Results 1,261-1,280 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Apr 2003)

Michael Finucane: Are you all right, a Chathaoirligh? Are you infected?

Seanad: Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements. (2 Apr 2003)

Michael Finucane: I wish to share my time with Senator Ross. Acting Chairman (Mr. Finucane): That is agreed.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Finucane: Castlepollard.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Finucane: I have raised the absence of radiotherapy services in the mid-west region on previous occasions and my colleague, Senator Cummins, has also raised the issue in connection with Waterford. Only 16% of Irish cancer patients receive radiotherapy, while in the EU the average is 66%. A march was held on Saturday at which people expressed their concerns about this issue. I have inquired on many...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Finucane: The Senator should have tea with the Leader.

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Finucane: This Bill should be put in context. It provides for an increase of 12%, an increase introduced by stealth after the Budget Statement had been made and Members had gone home for the Christmas recess. Suddenly there was an announcement in the newspapers that motor tax was to be increased by 12% across the board. I often wonder if the Government, in imposing increases, ever takes account of the...

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Finucane: Let us be honest about them. I could take the Senator on a tour of west Limerick along roads which are in poor condition. Some have been improved but we must remember the sale of the century in 1977 when road tax was abolished and a nominal registration fee introduced. That is what happened and the people bought it; the person with a Honda 50 motorcycle went out to vote for Fianna Fáil at...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: Much attention is focused on the Iraqi conflict and whether Ireland is a neutral country. Many consider that an à la carte approach to neutrality is evolving. In that context and recognising the dimension of neutrality and the way Ireland's status in European and world affairs has changed dramatically, I call on the Leader to arrange a debate on neutrality.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I support the excellent decision of the Leader. I also welcome the fact that the five Senators who teased out this issue will attend the meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service this morning because having dealt with the Bill on Committee Stage in this House they are even more familiar than their Oireachtas colleagues with this area.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: While the decision is welcome, it is likely that amendments will flow from it next week. Members may have heard an interview on radio this morning with a representative of the One in Four organisation in which he expressed concerns that private citizens may not have access to information and data which would enable them make claims under the residential redress legislation. The Education...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: It is a lovely blouse. It looks very nice on the Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I wondered if the Leader had Rooster Booster in mind. Is the Tánaiste, Deputy Harney, still going?

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I formally second the proposal of Senator Higgins. Senator Henry mentioned St. Luke's Hospital. I listened to an interesting interview this morning on the difficulties the hospital is having in staying within its budget and the pressure on resources. The report on radiotherapy facilities was promised before the general election. It is widely envisaged that centres in Dublin, Galway and Cork...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: An arrogant man.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I support the amendment proposed by Senator Brian Hayes and seconded by Senator O'Toole. There is great concern about a leaked report from the Garda authorities on the penalty points system. What is happening now will lead to an epidemic of leaked reports in future.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I find it rather strange that the Information Commissioner, whose remit includes the freedom of information legislation, was not even consulted when the report came out. The information was revealed as a result of freedom of information requests made by our party leader, Deputy Kenny, to the Department of Finance.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: It is relevant.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: The sooner the better.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: For Cheltenham.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Major Events Television Coverage) (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I accept the spirit of what the Minister said, which I felt was in accordance with the reason I tabled amendment No. 3. The context of amendment No. 3 is that with Sky Sports removed from the equation when it comes to broadcasting sporting events, it will be between TV3 and RTE to do so. RTE always has a good war chest – up to €150 million a year when the recent €43 increase in licence...