Results 1-20 of 346 for speaker:Jim Higgins

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Sep 2002)

Jim Higgins: This morning we had a succinct but interesting discussion on the need to reform the Seanad. The brief debate was led by the Acting Chairman, Senator Ross. One of the key elements arising from the meeting of the Fianna Fáil Senators which decided to bequeath the Chair to you, a Chathaoirligh, was a determination on the part of the Taoiseach and the Leader of the House to reform the Seanad. We...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Jim Higgins: I passionately support the Nice treaty. It is in the interest of Ireland, Europe and the world that this treaty is passed. It is very important in the interest of peace and prosperity. Like my colleagues in Fine Gael, I am prepared to campaign vigorously for a "Yes" vote. We will have an uphill battle, a fact put into sharp perspective when one considers the defeat of the last Nice...

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach. (13 Sep 2002)

Jim Higgins: I move: "That Senator Paddy Burke be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach." Tugann sé an-phléisiúr dom ainm an Sheanadóra Pádraig de Búrca a mholadh mar Leas-Chathaoirleach do Sheanad Éireann. Tá saol fada agus a lán cleachtadh aige mar pholaiteoir. Toghadh don chéad uair é do Chomhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo i 1979. Tá sé ina bhall den chomhairle ón data sin. Chomh maith leis sin, tá sé...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: At our first sitting I requested a special debate on the economy. The situation was extremely bad at the time and has worsened considerably in the meantime. There is now a considerable shortfall in corporation and income tax revenue. The Minister for Finance has managed, magically, to turn a substantial surplus into a projected deficit of €750 million.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: I ask for a special debate on that matter.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: We would like that to be taken in Government time.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: That is what is in the motion on the Order Paper.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: And so say all of us.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: We are off to a good start. While I have not been present in the Chamber for all the debate, I have listened to most of it. It is obvious there is a collective determination that at long last we will do our business collectively and in a consensual way, as Senator Hayes said, and that we will see Seanad reform take place during the lifetime of this Seanad, hopefully at an early stage. The...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: Yes.

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: It is patently wrong that the institutes of technology which are now producing third level graduates should be disenfranchised. Let us take Dublin City University and Limerick City University as an example. They are two top universities, formerly NIHEs, which hit the ground running and set such a standard that traditional universities were left floundering in their wake and had to change the...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: Yes. I strongly advocate that we hold public hearings and bring in outside expertise to assist the committee in its deliberations. The composition of the Seanad is an issue which will be central to who should be involved. I have held the view for a long time, by virtue of the fact that we have our much cherished diaspora overseas, that there should be some overseas representation. Successive...

Seanad: Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: Let us take for example the Federation of Irish Societies in Britain which does excellent work. A place in this House could easily be found for the President of Irish Societies. He could arrive here on Thursday morning and be back in Britain that evening.

Seanad: Address by President of the European Parliament. (10 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: While I appreciate that Mr. Cox may be rather tired of commendations on his address to the House, it was one of the most eloquent and enlightening I have heard. I also had the pleasure, with some colleagues from this House, of hearing his address to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg two weeks ago. Táim ana bhródúil ar fad as a uactaránacht. Senators McDowell and O'Meara referred to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: Recently, RTÉ did an excellent series for its news programmes on the ravages of famine in Somalia. The chief reporter, Charlie Bird, went right to the heartland of the areas affected and the prognosis is that things will get worse. I would like a debate on our overseas development aid, particularly in the context of the fact that the Taoiseach has been going to international conferences and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Jim Higgins: This week somebody who confessed to the murder of two elderly ladies in Grangegorman refused to turn up at the inquest into their deaths, having already been convicted of killing two people in County Roscommon. It transpires that the fine for non-attendance at the coroner's court is a mere €5. It is obvious, therefore, that the Coroners Act is grossly outdated and there is an urgent need to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Jim Higgins: I second the amendment moved by the leader of the Fine Gael group, Senator Brian Hayes, on rail freight.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Building Projects. (7 Nov 2002)

Jim Higgins: I thank the Cathaoirleach for choosing this item for discussion on the Adjournment. I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Browne, and congratulate him on his return to office after a brief aberration. It is good to see him back again. Scoil Croí Íosa, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo is probably the best...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

Jim Higgins: Another damming indictment of the performance of Dublin Airport was published this morning. A survey shows one third of the flights arriving or departing from it are late. That is an appalling performance for the airport of our capital city. This comes at a time when the airport has been given many extra facilities. I commend the Leader and the Minister for Transport for the provision of an...

Seanad: Rail Services and Related Transport Matters: Statements. (14 Nov 2002)

Jim Higgins: I wish to share time with Senator Ulick Burke. I join other speakers in welcoming the Minister to the House and compliment him on the manner in which he has literally hit the ground running in terms of his portfolio. It was never more urgent that we sort out the problems that have been today articulated so eloquently in this House in regard to Iarnród Éireann. I disagree with the Leader of...