Results 1-20 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

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

Jim Walsh: Bhí mé ag éisteacht leis an díospóireacht, agus leis an méid a bhí le rá ag an tSeanadóir Ó Murchú, ach go háirithe. Aontaím leis. Speaking about the electoral aspect of the issue is easier than speaking about real reform and what the agenda of the House should be. Undoubtedly the Seanad is a very good forum for the scrutiny of legislation. During my first term, which was in the...

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

Jim Walsh: As well as its role as a legislative assembly, it is important, as many others have pointed out, to make some connection with Europe. The Seanad could play a much stronger role in scrutinising not only regulations and legislation emanating from there but the activities of the EU. I would not exclude from that Council of Ministers meetings, Commissioners' activities or the European Parliament....

Seanad: Education Funding: Motion (9 Oct 2002)

Jim Walsh: I wish to share my time with Senator Phelan. Acting Chairman (Mr. Walsh): That is agreed.

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

Jim Walsh: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: "–'notes the work currently under way by the National Economic and Social Forum to examine the recent report of the Equality Authority in consultation with relevant Government Departments and interest groups; –notes the ongoing work of the Law Reform Commission on the rights of co-habitees;...

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

Jim Walsh: I welcome this debate and the reasoned approach taken by Senator Norris, who proposed it. These are issues which must be addressed in a republican society. If we value equality, we must address equality issues. In the area of equality, women would have felt disadvantaged in society in the past. Great advances have been achieved in that area. The European Union has been effective in bringing...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2002)

Jim Walsh: Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Transport to come the Seanad to debate the issue of toll roads, specifically the recent suggestion of the NRA of cash only tolls? That was a ludicrous suggestion to make as the use of electronic methods of payment could facilitate the flow of traffic. The last thing we need is another road like the West Link which is a bottleneck and an...

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

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach. There are many people alive in Northern Ireland today who would not be but for the efforts and, indeed, the leadership of the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister. While I commend them for the leadership they have given and for the success of the Belfast Agreement, the political parties – the Unionist Party, the SDLP, Sinn Féin, the...

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (24 Oct 2002)

Jim Walsh: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire chun an Teach seo leis an díospóireacht tábhachtach seo. Undoubtedly, crime will be a priority for the Minister and the Government. Recent statistics were disappointing in that between 1996 and 2000 we saw a reduction of 27% in the level of indictable crime while now there has been an increase of 18% in one year. The Minister has initiated urgent analysis of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Jim Walsh: I join those who sought a debate on the rail service. Some Members referred to the passion in the House about it. If only we could inject that same passion into CIE and Iarnród Éireann we might make a little progress.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Jim Walsh: On the alleged proposed closure of the Rosslare to Limerick line, the closure of that line would put approximately 150,000 to 160,000 tonnes of beet, during the beet season, onto the roads which do not have the capacity to accommodate that satisfactorily. The Leader might address the issue of penalty points on which the Minister for Transport should be complimented. It is evident that people...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters. - Railway Services. (6 Nov 2002)

Jim Walsh: I concur with the sentiments expressed by Senator Mansergh. Many will remember that not so long ago CIE closed down lines much to the regret of subsequent Governments and policymakers. If these lines had at least been maintained, they would have had services reinstated. The rail line we are discussing services a catchment area that is important, not just for passengers, but also for freight....

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

Jim Walsh: Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh on Aire go dtí an Teach seo inniu agus molaim é as ucht an tosnú maith atá déanta aige sa Roinn. The sentiments I expressed praising the Minister for his very good start in his Department are echoed by many. I was in Carlow last Saturday to hear the Minister outline his views with regard to the national roads network and tolling. Subsequently, many...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (3 Dec 2002)

Jim Walsh: I have allowed great latitude on an issue that is not pertinent to the legislation. As the Senator feels strongly about the issue, perhaps she could table an amendment on Report Stage. However, we should move on to the other sections.

Seanad: Appropriation Bill, 2002 [Certified Money Bill]: Second and Subsequent Stages. (12 Dec 2002)

Jim Walsh: Senator Mansergh's point, that it is extraordinary – particularly in light of many of the prognostications of various commentators over the year about the way it was running well ahead of estimates – that public expenditure will come in pretty much on target is well made. That is a fair achievement, given the current situation and the fact that, as Senators Higgins and Mansergh stated,...

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (17 Dec 2002)

Jim Walsh: Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire go dtí an Seanad chun an ábhair seo a phlé. At various stages in my youth I was given coaching in hurling, soccer and tennis. I subsequently underwent training courses in relation to some aspects of my community work with the junior chamber. People involved in business or politics often undertake training courses or driving courses, which are...

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage (Resumed). (17 Dec 2002)

Jim Walsh: Now. Agreed to take remaining Stages today.

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (17 Dec 2002)

Jim Walsh: While I accept some of the arguments, the points made by the Minister of State are valid. It will probably be difficult and time consuming to draft criteria. It is desirable that such criteria should be drafted and enacted as soon as possible because there are time constraints. Many Senators said that this Bill must be placed on the Statute Book as soon as possible, particularly given the...

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (17 Dec 2002)

Jim Walsh: The whole thrust of the provision, accepting the Minister of State's comments, is that it automatically dies after the eight day period and, therefore, the applicant would have to return to the court again. Obviously, there will have been a requirement in the interim to notify the respondent and provide a note of the evidence of the affidavit, as well as the other relevant provisions in this...

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (17 Dec 2002)

Jim Walsh: We must allow some discretion to the Judiciary in these circumstances. If the applicant brings the case back to court – which is one of the points about which we were concerned – and the notes of the decision and the affidavits have not been served on the respondent, the judge will inquire into the reasons for that. That affords a certain protection for the respondent. On the other hand,...

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (17 Dec 2002)

Jim Walsh: I concur with the comments made by other Senators. I thank the Minister for the manner in which he dealt with the various amendments. The debate was a most interesting one. The Bill arose as the result of a recent Supreme Court ruling and changes, which may or may not have some effect, have been made to the 1996 Act. It would be prudent to monitor the implementation of the legislation once it...