Results 1-20 of 2,386 for speaker:Michael Finneran

Rural Renewal Scheme. (16 Nov 2004)

Michael Finneran: I call on the Minister for Finance to extend the rural renewal scheme to coincide with the period of Objective One status in that region. For the past six years, the rural renewal scheme has had a major impact on the upper Shannon region of north and west Roscommon. The scheme has achieved some of its goals in encouraging more people to stay and settle in the area, as well as stimulating...

Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Feb 2005)

Michael Finneran: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this very important legislation and acknowledge the presence of the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Fahey, who is a very suitable choice to deal with it. When in the Department of Health and Children in a previous Government, he was certainly a hands-on person. At that time, both he and the Minister, Deputy...

Suicide Levels: Motion (Resumed). (5 May 2005)

Michael Finneran: I am grateful to Deputy Grealish for sharing time. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, and compliment him on the initiative he has shown since taking up office. I am pleased to have an opportunity to contribute to the debate, as I have expertise in this area having worked in the psychiatric service for almost 20 years. I have been chairman of the Roscommon Mental Health...

Schools Refurbishment. (1 Jun 2005)

Michael Finneran: I compliment the Minister on the great work she is doing in the education sector and on the programme of development taking place. My constituency has been the beneficiary of her largesse in that area. I visited Lisacul national school two months ago at the request of the principal, Tomás Ó Moráin, and the chairman of the board, Fr. John O'Rourke. I met the staff, pupils and the parents'...

Leaders' Questions. (14 Jun 2005)

Michael Finneran: Deputy Rabbitte had his chance.

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy. (21 Jun 2005)

Michael Finneran: I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news of the untimely death of my good friend and fellow county man, Seán Doherty. I extend my deep sympathy to his wife, Maura, and daughters, Councillor Rachel Doherty, Cara, Leah and Evelyn, and to the extended Doherty family. Seán Doherty was a political and personal friend of mine for more than 20 years. I had the privilege to serve...

Child Care Services. (10 Nov 2005)

Michael Finneran: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me the opportunity to discuss this matter on the Adjournment. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, who is here to represent the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and hear what I have to say on this important matter. The Elphin playschool committee has been in existence since May 2004 and it applied...

Climate Change Targets Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (30 Nov 2005)

Michael Finneran: As someone from a rural constituency I am amazed that such a Bill has reached the floor of this House. It is a recipe for the closing down of two important levels of activity in my constituency. The farming community will be forced to cut back drastically and the pharmaceutical industry——

Climate Change Targets Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (30 Nov 2005)

Michael Finneran: The Deputy was given the opportunity to speak earlier. I ask for the protection of the Chair so that I can make my contribution. I have every confidence the Bill will not be enacted because the common sense of this House and the other House will not allow it to be enacted. The Bill, if enacted, would cause the farming community in my constituency, for which I speak, to retract and reduce to...

Climate Change Targets Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (30 Nov 2005)

Michael Finneran: They objected as a party, not as individuals, to a power station in Lanesborough, County Longford on the Longford-Roscommon border. These are the people who are going to——

Climate Change Targets Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (30 Nov 2005)

Michael Finneran: ——attempt to close down by means of this Bill, other economic activity in this country. I assure the House that the reaction from the farming and business community and the ordinary people in my constituency is that this is a crazy Bill which is based on all types of ideology that does not meet the needs or the future needs of this country. It should be disposed of as soon as possible. I...

Security of the Elderly. (30 Nov 2005)

Michael Finneran: I wish to share time with Deputy Ellis.

Security of the Elderly. (30 Nov 2005)

Michael Finneran: Following consultation with local groups and Muintir na Tíre in the Longford-Roscommon constituency, I tabled this adjournment matter. Muintir na Tíre is the national body at the forefront in supporting elderly people who wish to live in their own homes, with back-up supports and appropriate alarm systems in the event of any difficulties that might arise. The proposals revolve around the...

Social Services Inspectorate: Motion (Resumed). (1 Feb 2006)

Michael Finneran: I compliment the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power, on the work he does with particular emphasis on providing support and help to the elderly. We must be conscious that age and an aging population will be a reality into the future. It is the case across Europe and will be on our doorsteps in the near future. We must make provision for that and deal with the current position. I, and many...

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finneran: I compliment the Minister for Finance on this Bill and on the recent budget in which he addresses many issues affecting everyday lives. The elderly, the disadvantaged, those with disabilities, parents of children, all are to receive their fair share of the national cake. The taxation proposals leave citizens with one of the lowest tax demands in the European Union. Those on the minimum wage...

Future of Irish Farming: Motion (Resumed). (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finneran: I support the amendment. I am amazed at the attack on the Minister and the tabling of a no confidence motion by Fine Gael, which beggars belief.

Future of Irish Farming: Motion (Resumed). (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finneran: Deputy Coughlan has been a brave and effective Minister who has stood up for the interests of the Irish farmer. I refer to a number of notable achievements since her appointment. A successful outcome was achieved in the special beef premium overshoot issue with continued buoyancy in beef and live exports, the live sheep trade to the Continent was reopened and the horticulture sector received...

Future of Irish Farming: Motion (Resumed). (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finneran: Rather than attack a Minister who is doing her best to protect our interests, Fine Gael should explain——

Future of Irish Farming: Motion (Resumed). (8 Feb 2006)

Michael Finneran: I refer to the Labour Party statement earlier in which the party proposed to transfer the rural development portfolio to the Department of Agriculture and Food. That proves a rainbow coalition of Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens would be no friend of the farmer and rural Ireland.

Crop Losses. (1 Jun 2006)

Michael Finneran: I raise this matter on the Adjournment to call on the Minister for Agriculture and Food to provide compensation to farmers in the Shannon and Suck river basin for the loss of fodder due to the severe flooding in the area in recent weeks. In particular I refer to my constituency of Roscommon-south Leitrim and the area of south Roscommon from Athlone, through the Clonown area, to Shannonbridge,...