Results 12,861-12,880 of 13,291 for speaker:Joe McHugh

Seanad: Totalisator (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2005)

Joe McHugh: So Senator Leyden agrees with the Bill.

Seanad: Totalisator (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2005)

Joe McHugh: Yes.

Seanad: Totalisator (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (2 Mar 2005)

Joe McHugh: Blame the voters and the parents of voters.

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: I took due deliberation in preparing this Adjournment matter as it is one which should not be taken lightly. To address the broader perspective of cancer incidence, one in three people in this country will develop cancer. Another frightening statistic is that 60% of cancers will develop in the elderly. If this is the case, it is important we maintain cancer services on a regional basis and...

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: I will finish on this point. In Northern Ireland alone there are four screening centres in Lurgan, Antrim, Belfast and Altnagelvin, spread out on a regional basis. Others areas in Northern Ireland are not disadvantaged by these services whereas the west and the north-west are so disadvantaged. No consultant radiation oncologist is visiting Letterkenny at present. This means patients must...

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: I appreciate the intervention and latitude, but this is something that I feel strongly and passionately enough about to speak on behalf of the women of the west and Northern Ireland. All they are seeking is a service to which they are entitled.

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: This is a frightening response because it does not give me clarity or hope to anyone who lives in the west or north west. The Minister of State said the Tánaiste is confident that the target date of 2007 for the national expansion will be met. What indicators has the Tánaiste used that allow her to be as confident? It means nothing to me because, in 2002, the target date was 2005.

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: Will the Tánaiste invoke confidence on this side of the House and in the people of the west by making a complete commitment to the programme's full expansion to the west? This area was not even mentioned.

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: The Cathaoirleach is in the same boat as myself, so I know he understands.

Seanad: Cancer Screening Programme. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: An extended reply, please.

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: Joking aside, there is an issue regarding the symbolic nature of handing over moneys in the form of a pension, assistance or an entitlement to a private or public body. Leaving the Minister of State's spouse or family to one side, I believe it is wrong and there is a serious equality issue to be addressed. As regards access and funding there is need for a comprehensive debate on private and...

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: I want to make one last point. The Chairman should allow me some discretion because I found it hard to concentrate on my contribution with the talking that was going on behind me. It is rather difficult to make a contribution when one is being interrupted.

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: We must address the fundamentals of investment in nursing homes. At present a developer-led syndicate is driving construction which is opposed to the type of private nursing home that we had for years, which was family led and gave credibility to the sector. However, at present, syndicates of rich, successful businessmen are getting tax-breaks to feed into the construction and operation of...

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: Absolutely. Perhaps somewhere in Boyle, County Roscommon.

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: I appreciate the Chairman's latitude. The final point is that we must have a serious debate on who or what is driving the provision of nursing homes. Is it the construction industry or is it people interested in the care of the elderly?

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: It is good opposition. The Senator will get used to it after a while.

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Joe McHugh: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I commend Deputies Kenny and Perry on raising this matter. It is indicative of an effective Opposition that has been working well in the past two years and a team of people who are getting ready to enter Government. It is a good omen for a team that will be capable and professional, when in Government. As regards the remuneration of moneys owed to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Joe McHugh: I agree with Senator O'Toole regarding the situation in Northern Ireland. If his prediction that there will be no settlement or any negotiation until 2007 is correct, we will find ourselves in a very frightening vacuum. I echo the call for much more North-South and east-west involvement. We can show the lead in this House on a joint parliamentary basis. I know hindsight is 20-20 vision but...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Bill 2002: Second Stage [Resumed]. (27 Jan 2005)

Joe McHugh: I welcome the Minister back to the House and I intend to recap on some of the points I made yesterday. I did not get a chance to sum up, which was unfortunate, as the Minister was left hanging and-——

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Bill 2002: Second Stage [Resumed]. (27 Jan 2005)

Joe McHugh: ——waiting eagerly for the punchline when I was interrupted by the Leas-Chathaoirleach. To reiterate, the Criminal Justice Bill is important legislation. From an international viewpoint it is necessary and people demand it. Procedures must be put in place for people to feel secure. From the international viewpoint, however, the "Homeland Security" initiative in the United States has a...