Results 18,281-18,300 of 18,736 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Seanad: Private Security Services Bill 2001: Second Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: Yes, although I am not happy to make a blanket statement that no security service mentioned in the Bill could ever be provided by gardaí. For example, I do not want to say it would be wrong for a garda to have an interest in a locksmith business. It is clearly inappropriate, however, for gardaí to act as door staff in venues with which other gardaí are likely to have business. This would...

Seanad: Private Security Services Bill 2001: Second Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: This Bill marks an important milestone in the development and regulation of the private security industry in this State. The industry encompasses a broad range of security activities and services, including door supervisors — colloquially known as "bouncers" — private investigators, security guards and consultants, as well as suppliers and installers of security equipment. When enacted,...

Seanad: Private Security Services Bill 2001: Second Stage. (25 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: Gardaí will not be entitled to do that.

Seanad: Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004: Second Stage. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I should be sanctioned.

Seanad: Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004: Second Stage. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I am told there is another similar error somewhere.

Seanad: Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004: Second Stage. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: They have been abolished. If one builds a new house one will not get a rateable valuation any more. If one builds a mansion, nobody will come out and value it.

Seanad: Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004: Second Stage. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: It substitutes market value for rateable valuation.

Seanad: Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004: Second Stage. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: The point raised in regard to rateable valuation reflects the new law. The old system of valuation has been swept away. Premises that are subject to rates are being done by reference to their open market value. I will take a look at this measure, however, because it may be important. One advantage of the rateable valuation system is that the rate was set and it was not open to argument. We...

Seanad: Human Rights Issues. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I am here on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen. Ireland has a firm position on the protection and promotion of human rights. Together with our EU partners, we are convinced that the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms for all is essential in order to build a safer and more equitable world. Today, perhaps more than any other time in history, it is accepted...

Seanad: Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004: Second Stage. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I will now describe the Bill's main provisions. Part 2 deals with the issue of civil liability and provides for procedural and other changes in actions to recover damages for personal injuries. With stated exceptions, the part applies to personal injury actions brought after its commencement. Section 6 amends the Statute of Limitations (Amendment) Act 1991 by reducing the limitation period...

Seanad: Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004: Second Stage. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: Commenced.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: This has been an interesting and stimulating debate. I thank the Senators for all their contributions. Although there have been some criticisms of the Bill and of me, the House has given a warm welcome to the principle of the Bill. We have spent over seven hours discussing its provisions and I look forward to a continuing constructive input from Senators during its next Stages. Unfortunately,...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I can. That is the point. This afternoon I could lift the phone and give a direction and nobody would ever know about it. If Senators want to know what is happening, what I have in mind would give the Commissioner great independence but in the last analysis provide the Minister, with the concurrence of the Government, the power to give a formal directive, provided the Government is willing to...

Seanad: Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004: Second Stage. (11 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I warmly welcome the opportunity to commence the Second Stage debate on this Bill in the Seanad and to listen to Senators' views on its provisions. First, this is a wide-ranging and innovative Bill which seeks to address a number of serious issues concerning civil liability. Chief among these is the tackling of what has become known as the "compensation culture" by introducing new penalties...

Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I said that if we spent less time on the Order of Business every day, this Bill would have been dealt with months ago.

Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I thank the Deputy for reminding me of the sacrifices I make.

Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I am happy to debate any Bill with the Deputy, but the daily debates ad nauseam on the Order of Business, which waste an hour and a half, get my goat.

Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: The Deputy should check the record. I was in the Law Library most of the time.

Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: They were rendered non-compellable by a Bill brought through by the Government of which the Deputy's party was a member.

Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2004)

Michael McDowell: I protested about it at the time.