Results 1,061-1,080 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Dec 2003)

Michael Finucane: I wish to speak about a different matter, the recently released annual competitiveness review. Out of the 15 developed countries, Ireland and Finland are now the most expensive. We are fourth highest in insurance, third highest in electricity cost, third highest in landfill cost and, once the local authority estimates are completed, I would not be surprised if we move to the top in landfill costs.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Dec 2003)

Michael Finucane: The Senator's name and shame campaign did not go very far.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Dec 2003)

Michael Finucane: The vintners' representatives now concede there is a rip-off in soft drinks prices throughout the country. As we approach Christmas and try to encourage drivers to stay away from drink, why are soft drinks now far more expensive than alcohol? It is a disgrace.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Dec 2003)

Michael Finucane: We do not discriminate, unlike the Progressive Democrats.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: Good cop, bad cop.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: There will be more investigations in Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: I support the comments made by Senator Brian Hayes about the importance of the Road Traffic Bill, which will come before the House tomorrow. It is regrettable that the Minister does not incorporate in that Bill his intention to introduce more speed cameras around the country. As Members know, we have three speed cameras. Some time ago the Minister indicated he would expand that number to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: Perhaps the Leader could alleviate some of the confusion about community employment schemes by explaining what is happening. My understanding is that the Estimates provided for 20,000 places on the scheme next year, the same number as will exist at the end of January. The Leader's 40 colleagues signed a statement saying they wanted this number increased by 5,000. The budget is next Tuesday,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: —and we will get the extra 5,000.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: I am looking for clarification.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: Senator Mooney is very tetchy today. I wonder what is wrong with him.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: I was not finished.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: I am not inviting interruptions.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: I am asking the Leader to clarify the question of community employment schemes. Her colleague and my colleague went out on the plinth yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: I want to know what is going on so I can tell the people of west Limerick what Fianna Fáil is really doing about this issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: Good cop, bad cop.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: Fianna Fáil is now a family at war.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: Name and shame.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: The Senator's act will be a very hard one to follow. In respect of Senator Ryan's comments on poverty in this country, it is interesting that we had all the different organisations in Buswell's Hotel yesterday where they were talking on this specific subject, particularly on the recent cutbacks. It is significant to note that community welfare officers on a national basis, who administer the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Nov 2003)

Michael Finucane: I welcome the decision of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to free up gardaí from administrative duties and have them out on the beat in order to increase resources. I am concerned, however, that this could lead to the closure of rural Garda stations. I would like to hear the Minister's viewpoint on the issue.