensurate. I will address the circumstances that were raised by...

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: Yes, I will bring forward an amendment to the Bill in the Seanad.

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: I am repeating myself, but in amendment No. 3 the level of the fine and the prison sentence proposed are not proportionate.

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: No.

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: I have a difficulty, as I outlined previously, with amendments Nos. 3 and 4. I propose to bring forward an amendment on Committee Stage in the Seanad to deal with the points Deputy Ciarán Lynch and I have raised. I cannot go any further than that.

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 are being taken together and, therefore, that would be the case.

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: I will discuss all these matters with the Parliamentary Counsel and seek advice on the best approach.

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: I indicated on Committee Stage on 21 May 2008 that I proposed to include a minor technical amendment to the Third Schedule of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 in the Nuclear Test Ban Bill when the Bill reached Report Stage. Following further advice from the Attorney General, I will not now introduce any amendments to the Freedom of Information Act by way of the Nuclear Test Ban Bill. It...

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Order for Report Stage (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Nuclear Test Ban Bill 2006: Report and Final Stages (25 Jun 2008)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Deputy for his amendment. As indicated on Committee Stage, I have been advised by the Parliamentary Counsel's office that the Government cannot accept the amendment as the language used in the Bill and the language of the treaty in the Schedule to the Bill is English and there is no need to insert the words "in the English language" in the legislation.