Results 81-100 of 468 for speaker:Liam Fitzgerald

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I received an assurance.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I put a question to the Leader while she was in the Chamber and she stated that I would have the opportunity to speak on section 5. With the deepest respect, I challenge the ruling of the Leas-Chathaoirleach and his authority to put this question.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I propose a deferral until the Leader can return to the Chamber.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages. (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: This is relevant to the section and, in particular, to section 5. In the interests of a sensible approach to legislation and taking account of all the concerns articulated by the Minister and Minister of State, we should withdraw section 5 from the Bill or seriously consider deferring it until a much more comprehensive approach might be taken in respect of what goes to the very roots of...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages. (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I am aware of that, and time is running out. The totality of section 3 has clear implications for section 5 and vice versa.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages. (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: Age is a complex issue and if the primary justification for exclusion of females under 17 from guilt of an offence under sections 1 and 2 is their becoming pregnant, it will fail in a fundamental manner. It represents bad law and should be withdrawn. It would be better if it were left out of the Bill. I am sorry that we are running out of time and that, consequently, I am not developing this...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages. (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: Section 5. I am not developing my argument properly because I am running out of time.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: Senator Brian Hayes has made a point about discussing all the amendments but I wish to speak on a section of the Bill to which none of the amendments refers. Can I take it from what the Leader of the House has said that I may do so?

Seanad: Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Committee Stage (Resumed). (2 Jun 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I indicated that I wished to speak but on reflection I will defer to the next speaker and speak in detail on section 5.

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I welcome the opportunity to share in the sense of outrage, horror and deep shock which all Members feel at the potential consequences arising from the recent legal decisions of the Supreme and High Courts. I wholeheartedly support the principle behind the approaches of Senators Maurice Hayes, Jim Walsh and Norris. Members on the other side of the House are making one of the most fundamental...

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: ——to address what is being described as a potential licence for predators to rush out and continue the kind of despicable practices——

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I invoke the protection of the Leas-Chathaoirleach. Senator Maurice Hayes has rightly described them as predators. However, to depict a story whereby such people——

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: —— armed with a licence arising from these two decisions, would inflict such despicable practices on the children, juveniles and minors of the nation is not only untrue and wrong, it is scaremongering.

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: A Leas-Chathaoirligh, may I speak? The House should invoke the wisdom of Senators Maurice Hayes, Norris and my good friend and colleague, Senator Jim Walsh and should hasten slowly. While this should not be a shot in the dark, Members should hasten slowly with a partnership approach.

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I am about to finish. Red herrings from Senator Ryan do a serious injustice to him and the concern he has articulated about the matter. We should proceed immediately but carefully to invoke a partnership approach to address an issue that goes to the very core of society, the value and dignity we place on each individual human being and, in particular, on the protection of our minors. I plead...

Seanad: School Transport: Statements. (24 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I welcome the Minister of State. Her work on the safety of school buses is to be commended and encourages us greatly. These measures and others she has outlined in great detail in this debate deserve our full support and the full and immediate support of Government. While I have criticisms of the school transport system, they are not directed at the Minister of State, her Department or her...

Seanad: School Transport: Statements. (24 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: It is regrettable that this debate is taking place against a background of exceptionally tragic accidents involving school buses. I convey my condolences and sympathy to all the families, extended families and communities that were touched so traumatically by the unfortunate accidents in Meath and Offaly. As with every road accident, those accidents had their root causes in human failings,...

Seanad: School Transport: Statements. (24 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: Cyclists and pedestrians should be made just as amenable as drivers to the rules of the road. The current position is appalling. Cyclists ignore all classes of convention and laws such as one-way streets, footpaths and traffic lights. We will never engage the collaborative goodwill of all unless we stop the targeted victimisation of one sector as a mere revenue collecting ploy. We must bring...

Seanad: School Transport: Statements. (24 May 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: They got bad because of the endemic neglect that has prevailed over the lifetime of all Governments from the foundation of the service. "If it is not broke, do not fix it" seemed to be the prevailing approach, yet when tragedy strikes we are horrified. We seek to find somebody else to blame. The reality about the school bus issue is the same as the reality about road safety. We have not been...

Seanad: Youth Affairs: Statements. (6 Apr 2006)

Liam Fitzgerald: I welcome the Minister of State and the debate on this issue. In the years during which I have been a Member of the Oireachtas I have had the opportunity to refer to issues such as youth affairs in many contexts in various debates but this is the first opportunity during the lifetime of this Seanad that we have had a debate specifically devoted to youth affairs. It is timely and appropriate...