Results 1,361-1,380 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: When the Nice referendum was carried recently, we, in this House, were all very pleased it was successful. The European Convention was established to decide on a new constitution and treaty for Europe. A colleague of ours, Deputy John Bruton, has been assiduous in his attendance and has spoken out on many issues. However, there has been no commitment by the Minister of State, Deputy Dick...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: Nobody said that. We should be in the forum on an ongoing basis.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: We always thought it was a hare-brained idea.

Seanad: Primary Education: Motion. (11 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I attended a very pleasant event last week in Senator Brennan's territory of Adare for the official opening of an extension to Shauntrade school—

Seanad: Primary Education: Motion. (11 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: It is. If you want a contrast, just go across to the other side of Adare to the St. Nicholas school, which is located in a building over 600 years old. The then Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Martin, promised them a new school in 1999 but they are still waiting. I see from the list on the Department's website that the school has not even got to the architectural planning stage....

Seanad: Primary Education: Motion. (11 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I know the Senator would not, but I follow what is happening in the other House also. I urge the Minister of State – and I am sure Senator Brennan would encourage him also – to do something about St. Nicholas school in Adare and get the pupils out of the present primitive structure.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I support Senator O'Toole's comments on the fishing industry. Recently the Minister and representatives of the industry addressed the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when they outlined their concerns very strongly. We discussed the issue in this House and hoped the Minister would come here in advance of the December talks in order that we could ask him...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I wish to make that point very strongly.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I wish to share my time with Senator Brennan. Acting Chairman (Mr. Finucane): Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I am pleased to speak on the Bill. I recall the raging debate in the Dáil on this issue. The proposal to allocate 20% of a housing development for social and affordable housing was regarded as a controversial proposal. I remember the then Minister being criticised for it at dinner dances held by the building industry. I recall reading in the federation magazines about what was regarded by...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I am delighted with the Senator's compliments and I love the chocolates also.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: The Senator knows my sentiments. Unfortunately, that is not possible at the planning phase.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I support Senator Higgins in his request for the Revenue Commissioners to refund the interest to both widows on the basis of the Ombudsman's report. The Ombudsman does a responsible job and should not be taken lightly. I have spoken to the Revenue Commissioners on this issue and I am aware that they are concerned that this will open the floodgates with regard to other claims, not of that...

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I want to correct something Senator Norris said about Monasterevin being twinned with Bulgaria. I think one will find that it is a host town for the Bulgarian athletes participating in the Special Olympics. I do not think Monasterevin would be ambitious enough to twin with a country.

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: That is happening in every host town.

Seanad: National Spatial Strategy: Statements. (5 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I agree with much of what the Senator said. At the launch of the national spatial strategy, the Taoiseach said: "It is a 20 year strategy designed to enable every place in the country to reach its potential, no matter what its size or what its location". While this is a laudable aspiration, is it realistic? I see the gateways as the premier division and the hubs the first division. I am not...

Seanad: Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (4 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I support this amendment to facilitate publication by electronic means. The advantages of this form of publication were outlined very fully in the debate yesterday on the Digital Hub Development Agency Bill. Amendment agreed to. Section 4, as amended, agreed to. Sections 5 to 26, inclusive, agreed to. Schedules 1 to 3, inclusive, agreed to. Title agreed to. Bill reported with amendments and...

Seanad: Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (4 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: The absence of Opposition amendments is indicative of our support for the Bill. From discussions with representative bodies in the fishing sector as to any areas of concern they might have, it emerged clearly that the provisions of the Bill were seen as a welcome response to what they had sought for a long time. The independent appeals system was particularly welcomed. As Opposition...

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: I support the amendment tabled by Senator Quinn. This is related to our discussion on the digital hub and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which was involved initially and is still involved. I wonder if it regards us as not being visionary when we reject such amendments. We got a briefing document about the digital hub. This project will generate excitement, but we will be a little...

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (3 Dec 2002)

Michael Finucane: May I—