Results 1-20 of 996 for speaker:John Gerard Hanafin

Seanad: Death of Former Members: Expressions of Sympathy. (12 Sep 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I also wish to join in the expressions of sympathy on the death of David Molony. The great loss is to Eve, David's sons, Conor and Patrick, and his brothers and sisters. On North Tipperary County Council, in the Seanad and the Dáil, he served the people of Thurles, County Tipperary and Ireland well. He continued this service to the people, by choice, after he left Parliament to run a fine...

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Irish Soccer Supporters. (13 Sep 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I am certain this in no way reflects the relationship between the Irish people and the people of Russia. Doubtless it was an isolated incident and we hope measures will be taken to ensure something of this nature never happens again. Our country has much trade with Russia and it is an increasingly important area, particularly socially. I visited Russia three times last year and while there...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I also support calls for a debate on the proposed closure of railway lines. A debate on Iraq is also particularly important. Saddam Hussein has oppressed a religious and ethnic minority – the Kurds – in his own country. He has attacked two of his neighbours, Iran to the east and Kuwait to the south. He is possibly the most dangerous leader in the world. I note that he was given 100%...

Seanad: Community Employment Schemes: Motion. (13 Nov 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: "supports the Government's continuing commitment to the community employment programme, notes the Government is honouring a commitment made under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, and affirms the continued relevance of the programme as a labour market integration measure for the...

Seanad: Overseas Development Aid: Motion. (27 Nov 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome Senator Henry's motion that Seanad Éireann recognises the value of Ireland's aid to developing countries, monetary and otherwise, and calls on the Minister for Finance to maintain our commitment to it. I thank the Minister of State for enlightening the Seanad in many areas. It was a very worthwhile exercise. The treatment of Third World and developing countries historically has...

Seanad: British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (28 Nov 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: Along with the conflicts in the Middle East and South Africa, the Northern Ireland conflict has long been considered as one of the most intractable. Centuries of sporadic violence and more recent troubles have convinced many in Northern Ireland that their future will always be trapped in the past. The Good Friday Agreement has brought a fresh sense of optimism that the people of Northern...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I thank Members for their best wishes. Senator O'Toole asked if there were any tricks. We are now using something called EST, electronic funds transfer. I would be glad to show the Senator where to sign. I take the opportunity to commend the House for its standard of debate. Before the Minister for Finance sits down in the other House today Opposition Members will not say the budget is a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: The movies will be brought into play.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Dec 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I suggest the high standards be maintained and that hackneyed phrases or clichés not be used in our debates.

Seanad: Alcohol Consumption by Young People: Statements. (11 Dec 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I thank Senator Kate Walsh for sharing time and I congratulate her on her maiden speech. She is a very affable individual and I enjoy being her colleague.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Dec 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: Senator Ross rightly mentioned the 0.5% reduction in ECB interest rates. On previous occasions the Oireachtas has obliged financial institutions by abolishing items such as redemption fees, which were iniquitous, and applications fees, which were unjust. Unless rates are voluntarily reduced on time, we should consider legislating so the banks pass on interest rate reductions immediately. The...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Dec 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support the request by Senators Ross and Scanlon that the ECB interest rate reduction be passed on immediately.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Dec 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support Senator Ryan's proposal regarding the Palestinian leader. It is reasonable and is something which should be close to the hearts of the Irish people. Ireland underwent its religious emancipation in the 1800s. It is entirely reasonable that people should be free to worship, particularly at Christmas. I am a great supporter of Israel's right to survive, thrive and live in peace and...

Seanad: Statute Law (Restatement) Bill, 2000 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (18 Dec 2002)

John Gerard Hanafin: I will be brief. I welcome the Minister of State to the House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jan 2003)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support the call for a debate on Iraq. It is a simple matter to call on Iraq to fulfil the United Nations obligations. The weapons are there and the reason we know they are there is that, in many cases, the west sold them to Iraq. I would also welcome a debate on the partnership talks that are taking place at present. The unions and the partnership approach to national agreements have...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2003)

John Gerard Hanafin: Does the Leader agree that, by its nature, a peace protest should be peaceful? In the event of a European constitution being framed, it is entirely reasonable that it should refer to a higher authority, namely, God. Fears are raised about objections from people who hold no religious beliefs, even though many of them have no objections to such a reference. Pure secularism can be arid and...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (5 Feb 2003)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Tánaiste and I support the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002. Senator Ryan reminded me of my history class at school when we looked at ancient copyright. I do not remember which Ard Rí issued the decree to the effect, "To every cow its calf and to every book its copy." That is how they decided copyright in times past. Naturally, we have to amend for...

Seanad: Iraq Crisis: Statements (Resumed). (6 Feb 2003)

John Gerard Hanafin: I also welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, to the House. War is the breakdown of reason and war is hell. I support UN Resolution 1441 and I share Deputy Leyden's wish that the House should unanimously request a peaceful resolution to the crisis. I hope, even at this late stage, that Saddam Hussein will comply with the United Nations, but it does not appear that he intends to do...

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Feb 2003)

John Gerard Hanafin: Will the Leader ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food to speak, as he has kindly done in the past, about small and medium size farms with regard to something that affects many people and the economic development of the country? I refer specifically to how, in the context of the Fischler proposals and CAP subsidies, families in this sector can maximise their net income. The House should...

Seanad: Suicide Incidence: Statements. (27 Feb 2003)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Minister of State. A suicide is a tragic and shattering occurrence that not only brings a life to an untimely end, but also has a devastating impact on family and friends. My own family has experience of suicide and it is a crushing experience for everybody involved. Which of us here would not, had we known, have blanketed the person in danger with care, affection and support?...