Results 1,681-1,700 of 3,356 for speaker:Feargal Quinn

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I call for a debate on overseas development aid, as I fear the targets we set may be lost as we begin to become selfish about ourselves. In 2005, 15 European nations set a target for overseas development assistance of reaching a figure of 0.51% of GDP by 2010. At 0.52%, Ireland has surpassed that figure which a number of other countries have also reached. Among the countries which have not...

Seanad: George Mitchell Scholarship Fund (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I thank Senator Norris for being willing to share his time with me. I have been interested in and enthused by the George Mitchell scholarship fund ever since it was created in 1998. When that Bill had passed through the Dáil, I realised that in the small print it was indicated that the money was only to be used for studying in this country, the Twenty-six Counties. At the time I brought...

Seanad: George Mitchell Scholarship Fund (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage (Resumed) (23 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: How could we bring a team from America and then tell them they could not cross the Border or they would not be covered? I am pleased to say the Minister accepted my amendment on Report Stage and the Bill achieved what it set out to do. I have been enthusiastic about the success of the fund. I have met the students who come here practically every year and have been impressed by their...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I also welcome Senator Dearey. As one who began his career as a retailer in Dundalk, it is great to have another retailer from that part of the wee county in the House. There are occasions when we continually request particular debates on the Order of Business. This is one such occasion. The issue of banking certainly requires attention and we must not wait until the introduction of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I support Senator O'Toole's comments on loans. Regardless of whether we part own any of the banks, I do not want the Government to instruct them to give money to certain small businesses. Of course, we want credit to be extended to small and medium-sized enterprises. On the other hand, we do not want people to direct that money be given to such enterprises or any other business. Allowing...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: We had a very good debate on Northern Ireland last night. It was interesting that there were representatives of the SDLP in the Houses yesterday. They were not here for the debate because it was delayed because of some kerfuffle in the other House at the time. Part of our objective is to have unity of mind between the two sides in Northern Ireland. I watched two rugby matches in recent...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: There is.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: Go down to the following chorus.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I mention it because it is worthwhile for us to look again, not just at the national anthem but at matters at which we do not look too often to see how can we manage now that we have got peace in Northern Ireland and now that we have two sides working together in Northern Ireland. With the changes that will take place in April, we have an opportunity to incorporate a full Ireland in many...

Seanad: Power Sharing Agreement in Northern Ireland: Motion (17 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I second the amendment. Further to the words Senator O'Toole used to describe the Minister, I was reminded at this morning's meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs where he explained why he was unable to attend some of those important meetings in Europe because he was so involved in Hillsborough at that time. It is a reminder of the work he put into it. I declare my...

Seanad: Power Sharing Agreement in Northern Ireland: Motion (17 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: Exactly. The entire Northern Ireland thing is difficult to explain to anybody outside. Some years ago at a board meeting of the Food Marketing Institute in Chicago I was asked to explain Northern Ireland in seven minutes. It was just after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. A number of people from North America said that they then understood for the first time. The explanation was...

Seanad: Power Sharing Agreement in Northern Ireland: Motion (17 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: There are none to Donegal. I mention it because it is an interesting point. Those of us in Dublin in particular have not learnt that we are all-Ireland. We are one island. While more people travelling to the North to shop will present a major challenge to our economy-----

Seanad: Power Sharing Agreement in Northern Ireland: Motion (17 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: Last week Senator Keaveney said she comes from north of Northern Ireland, which she does, of course. The more we regard Northern Ireland as somewhere else that we do not regard as part of our own, the bigger the problem we have. We must find some way to ensure that does not happen. I wish to make one further point in support of the amendment. The Seanad has benefited from and been helped...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2010: Second Stage (17 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: It seems a comparatively short time since the 2006 legislation on criminal insanity was in the House. The fact this legislation requires amendment is a reminder to us to examine every Bill coming through the House. In his speech, the Minister of State recognised that the Seanad has always taken an interest in the rights of the individual, especially those affected by mental health issues,...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: Yesterday I raised the issue of the delay in implementing legislation, particularly the legal services ombudsman legislation. In October 2008, almost 18 months ago, the House adjourned a debate on a Bill dealing with human organ transplants. The Minister said at the time that she was supportive of the objective of the Bill but wished to introduce her own legislation. I accept that she will...

Seanad: Proposed Emergency Funding to Greece: Statements (16 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I wish to share my time with Senator Norris.

Seanad: Proposed Emergency Funding to Greece: Statements (16 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I first visited Greece in May 1967. Before doing so, I went to collect my drachmas in the bank in Dublin and the staff asked me whether I was still going. In the week I arrived in Greece there was a coup d'état. The tanks were in the streets and the colonels took over. It was a dramatic time in history and there were very few tourists in the country. My tour was one of the first since...

Seanad: Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010: Report and Final Stages (16 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: Why not "submarine"?

Seanad: Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010: Report and Final Stages (16 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I am very happy with the proposed amendment. The words that concern me somewhat are "as soon as practicable after the issue of a safety permit". When I came into the House 16 or 17 years ago, I discovered there was a different attitude towards the passage of time in the State apparatus. Very often, terms used in business indicated a much greater sense of urgency to get things done. In the...

Seanad: Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010: Report and Final Stages (16 Feb 2010)

Feargal Quinn: I also thank the Minister. The debate on Second Stage was very interesting. What pleased me most was the grasp the Minister and his team had of the Bill's technicalities, as well as the Minister's willingness to consider the various points made. It is a hugely beneficial and competent Bill, which will achieve its objectives.