Results 13,901-13,920 of 14,090 for speaker:Marc MacSharry

Seanad: Economic Competitiveness: Motion (22 Nov 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I thank Senator Quinn and the Independent Senators for raising this issue. The amendment could have been penned in a slightly different way. A figure of 2.2% is not far off2%. No matter who wishes to kick the football around or claim credit for the goals, this Administration or the larger party in it has been in Government pretty much since 1987. It took difficult decisions in 1987 when I...

Seanad: Telecommunications Structures: Motion (8 Nov 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I wish to share my time with Senator Dooley.

Seanad: Telecommunications Structures: Motion (8 Nov 2006)

Marc MacSharry: Along with other Members, I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am glad to have the opportunity to make some points on this issue. I agree with Senator O'Toole, and there is much agreement on this issue. No Member would say there is not genuine concern about the possibility of health risks when it comes to radiation from masts and pylons, and I am not saying there is not. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

Marc MacSharry: It would be appropriate if we had a debate about tribunals, their progress so far and their usefulness in the future. In many cases they have served their purpose, allowing us to change rules and to ensure that what happened in the past does not happen again. In some cases, they have no relevance in our society other than to make millionaires out of junior barristers and easy copy for lazy...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2006)

Marc MacSharry: We need a debate on the matter because there are serious issues in rural Ireland that we must take on board. It is not well known that people are at risk the next morning. We must raise awareness in this area. I am not a frequent contributor to debates on Iraq. However, it is a no-brainer to seek to kill someone in pursuit of justice anywhere in the world, especially in Iraq.

Seanad: Housing Policy: Motion (1 Nov 2006)

Marc MacSharry: It is welcome that we are debating this important issue. Whoever comes up with the optimum planning system will probably win the Nobel prizes for literature and peace. Notwithstanding that, we need to monitor the issues continually and remain open to improvements. Most of the Opposition's amendment to the motion warrants no comment other than to remind the House that nobody has done more...

Seanad: Housing Policy: Motion (1 Nov 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I note that the Western Development Commission's report revealed an underspend of 30%. However, that money has not been spent anywhere else and we have until the end of 2009 to spend it. I am confident the Government will meet its target in that regard. The number of houses being built today is double the figure when this Government entered office in 1997. With regard to planning issues...

Seanad: Energy Policy: Motion (25 Oct 2006)

Marc MacSharry: How many studies does the Senator want?

Seanad: Energy Policy: Motion (25 Oct 2006)

Marc MacSharry: Is it a case of having as many studies as the Senator likes until she finds the one with which she agrees?

Seanad: Energy Policy: Motion (25 Oct 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I welcome the Minister of State and thank Senator O'Toole for tabling the motion. Of all those on the Independent benches and the Opposition side of the House, I tend to agree with him the most, on almost everything. However, that is not the case with the entirety of this motion. Looking at the text, I join in congratulating Fingal County Council and those others throughout the country that...

Seanad: Energy Policy: Motion (25 Oct 2006)

Marc MacSharry: In the context of other building regulations, it is also fair to say that no Administration in the history of the State has done more to improve matters. The original regulations from 1992 were improved in 1998 and 2002, and we continue to make improvements. Senator Brian Hayes mentioned that we were threatened in 1998 by business interests that manufacture particular types of brick. I will...

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (11 Oct 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I second the motion. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, to the House and congratulate him, the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, their officials and all the stakeholders on putting together the Green Paper. Having had an opportunity to look over the debate which took place in the other House yesterday, I will not say it is long overdue. We all obviously know that, as the...

Seanad: Energy Resources: Motion (11 Oct 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I am all in favour of an extension of the gas network to Wexford. My colleagues in the west will do everything to support him in this regard. However, north of a line between Dublin and Galway and west of Mullingar, there is no gas provision. Even if the Corrib gas pipeline comes to fruition, there will not be much provision for the people of Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. The Minister...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

Marc MacSharry: In respect of An Taisce, I will call for a debate in the early autumn on prescribed organisations relating to the planning process. First, I want to praise An Taisce for the many excellent measures it undertakes, such as the green flag scheme.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

Marc MacSharry: However, I believe An Taisce should be deprescribed from the planning process. Senator Norris made a point about wildly disproportionate language. I believe that its actions in general are wildly disproportionate. It lodges its objections at the last minute of the last applicable day in an effort to be divisive and destructive. Senator Dardis noted that some people would like see rural...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

Marc MacSharry: We live in rural areas and are entitled to build our homes as we see fit, not half doors over which we can look out and smoke pipes like Peig Sayers. A unique event is taking place on the other side of this city. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is launching the joint policing committees. This is an excellent step forward. We have heard about the principle of subsidiarity...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

Marc MacSharry: In theory.

Seanad: National Development Plan: Statements. (30 May 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I join with other Members in welcoming the Minister of State to the House and I am delighted to have the opportunity to make some points in respect of the BMW region, particularly regarding the roll-out of the national development plan and future development plans. This subject is so vast that Members should approach it by having separate debates on different aspects, such as the roll-out of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 May 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I do not wish to be unduly critical of any Department or any aspect of the work of any Department. The decision that has been taken on the development mentioned by Senator Feighan warrants a debate in the House. It was suggested during the Second Stage debate on the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 that the legislation should relate to tourism amenities in certain...

Seanad: Energy Strategy: Motion. (17 May 2006)

Marc MacSharry: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important issue and support the amendment because, as Senator Kenneally noted earlier, it is non-contentious. We are all aware that continued dependence on fossil fuel is unacceptable in this country and our combined efforts will be required if we are to develop a more sustainable future. Ireland's 90% dependency rate on fossil fuels compares...