Results 1,301-1,320 of 4,608 for speaker:Joe O'Toole

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Issues arise on both sides in regard to topics and the length of the Order of Business. It is important that we deal with issues pertaining to how we do our business. I ask the Leader to arrange a half-day debate soon after our return from the Christmas break. I agree with Senator Fitzgerald on the Lisbon treaty. It is a further example of the Oireachtas being left aside. These issues...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Senator Fitzgerald correctly pointed out that questions have arisen as a result of the statement by the European Food Safety Authority. However, even with the benefit of hindsight, I think the Government did the right thing. It was necessary to act in the way it did to put us beyond suspicion. While I think the market in Ireland will recover immediately, we will face difficulties abroad....

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Admissibility of Evidence) Bill 2008: Second Stage (10 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Like other speakers, I compliment Senator Regan on bringing forward this legislation, which touches a nerve that definitely needs to be addressed. I accept his point that there is a huge demand for this kind of legislation. I would not question his objectives for one moment, but I have significant difficulties with parts of it. I would like to see the Bill going to Committee Stage where it...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: The question of taking motions without debate has regularly arisen in this House. For the benefit of Members, I will explain the long-standing protocol. There is agreement that a proposal to refer a matter to committee will always be taken without debate on the basis that Members of the House can sit in any joint committee where the issue may be discussed. According to convention, when the...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I recognise that occasions arise when the Leader comes under pressure from the Government to bring legislation through the House. We have never been found wanting in co-operating with him in that regard. However, the fine traditions of this grand institution are being threatened. The Order of Business is a precious jewel and I ask the Leader to reconsider his position. I am not asking for...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I regret that education is not on today's Order of Business. I will not make a long speech as to why we need to debate the issue, but I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the impact of the education cuts be discussed by this House.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I wish to seek a manual vote.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Nobody said that.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: As ever.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I acknowledge the work done by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, in clearing the way for the Chernobyl children to come to Ireland. It is worthwhile recognising it was a fine job of work, for which there was little thanks. The House should recognise it and thank him for doing that. I fully support the points made by Senator Fitzgerald. We should be discussing the matter...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: It would be important to recognise that this would be a useful opportunity for Europe to buy back the agricultural vote by putting a few shillings into the pot to deal with this issue, but that is one of the issues at which we can look in terms of a debate. The House will be aware that 50,000 to 70,000 people, depending on whom one listens to, were on the march in Dublin against the...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I cannot and will not accept that. I am surprised the Taoiseach supports that. I certainly intend raising it with him. It goes against Fianna Fáil's basic principles at all levels. The Order of Business is the heart of the day. It is the only time when Members on both sides of the House can put on the record what they feel about the events and topical issues of the day. Can the Leader...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: It is outrageous. It is muffling, it is censuring, it is stopping people from articulating their viewpoints. The Order of Business is the most characteristic mark of the Seanad and we owe it to future generations of Senators to protect this invaluable part of the day during which people can go on the record with their views on the events of the day and given there is no other topical hour...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: Hear, hear.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Joe O'Toole: I welcome the Minister. My colleague, Deputy Twomey, is driving me into the arms of Fianna Fáil with his comments on the public service.