Results 1,301-1,320 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Prison Visiting Committees: Motion. (5 Mar 2003)

Michael Finucane: I know exactly what happens and will conclude on that point.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I am glad Senator Ryan referred to the issue I raised yesterday, the decision by the Garda Commissioner to write to the National Safety Council stating that it was at the discretion of the Garda drivers of Ministers to decide at what speed they should drive. At the time I said it was a very bad example to set. Some 6,000 motorists have received penalty points since the system was introduced....

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: We all have cars of our own, in many cases powerful cars. We have moderated our feet on the pedals in order to conform to the speed limits. There is no need under any circumstances for a Minister's car to speed. I respect the Leader for her positive response yesterday in agreeing that Ministers should lead by example. If the Taoiseach wants to make a positive statement, he should ignore the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: No. I want the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to come to the House and announce that the scheme is being reintroduced.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I support the amendment proposed by Senator Brian Hayes. I am in favour of the abolition of the dual mandate; this is my personal opinion which I have expressed within the party. I am respectful of members of my party who take a different view. I am also respectful of Senators who believe they could be dislocated from councillors, their traditional base. Senators represent constituents and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I want to raise it because I am consistent in what I say. I raised the matter on a previous occasion.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: The Leader is very honest.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I expressed my views on the Order of Business this morning when an amendment was proposed regarding the constitutionality of the Bill. As I have heard other Members speak about this aspect, I will not deliberate on it further. However, there is concern and it is possible the legislation will be challenged. My viewpoint is not the view of my party. I have already told its members that I...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: Does that mean it would not be necessary to include it in the legislation and that it would happen automatically?

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: He or she might have to return the gratuity.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I assure the Minister that he will find many different views on the issue. I would be happy if the guidelines to county managers were strengthened to ensure they accord respect to Deputies and Senators when they make representations to the council. There is nothing to stop me contacting council officials, many of whom I have known for years.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I know that.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: It is the responsibility of the Minister to ensure in the guidelines that this is not a matter of discretion for county managers.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: Christina Noble will today receive an award from Queen Elizabeth for her great work in Vietnam. It is unfortunate that we do not have an honours system in this country. I raised this matter in the Lower House on a previous occasion—

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: —and the then Taoiseach was receptive. Deputy Quinn blew me out of the water on the matter saying that we were aping an English system. There are many examples of honours systems within Europe. For example, the Legion of Honour in France dates back to the time of Napoleon. It is time we had an honours system in this country. I saw it referred to recently when Richard Harris died. People...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I was not thinking of that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: There have been many calls for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come before the House. When he does so, I hope he will not read a long script but that Members will be able to ask specific questions because there are many issues to be dealt with. For example, today's newspapers contain the story of the murder of a 24 year old Jamaican woman with two young children. The...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: The former Minister was vilified.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I am looking for a decent question and answer session with the Minister during which I can relate to him many of the points I have raised.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Feb 2003)

Michael Finucane: I certainly will.