Results 1-20 of 6,930 for speaker:John Paul Phelan

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim (Atógáil). Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Sep 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his election this morning and Senator Kiely on his election as Cathaoirleach yesterday. I know they will both bring dignity to their roles. They are fair minded people and I look forward to working with them. I am happy to have the opportunity speak on the important issue of the Nice treaty. It presents us with an important chance to reaffirm our...

Seanad: Education Funding: Motion (9 Oct 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I thank Senator Browne for sharing his time with me. I want to speak about the increase in college registration fees. I finished college in May. At least, I hope I did, having regard to Senator Henry's point. I have a primary degree. Many of those with primary degrees end up going on to do postgraduate courses. It is regrettable the Minister is not present. He made great play about living in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Oct 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I agree with Senator Cummins, who raised the issue of radiotherapy facilities in the regions. All constituents in the south east region are very anxious that such facilities should be provided in Waterford Regional Hospital. I support Senator Cummins's request that the Minister for Health and Children discuss this issue in the House. Senator Finucane took the words out of my mouth when...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Oct 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I want the Minister to come to the House to debate the tourism industry.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2002)

John Paul Phelan: Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come before the House to discuss an issue which arose yesterday, namely, the fact that barristers at the tribunals were awarded a 50% increase in their fees for daily attendance for which I understand the Attorney General gave approval a number of months ago? I urge the Leader to request the Minister to appear...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the House to discuss the composition of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. A decision by the commission to refuse a licence for the new franchise area of Carlow-Kilkenny to the existing Radio Kilkenny franchise holders has caused a great deal of controversy in Kilkenny. The franchise holders held...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: The Leader will recall that last week I asked her to invite the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to come into the House to discuss the preparedness of the country for the Special Olympics next summer. I am conscious of the fact that he is coming tomorrow to talk about tourism.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: Another matter was brought to my attention yesterday. The organisers of Community Games have expressed concern that they do not have a home from the end of this year as Mosney will be dedicated to the housing of asylum seekers. Over 500,000 young people between the ages of six and 16 years take part in the games every year which are an integral part of communities. There is, therefore, an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: Just to discuss the issue.

Seanad: Second Interim Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments: Statements. (12 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I will be brief to avoid going over the ground covered by earlier statements. I am disappointed it took so long to have a debate on the interim report of the Flood tribunal which has been in the public domain for about a month and a half. It is inappropriate that the House is only discussing the report now given that the tribunal was established by both Houses of the Oireachtas. It should...

Seanad: Tourism Industry: Statements. (13 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I welcome the Minister to the House for this important debate which was requested by me and others. I thank the Leader for facilitating it. I am glad the Minister has chosen to come to the House to discuss tourism. The industry is at a crossroads and, while I hope I am wrong, I do not necessarily share the Minister's optimism regarding its future. It cannot be taken for granted. There will...

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

John Paul Phelan: He is goading us.

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

John Paul Phelan: I thank Senator Bannon for sharing time and welcome the Minister of State. I agree with Senator White that it is good that he has remained in the Chamber for the duration of the debate on this motion, even though I was somewhat disappointed with his contribution. I wish to make a confession. I am not a socialist, never have been and never intend to be. I do not believe one has to be a...

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

John Paul Phelan: Fair enough. The community employment scheme has been instrumental in enabling them to gain employment and become integrated into the workforce. It is important that this continues. I was extremely surprised by what Senator Leyden said about living in the real world. I live in the real world in south County Kilkenny and have received several representations from people who are concerned about...

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

John Paul Phelan: More socialists.

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

John Paul Phelan: I wish to share my time with Senator O'Rourke. Acting Chairman (Mr. J. Phelan): Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Book of Estimates, 2003: Statements. (21 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: Thank you, Sir. I wish to give two minutes of my time to Senator Cummins, by agreement.

Seanad: Book of Estimates, 2003: Statements. (21 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I might race ahead like Government expenditure in the past few years; there might be an overrun. That time should allow me to address the topical issue of the Book of Estimates. I am surprised by the back slapping and other antics of Government Senators and Deputies with the Minister for Finance after the publication of the Book of Estimates. It is a damning indictment of the Minister that we...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: Will the Leader raise the redevelopment work at Punchestown racecourse with the Minister for Finance who should conduct some form of value for money audit into the £25 million spent there by different Government agencies on redeveloping its facilities? It seems much of the money drawn down by Government agencies was not spent on what it was supposed to be spent. This should be examined.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (27 Nov 2002)

John Paul Phelan: I welcome the Minister back to the House. He was correct in saying it is only two weeks since we had a full and frank exchange of views on the position of the tourism industry. During his address that day, the Minister informed us he would bring this Bill before the House as soon as possible and I commend him on his expediency.