Results 12,401-12,420 of 12,487 for speaker:John O'Donoghue

Seanad: Proposed Stadium at Lansdowne Road: Statements. (5 Feb 2004)

John O'Donoghue: I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on what is a most important sporting issue, namely, the decision of the Government to support the development of a sports stadium at Lansdowne Road and a sports campus at Abbotstown. Tuesday, 27 January was a good day for Irish sport. Early last week, I was proud to announce that the Government had agreed to allocate substantial grant assistance...

Written Answers — Statutory Instruments: Statutory Instruments (3 Feb 2004)

John O'Donoghue: My Department is reviewing its statutory instruments for compliance with the requirements of Bunreacht na hÉireann in light of the recent High Court judgement concerning the Immigration Act 1999.

Written Answers — Swimming Pool Projects: Swimming Pool Projects (3 Feb 2004)

John O'Donoghue: South Dublin County Council has applied for grant aid for a proposed new swimming pool in Jobstown, west Tallaght. My Department has had contact with officials from the council about this application and another by the same council in respect of the refurbishment of the swimming pool at Clondalkin. The contract documents for both of these projects are under consideration in my Department.

Written Answers — Arts Funding: Arts Funding (3 Feb 2004)

John O'Donoghue: I am acutely aware of the importance of achieving the best possible outcome for the funding of the arts. I am happy that the €52.5 million provided in 2004 for the Arts Council represents an increase of some 19% on the 2003 figure. This was an extremely positive outcome given the general level of demand for Exchequer funding.

Written Answers — EU Presidency: EU Presidency (3 Feb 2004)

John O'Donoghue: Apart from providing input into the centralised publicity and information dissemination arrangements for the EU Presidency, such as the Presidency website, my Department is publicising its Presidency programme though regular press releases and up-dates on the events we are organising. We are also in the process of establishing a dedicated area on the Department's website for...

Written Answers — Departmental Offices: Departmental Offices (3 Feb 2004)

John O'Donoghue: The provision of the canteen facilities at my Department's headquarters in Kildare Street is the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. There is no canteen facility at my Department's offices in Frederick Buildings. The restaurant and canteen facilities at the National Museum of Ireland in Kildare Street, Collins Barracks, and Turlough Park House, Castlebar,...

Written Answers — Departmental Travel: Departmental Travel (3 Feb 2004)

John O'Donoghue: The cost of mileage expenses incurred during 2003 by officials of my Department including staff of the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland and the National Archives amounted to €121,851.30, while an amount of €6,630.65 was paid out in respect of bus and rail tickets for my Department including the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland and the...

Seanad: Report of Tourism Policy Review Group: Statements. (19 Nov 2003)

John O'Donoghue: I welcome the opportunity to address the House on the report of the tourism policy review group, which has been eagerly awaited by all those with an interest in the further successful development of tourism. The report is the most important and authoritative document on tourism policy and performance in over a decade.

Seanad: Report of Tourism Policy Review Group: Statements. (19 Nov 2003)

John O'Donoghue: They would not know about that up here. Mutton dressed as lamb.

Seanad: Report of Tourism Policy Review Group: Statements. (19 Nov 2003)

John O'Donoghue: I am particularly pleased to note the excellent contributions of Members of the House to this important debate. The tourism industry is of immense importance. It generates €3 billion in foreign revenue and €1.3 billion in domestic revenue, making a total of €4.3 billion per annum. It contributes €2.2 billion to the economy every year and this amount continues to increase. Over the...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

John O'Donoghue: In the course of the passage of this Bill through the Dáil, I explained that although it was drafted and published before I assumed ministerial responsibility for the arts, I was very happy to take it on and sponsor its passage through the Oireachtas. There are some areas of the Bill that I felt it necessary to change, and I will deal with these issues later. The Irish arts sector today is...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

John O'Donoghue: A first cousin.

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

John O'Donoghue: I wish to extend my appreciation to all the Senators who have contributed to this informative and lively debate. The Bill is not just about the Arts Council, it is also about the arts generally and their relationship to local authorities. In addition, it is about the powers and functions of the Minister, as well as the functions of the Arts Council and the relationship of those who are...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

John O'Donoghue: —who made a marvellous contribution to the arts. He gave the arts a profile that they have never really lost. However, I suppose that policy in any sector evolves with time as more is learned from experience and new thinking adds to the mix. Every Minister who, at times, takes the trouble to reflect deeply, will bring something new to the Cabinet table and I hope I am now playing my part in...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

John O'Donoghue: I am appreciative of the contribution made by Members in the debate and look forward to Committee Stage. Question put and agreed to. Committee Stage ordered for Wednesday, 25June 2003.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill 2002 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages. (3 Apr 2003)

John O'Donoghue: I thank the Leader for agreeing to take the Bill this morning. I am here to report on amendments made on Report Stage in the Dáil yesterday and on Committee Stage on 20 February. Contributions from all sides in both Houses showed Members' strong appreciation of the importance of tourism to the economy and a high degree of support for the Government's endeavours to put in place an appropriate...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill 2002 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages. (3 Apr 2003)

John O'Donoghue: I thank Senators for their comments and wish the legislation well. Question put and agreed to. Question, "That the Bill do now pass," put and agreed to.

Seanad: Development of Rugby: Motion. (29 Jan 2003)

John O'Donoghue: I thank Members of the Seanad for providing this opportunity to discuss an issue which has excited the interest and concern of many rugby and general sports enthusiasts, not just in Connacht but also throughout the country. The extent and intensity of the debate, not just in the media but also in sports clubs and at social gatherings in recent weeks, are yet another reminder of how important...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

John O'Donoghue: I thank Senators for their contributions. I agree with most of what has been said. It is true that there should not be discrimination against women in any form. It is also true that there should not be discrimination against women in the rules of any club. I fully concur with that. I know a good deal more about this than people might realise. My late mother, having become a member of Kerry...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

John O'Donoghue: My official notes do not favour the amendment.