Results 1,421-1,440 of 1,591 for speaker:Eugene Regan

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2008)

Eugene Regan: The Taoiseach is not solely responsible for the peace process and the Celtic tiger. He is not the only Taoiseach who spoke to the joint Houses of the US Congress, as the Government attempted to present it some time ago. That myth leads Senator Harris and the Deputy of the Lower House to suggest the Taoiseach should be exempt from any investigation or inquiry.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2008)

Eugene Regan: I have one last point, and this is where I disagree with Deputy Cregan and Senator Harris. The evidence last Friday week was devastating.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2008)

Eugene Regan: Fianna Fáil, as reported in the newspaper for which Senator Harris writes——

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2008)

Eugene Regan: It was devastating to the Taoiseach and that is an important consideration when Senator Harris tries to air-brush the story.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2008)

Eugene Regan: The Mahon tribunal is fundamental to restoring confidence in Irish democracy.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I add my voice to those of Senators, including the Leader, who expressed confidence yesterday in the independence of the Mahon tribunal. The tribunal has treated each witness in equal terms and no special provision has been made for the Taoiseach or any witness although the tribunal has been intimidated in that regard. I also commend the tribunal's professionalism in unearthing new secret...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I know I should respect my betters so I will defer to the Cathaoirleach. It appears from newspaper reports today that the Taoiseach is putting it up to the Tánaiste, Deputy Cowen, to show unqualified support. Will the Leader clarify that the Tánaiste's support is unqualified in respect of questions arising from the Mahon tribunal?

Seanad: Civil Marriage: Motion (27 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I thank the Minister for his brief contribution and for his commitment in respect of the date on which the Bill will be introduced.

Seanad: Civil Marriage: Motion (27 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: Similar commitments were made on previous occasions. I understand the motivation behind Senator Norris's original motion. I share the sentiments expressed. The Senator's action is born out of frustration at the lack of action on the part of the Government in respect of progressing this matter. I am somewhat concerned, therefore, regarding when the civil partnership Bill will be introduced....

Seanad: Economic Outlook: Motion (20 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I thank the Minister of State for his contribution on the amendment. It is unfortunate the motion tabled by Fine Gael, all of which was positive and pinpointed some of the key areas that must be addressed, should be met with a rebuttal without any real engagement in the Chamber on the issues raised in the motion. In an article in a recent publication, Ireland's Economic Success: Reasons and...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I have asked twice for a debate on the Lisbon treaty. Last week, I raised the issue of the date for the referendum on the treaty. The debate is important because the treaty is important to the country. We must rule out the scare tactics, personalised attacks and accusations of misinformation that have been to the fore to date. By having a debate in the House, we could put our stamp on the...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill 2007: Second Stage (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I appreciate the Minister of State's comprehensive introduction to the Bill and its main provisions. He referred to the Bill's timeliness and the priority given to it by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan. However, the Bill is intended to implement the Council framework decision on combatting trafficking in human beings which was adopted on 19 July 2002...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: Soon after this Seanad first met, the Leader indicated with some pride that the Taoiseach would address the House in early 2008. It is traditional for a newly elected Taoiseach to address the House. The Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, did so in 2002 and 1997 and the former Taoiseach, Mr. John Bruton, did so in 1994. I ask the Leader whether it is the intention of the Taoiseach to address...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: ——the Constitution that the Taoiseach and all officeholders are amenable to the Oireachtas, whatever about the courts. Approximately ten years ago the Taoiseach signed an order establishing the Moriarty tribunal, in the course of which Mr. Justice Moriarty cross-examined a Deputy on statements made by him in the House. I refer to Deputy Michael Lowry. The Taoiseach was responsible for...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: While I have full respect for the Chair and I respect his direction——

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: In the context of the Taoiseach coming to the House, I ask that he explain the situation. A crisis exists in our democracy. The Taoiseach has laid down a direct challenge to the Mahon tribunal, which was established by this House.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I will conclude. This raises a question of the fitness for office of the Taoiseach.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: It also raises a question of the fitness for office of this Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I ask that the Taoiseach——

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2008)

Eugene Regan: I ask that the Taoiseach address this issue and the nature of the payments——