Results 1,281-1,300 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I draw the Minister of State's attention to the section of the Constitution that outlaws invidious discrimination. This occurs where people are discriminated against for no valid reason, which is what the Minister of State is describing. Not even the law can do this; it cannot be decided in law that action will be taken in certain circumstances and not in others, unless there is an...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: With a couple which has just reached a divorce settlement, somebody could be without a house but have half the value of a house. The person may be waiting to purchase a place. The person may have a very low income but much money generating income for a short period and he or she would not be in a position to apply for a medical card. I can understand how the Government, under this section,...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: That does not take into account a very substantial issue. When people are living in a house, the only factor considered is the stream of income. The Government does not consider the capital value of the property. It is not worth anything to anybody living there — they go in and out, sleep and eat there and they own it. It is of some value to the people they leave after them. If the...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: May I ask one question?

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Every single Government statement over the past 24 hours has indicated that there could be deflation next year. The consumer price index could drop, which would save the State money. I cannot understand how this will necessarily involve a potential charge. It may, but it will not necessarily do so.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: The Minister of State is arguing that the Minister has power of regulation under the subsection. Does the application of such a regulation require the positive approval of each House of the Oireachtas, or is it merely required to be laid before both Houses without approval? In other words, does it need the positive or negative process?

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: It does not need to be discussed or approved by the Houses?

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: That is unfortunate.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I want to refer to the provision concerning a person's savings or similar investments. This comes back to the earlier question I raised about interest. I want to know what "similar investments" means. I know what savings are and everybody is clear about that, but I gave two examples earlier. If a person had to sell his or her house, one would not generally consider that money to be...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Where is the reference to a capital sum?

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Dealing with this issue recently has been difficult for her. While my high regard for her has not been reduced, I oppose this appalling decision, which has caused hurt, chaos and worry among many elderly people who have given their lives and made a considerable contribution to the country. It is a sad end for them. I wish to raise a number of...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I am referring to the spokesperson on health, namely, Senator Feeney.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: The statement by the Senator to which I refer was made on the night on which the Seanad debated the budget. Senator Feeney knows me long enough to be aware that I would never put words in her mouth. I will communicate further with her in respect of this matter and if I am incorrect with regard to what she said, I will withdraw my remarks. However, I do not believe that I am incorrect. The...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I am available.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: On a point of order, I gave a guarantee to withdraw a comment I made about Senator Feeney if I discovered it was incorrect. I want to correct her record. On Wednesday, 15 October, she stated in this House: "This is a great budget ...".

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Senator Feeney denied it, however.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: That is correct.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: A number of meetings were held with the Leader yesterday regarding No. 1 on the Order of Business. He outlined the difficulties that had arisen for him in respect of last Friday, tomorrow and next Friday and we indicated our difficulties regarding the principle of the proposal. We have managed to reach an honourable compromise or a Chinese bargain, whereby everybody is happy with the...