Results 81-100 of 605 for speaker:John Whelan

Seanad: Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (8 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: ------to the statutory instrument-----

Seanad: Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (8 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: ------currently before the House, in his reference to the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, and the copyright issue. I also commend the Minister for identifying installation and refit as key areas in supporting families, through the warmer homes initiative, as an effective and efficient way of tackling fuel poverty. In tandem with these measures, it is excellent news that the Bill, as it...

Seanad: Investment in Education: Motion (8 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: One of the Senator's colleagues said this was not political.

Seanad: Investment in Education: Motion (8 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: It would be the same result for Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Investment in Education: Motion (8 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: Just one.

Seanad: Investment in Education: Motion (8 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: Why did 12,000 people protest about education cuts outside the gates of this House in 2009?

Seanad: Investment in Education: Motion (8 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: I want an answer.

Seanad: Investment in Education: Motion (8 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: Fianna Fáil wasted that every week when it was in government.

Seanad: Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Committee and Remaining Stages (16 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: I thank the Minister for bringing the Bill before the House. I commend my colleagues across the floor for some interesting contributions and pay tribute to the Minister for his open-mindedness and consideration in these matters. It is not a contentious Bill but important housework in tidying up many loose ends in the area. The Minister mentioned the standard of builds. Whatever about...

Seanad: Media Standards: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: I thank the Minister for attending the House for this debate, which we called for some time ago. A broad range of issues under his portfolio must be addressed, including the questions of media ownership and control, the challenges posed by new media and the survival and sustainability of the regional press, which performs an important function in our communities. I will concentrate on two...

Seanad: Media Standards: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: People with vested interests and conflicts of interest are appearing on television programmes. In some instances individuals with stakes in other financial products and currencies are talking about the collapse of the euro. This needs to be addressed and no good journalist has anything to fear from putting everything into the public domain. It is vital that we have a strong journalism and...

Seanad: Wind Turbines Bill 2012: Second Stage (22 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: I am glad to be able to second Senator Kelly's proposal. I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House to take the Bill. It is important to point out that no one here opposes wind energy or wind farms. It is not a frivolous or trivial protest and is not based on trying to impede the roll out of new technology, green technology and wind energy. As Senator Kelly pointed out,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: Given that it is 29 February I wish to make a few proposals to the Leader. He will be reassured and comforted to know that none of them contains an offer of marriage. Like Senator O'Brien, I welcome the EU referendum. It will clear the air on this issue once and for all. I and the Labour Party will vigorously support a "Yes" vote. To think that one can be half in and half out of the euro...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: No road in this country has been built without EU money. It is about time we woke up and accepted that reality.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: In addition, there would be no PayPal or Intel in this country, because Ireland is the bridgehead for Europe for many of these American multinationals. People are sadly mistaken if they think they can have it both ways, with the bread buttered on both sides. I am already aware that Sinn Féin opposes this referendum. It is against everything.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: It is true.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: The "No" posters are apparently already up. It had to use the rest of the ink. I suppose it had to be put to some use. I am glad to hear Senator O'Brien state that Fianna Fáil is united in favour of this referendum. To be fair, there was some equivocation and doubt about that because the party's deputy leader had created some anxiety in that regard.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: I am glad Fianna Fáil will campaign vigorously for the referendum. I am also a staunch supporter of the household charge. Again, one cannot have it both ways. One cannot have strong local government, strong local authorities and strong local services and, on the other hand, say one opposes the household charge. Those who oppose that charge are reckless and irresponsible.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: One of the key issues in Laois-Offaly during the general election campaign was the local fire brigade service, and properly so. People were concerned about the closure of small rural fire stations. The fact is, however, that the household charge will go towards the upkeep of such services. I appeal to those who are opposing the household charge for selfish ends to think again. It is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: Is this about conscription now as well?