Results 1-20 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

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)

John Minihan: I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election, Senator O'Rourke on becoming Leader of the House and my colleague, Senator Dardis, on his position as Deputy Leader. I look forward to working with them in the years ahead. I wish to make a number of points about the forthcoming referendum to permit Ireland to ratify the Nice treaty. In June 2001 the electorate rejected the Nice treaty. The...

Seanad: Retirement of Superintendent of the Houses. (13 Sep 2002)

John Minihan: On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I join previous speakers in paying tribute to the Superintendent, Éamon O'Donohoe. It is unusual for me on my second day in the Seanad to pay tribute to someone who is leaving, but my association with Éamon goes back some time. When I was commissioned first in 1975 it was under Éamon's wing that I arrived in Collins Barracks and he was every bit as...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: Céim an Coiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (13 Sep 2002)

John Minihan: I reiterate my congratulations to the Cathaoirleach on his appointment and wish him well in his term of office. I concur with what the previous speakers have said about the debate we have had in the House. I compliment the Minister on the tremendous leadership he has shown, not only to the Oireachtas but to the people. I am hopeful that he will join the ranks of the Sonia O'Sullivans and...

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

John Minihan: I join all Senators in welcoming Mr. Cox to the House as President of the European Parliament and I compliment him on his excellent address. I want to address the question of sovereignty and Mr. Cox's definition of it. The interesting analogy he gave was that, having found our political independence, our full independence was only gleaned when we joined Europe and also gained economic...

Seanad: Recognition of Domestic Partnerships: Motion. (16 Oct 2002)

John Minihan: It is timely such subjects are debated and I am happy Senator Norris has accepted the amendment tabled by the Government. I would, however, like to avail of the opportunity to speak on values which are close to my heart. I make no apology for supporting family values on which I base my political beliefs. Families are at the heart of our society and enshrined in the Constitution. Most of us...

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (23 Oct 2002)

John Minihan: I wish to share time with Senator Maurice Hayes.

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (23 Oct 2002)

John Minihan: Nor am I.

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (23 Oct 2002)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is very important that he has taken time out to address us and bring us up to date on recent events and his recent discussions. I welcome warmly the contributions of colleagues on both sides of the House. The serious impasse we face has to be met head on. It is time for some hard talking. I say this because I asked who the beneficiaries of this...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: I do not often agree with Senator Ryan but I support his call for a debate on the building industry. The Leader should also ask the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to attend the House to debate the issue of planning, including the strategy adopted by local authorities in granting planning permission, the seeming breakdown in the production of inspectors' reports at An Bord...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: I would not be prepared to support Senator Coghlan's request to the Leader until he produces a full report from Deputy Lowry, a former member of his party, who may have more information than is available to this House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: Perhaps the junior Opposition party might be in a position to assist in that regard.

Seanad: Lindsay Tribunal Report: Motion. (13 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister to the House and wish him well in his most difficult brief. I am sad that on his first visit to the House we are debating such tragic events. The events that gave rise to the Lindsay tribunal took place many years ago and much of the evidence was of a historical nature. Under its terms of reference, the tribunal's sole member, Judge Alison Lindsay, was required to...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Schools Building Projects. (13 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: I also thank the Minister of State for giving up her time and coming to the House to debate this matter. While I acknowledge the great inroads made by the previous Government in the area of education, with increased expenditure of 62% over the past five years, we all know that there is still much work to be done. As we approach the budget and as the Minister prioritises the works to be...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: I will send all the Senators membership forms.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: I think there is a call for a tribunal to investigate that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: I would like to comment briefly on that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: An amendment has been moved. I would like to make a brief comment.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: I do not want to have a debate. I only want to briefly explain that No. 1 deals with freight, certain passenger lines and related transport matters. We can have a general discussion on the port tunnel as part of our debate on No.1. However, the motion we have tabled is serious and it warrants a debate when the Minister is present to answer the questions we pose.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Nov 2002)

John Minihan: The motion will not be moved now.

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

John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister to the Chamber to discuss this important issue. I congratulate him on the sprinting start he has made and hope it continues over the next number of years in order that the transformation needed in our public transport infrastructure is realised. Considerable investment has been made. Mainline track and signalling have been upgraded while new...