Results 11,661-11,680 of 11,812 for speaker:Denis O'Donovan

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: While I do not doubt the Minister of State's sincerity when he says the issue of licensing is amply covered in the Bill, I have grave doubts whether that is the case. While I do not want to be parochial in talking about Bantry Bay, Dunmanus Bay, the Sheep's Head, Bere Island and other areas I represent, my concerns stem from the fact that a week ago in this House, Senators expressed their...

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: A small number of amendments have been tabled and most are grouped. It is not the case that we will be here for the next six months. I have concerns and I will read three or four brief paragraphs from a letter from the legal advisor of the Bantry Bay Harbour Board, Mr. Rory O'Callaghan.

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: It is to do with both. It concerns controls, regulations and laws. An important point was raised with regard to Cork County Council. I am subject to correction but I believe that approximately 12 years ago, a report made a number of recommendations with regard to Bantry harbour and one was that Cork County Council would take it over. At the time, I was a member of Bantry Bay Harbour...

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: It does but it is raised here with regard to control and zoning. I am extremely concerned that An Bord Pleanála, when it hears about Bantry Bay, will want to close the ditch west of Dunmanway — Senator McCarthy will be left alone — and provide a safari park for people to visit. Forget about fishermen and traditional rights——

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: It is grand for the people who can come in to the bay with their big yachts because they do not have to live there. We have to survive there. I appreciate the Minister of State has said he will reconsider this and I am sure he will return on Report Stage and tell us not alone were Senators Cummins and McCarthy correct but I was also following which we will have a plethora of Government...

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: I have grave reservations as to what might occur if these provisions are accepted. Recently, the Cork Port Authority, with the support of Cork Chamber of Commerce and Cork County Council, proposed to build a major transhipment container facility in Cork Harbour. Such a facility would be welcome in the south. The proposal was referred to An Bord Pleanála which rejected it, in essence,...

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: Do not goad me now.

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: I have strong concerns that we are taking from the Minister certain powers to give to An Bord Pleanála. We are all are being told about political responsibility, transparency, etc., and another part the Bill provides that members of local authorities cannot be on boards, but in some instances political responsibility can be good.

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (22 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: Here we are transferring this power to An Bord Pleanála and I do not think it is properly thought out. Again, I must be parochial. I think of the problems coming down the track for Bantry Bay where some fellow will make an application only to withdraw it. Recently, we had a nice situation on the shores of Whiddy Island where young fellows who admirably returned to the island and a few...

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: I wish to briefly contribute to this important topic. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Many of the points I wish to raise probably have been already raised. When we think of volunteerism we tend to think of the GAA, one of the greatest volunteering organisations that has been in place in Ireland for the past 130 years. I admire people who are involved in all sports, whether...

Seanad: European Judicial Network in Civil and Commercial Matters: Motion (1 Oct 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: Like Senator Regan, I have no problem in welcoming this proposal. It is good to see a network that is common to all of Europe. Historically in civil, commercial and contract laws we come from a common law background whereas the law in most of Europe is based on the Napoleonic code. I have one question on contact points. Has it been established which contact points will be used here? Is...

Seanad: Ferry Services (30 Sep 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: I wish to raise the issue of the Cork to Swansea ferry link as I am seriously concerned because we are now facing into a third year without this ferry service. I recall in 1989 that we were without a service in the southern region, which led to a significant economic backlash for freight, tourism, etc. In Cork and Kerry in particular we are largely dependent on tourism. In that period...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (10 Jul 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: I thank the Minister of State for his time and effort. Society will thank us for passing this Bill. Since the Bill was published, there have been at least six changes or alterations made as a result of debate. Also, the Minister of State said today that some of the issues raised by the Opposition will be definitively addressed in the autumn in the other Bill that deals with alcohol related...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: The Senators are being mischievous.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: On a point of order, irrespective of whether Senator Quinn did something inappropriate regarding Standing Orders, the Leas-Chathaoirleach has ruled on this matter. No material advantage or disadvantage has been gained by Senator Quinn moving the amendment instead of Senator Alex White. Even if there was an advantage it would have been voted down so in no way——

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: I wish to clarify what I said. If there had been a vote called on it——

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: I have mixed views on the issue of closing times. Senator Bacik spoke about dancing until dawn but I visited a night club only once in the past ten years, on the occasion of a birthday, and I felt somewhat out of place. Most of the people there appeared young enough to be my children or grandchildren. There is a problem in terms of the misuse and abuse of alcohol and we should not forget...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: I seek clarification from the Minister of State on a point I raised earlier regarding sequential closing times. Whatever the case may be in Wales, England or Scotland, has the Garda made a submission, either orally or in writing, that there is a problem from the perspective of policing or monitoring people coming onto the streets at 2 a.m., 3 a.m. or 4 a.m.? I understand, from the Minister...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: From the initial discussions on this debate, there have been a number of meetings. I wish to bring some balance to the matter. I understand the frustration from the opposite side and I proposed yesterday that I would have no problem in the House sitting next week.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Committee Stage (10 Jul 2008)

Denis O'Donovan: That is a matter for myself. On the principle of amendments, we must deal with every one on merit and it will ultimately be a question for the Minister of State. In the process over the past several weeks, the Minister has accepted several amendments, one example being the proposal that the 46 or 47 early opening houses throughout the country, which serve a purpose, were to be either closed...