Results 1,641-1,660 of 1,714 for speaker:John Dardis

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: I join other Members in wishing you, a Chathaoirligh, Members and staff all the compliments of the season. I particularly thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for the way you have conducted the affairs of the House during the session. The House has been run extremely smoothly for which the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Chathaoirleach can take great credit. I join in paying tribute to the staff in the Seanad...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: It would have been preferable if the sensitive document dealing with aspects of the Northern Ireland talks which appeared in this morning's newspapers had not become public. It would be wrong, however, to overestimate its contents, although it contained some hard truths. According to the newspapers, it was inadvertently left behind, which suggests a serious error on somebody's part. I would...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: That is what attending public school does for a person.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed). (19 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: Before we proceed, it had been intended that amendments No.8, 11 and 21 would be discussed together with amendment No. 7. Is that agreed? Agreed. Is amendment No. 7 being pressed?

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: Senator Jim Walsh, without interruption. I think the Senator has made his point.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: It got a shock.

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (17 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: Amendment No. 2 is in the name of Senator Tuffy. The Government has also tabled this amendment.

Seanad: EU Council Framework Decision on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law: Referral to Joint Committee. (12 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: I move that the sitting be suspended until 11.45 a.m.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: I made the point the last day that what Senator Henry had to say about golf clubs was correct. Golf clubs are one of the last bastions of chauvinism. While I agree with the Senator's sentiments, whether this is the way to deal with the problem is another question. I await with interest the reply of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: I must respond to that intervention. There is a very significant financial benefit in being an associate member. You get many of the rights without having to pay the extra cost. I ask the Minister to look very carefully at how the spirit of this amendment could be accommodated.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: Nothing. It was just an aside.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: With regard to ordering business and the taking of various Stages of Bills on the same day, more experienced Senators will recall that taking Committee and Report Stages together has been a regular feature of business, whereas taking Committee Stage immediately after Second Stage is very unusual. It is a matter for the agreement of the House. With regard to the issue raised by Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: I share many of the views expressed by Senator Norris regarding Iraq. Several weeks ago, I noted in the House how, on a visit to the United States, I had been struck by the divergence between the views of the Administration and those of many citizens. It appears the Government of the United States has made up its mind on certain matters, irrespective of the contents of the inspectors' report...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: It would be useful to debate the issue immediately after Christmas.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: The Members to whom the Leader referred were present but did not vote.

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

John Dardis: The former Senator is not here to defend himself.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: I join the leader of the Fine Gael group in thanking the young gardaí mentioned for their bravery. In what they did they represented the vast majority of members of the force who guard our safety and protect our rights. As someone who comes from an inland county, I find it extraordinary that fishermen should not be able to fish just because their quota has been filled and that others can...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: I accept the point the Norris makes – it could be three quarters. That should not be contemplated for one second. We need to see the matter in that context. I am an enthusiastic supporter of electronic voting, although not of the way the results were announced at some elections. The issue highlighted was with regard to the integrity of the ballot paper and the capacity for interference....

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

John Dardis: I welcome the Bill and recognise the need for it. I am glad it has been introduced in the Seanad. There is a history in this House of introducing improving legislation. If the Bill needs to be improved, it can be done in this House. I am sure the Minister would be amendable to considering reasonable suggestions. I need to dispose of one matter at this point, the suggestion that the Bill needs...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report and Final Stages. (5 Dec 2002)

John Dardis: Five years is appropriate. This is an important body and people need time to settle into such positions. Experience for members of boards is vital and five years is more suitable for gaining such experience than three years. It would not be helpful if people had to rotate. There is a perception that people are queuing up to get onto State boards. In present circumstances with the inquiries...