Results 1,401-1,420 of 1,451 for speaker:Michael Finucane

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (20 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: The parameters of confidential information and to whom the provisions of this section should apply are clearly defined in the Bill. There have been many cases of leaking information. As this is new legislation and the parameters are defined, I wonder if it would be worthwhile notifying the officials of all State bodies about their responsibilities vis-à-vis confidential information. State...

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (20 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: As a former Chairman of the Committee of Public Accounts, when discussing various matters we were always reminded that we could not be critical of policy or of Ministers. Sometimes we had to bite our lip in order to stay within the parameters. I compliment Senator Quinn on this amendment. On day one, we were told the digital hub would be a very exciting, innovative body and we were told about...

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (20 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: The points have been well made and I do not want to over-elaborate. If certain policies are inhibiting the profitability of a commercial operation, the chief executive should be allowed to point out the constraints under which he is operating. Not to allow him this latitude would be most remiss.

Seanad: Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (20 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: I support the amendment because I recall at the Committee of Public Accounts there was concern in regard to the number of consultants employed. Often there was resentment within the Civil Service in regard to consultants being deployed from outside as it was considered that there was the necessary expertise to carry out whatever consultancy was required. In the financially straitened...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: I have previously raised the issue of radiotherapy services. Early in 2000 the Mid-Western Health Board made a presentation to the expert review group in this area while a deputation from the board also met the group last February. Will the Leader establish whether the expert review group has reported to the Minister for Health and Children and the status of the report? I have found it...

Seanad: Rail Services and Related Transport Matters: Statements. (14 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: The Minister has a far-reaching portfolio. Today's debate is focused on the rail freight sector. The Minister has engaged consultants to carry out a strategic review and their report will be available in late January. It would be unwise, therefore, for Iarnród Éireann to proceed in any direction until that report is completed. The long awaited national spatial strategy could also have an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: When we recently discussed the Nice agreement we spoke about the accession of ten countries, one of which was Malta. There is an illicit trade going on with regard to our Irish native songbirds, such as the bullfinches, goldfinches and other songbirds, particularly to Malta. Those birds are being traded at €50 per bird and they are regarded with the same respect as budgerigars in such...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: Is the Senator engaging in debate or propaganda?

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: If anybody wants to read it, there was an interesting article on the subject in Ireland on Sunday recently.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: It is the Government's spin doctors.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: I attended the removal of the remains of Richard Hourigan yesterday, and the massive turn-out demonstrated just how popular he was. I met many Oireachtas representatives and councillors from around the country and many senior members of the IFA were also present. It was testament to his long service in the IFA and in farming, of which he had a great knowledge.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: Last week several Senators referred to the importance of having the Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources attend the House to debate fisheries. It is critical that he attend the House next week. Over the weekend fishermen's organisations and fish processors emphasised the situation that would prevail and which would be catastrophic for the industry if negotiations next...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: I appeal to the Leader to arrange for the Minister to attend the House to enable us ask him questions relevant to ongoing discussions which are of importance to the interests of fishermen.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: He is like Scrooge.

Seanad: Second Interim Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments: Statements. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: Mr. Justice Flood and his tribunal have done a great service to the State. The thoroughness of the investigation conducted by him and his staff and the clarity of his report were appreciated. He ensured the people could have access to the report by making it available at a cost of €1. We can all recall the queues outside the Government Publications Office on the day it was published as...

Seanad: Second Interim Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments: Statements. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: Not at all.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Hospitals Building Programme. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: I am pleased the Minister of State is taking this matter because he is familiar with St. Ita's Hospital, Newcastle West, which he visited on the return journey from his recent trip to Killarney. I am sure he saw the facilities there. During the past four years the hospital has also been visited by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Hospitals Building Programme. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: I am delighted to hear that.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Hospitals Building Programme. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: What is the envisaged cost and does the Minister of State anticipate that the project will proceed in 2003?

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Hospitals Building Programme. (12 Nov 2002)

Michael Finucane: Is the Minister of State optimistic that the project will proceed in 2003?