Results 13,161-13,180 of 13,270 for speaker:Pat Gallagher

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: Yes and that is sensible.

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: I have not seen any of the major parties trying to remove an Independent or an Independent representing a group from the council by way of vote in many years. The position is the same for a Member of the Oireachtas. However, under the Local Government Acts, a Member of an Oireachtas or an MEP cannot stand as a candidate at a local election. As Senator Brennan is aware, that matter is...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: A person can stand for both, but he or she must choose one.

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: We are trying to resolve that.

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: On the one hand, we do not favour the dual mandate at national and local authority level, yet we favour the derogation for practical purposes. Only two countries secured a derogation — Ireland and the UK — with specific reference to Northern Ireland. This would not have been necessary had the intentions of two sitting members of the European Parliament, Dr. Paisley and Mr. Hume, been...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: It is fairly well understood that the three counties of Ulster comprise the Ulster constituency. While I appreciate the Acting Chairman has a view on this, I ask Members to remember there is a legal requirement for the adoption of this legislation two months before the effective date for enlargement, which gives us until the end of February. I would not be honest if I were to say I would...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: At the behest of Senator Daly, I made strong representations to have Clare included for Objective One status. I believe the views of the Senators are serious and genuinely held, and need to be considered in the future. I agree with Senator Brian Hayes that the independent commission has served us well. At all times we have accepted the recommendations of the commission and have done so again...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: The people of Connacht-Ulster were still very discerning and intelligent. We will consider that matter.

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: I would not want to give any commitment. I thank the Senators for their views and their general acceptance of this legislation, which is largely technical and implements the commission's report of 2003 and the Council's decision of June and September 2002. Europe has played an important role in the development of our country. In 1979, Ireland had a per capita income of 55% of the European...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: That can be the interpretation. However, the Government has decided this derogation will not last in perpetuity. The derogation is until the next Oireachtas elections after which there will be no further dual mandate.

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: This Bill is short and proposes to implement the recommendations of the 2003 constituency commission report on changes to the European Parliament constituencies and to give effect to the European Union Council decision of 25 June and 23 September 2002 concerning the election of Members of the European Parliament. I appreciate the House agreeing to discuss the Bill today and hopefully next...

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: Many questions were asked, and I would certainly like to address as many of those as possible if the House is agreed.

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: I thank the Senators for their contributions. It is tremendous to see such interest in the House. It is unfortunate that the same interest is not evident among the entire electorate at election time, as the valid poll would be much higher than normal. I genuinely believe that the new system will make it easier for the new voter, especially the elderly. Senator Norris referred to several views...

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: Senator Bannon, who spoke initially, referred to his experience at the launch last week. I know the Senator did not intend his remarks to be unfair, but they might have been so if the official was only being helpful. Needless to say, at the real poll on 11 June the polling staff will not approach the voting machine. That will be set out in the regulations or the rules for returning officers,...

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: I will deal with that. We all like to know from where votes come, but I will blend that with Senator Coghlan's question on secrecy. We are anxious to ensure tallies are available and we are in consultation with the Attorney General's office on what information can safely be provided without endangering the secrecy of the ballot. As the Senator said, the tallyman is not part of the statutory...

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: I am not a Member and I was not aware of that Standing Order. I will accept a question.

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: This matter has been raised because of the Carrickmines case. I looked at the Supreme Court judgment on Carrickmines and without going into the details — I do not have the time nor is it necessary — this case bears no relationship to the making of an order under section 48 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001. Section 48 states clearly and, indeed, unambiguously provides that the...

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: I welcome this opportunity to discuss the introduction of electronic voting and counting at the European Parliament and local elections next June. In the short time available to me, I wish to reply to some of the points put forward by opponents of the system. I stress that the system that will be used is secure and reliable. It can be trusted by the people. It has been in use for over ten...

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: A politician cannot even have a cold now.

Written Answers — Fire Stations: Fire Stations (10 Feb 2004)

Pat Gallagher: In addition to the ten fire station projects currently approved or under construction, my Department is undertaking a review of all fire station projects that have been proposed, along with those in planning, with a view to obtaining the best outcome from the annual fire station construction programme. The proposed new fire station at Granard, for which contract documents are with my...