Results 501-520 of 605 for speaker:John Whelan

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Mar 2012)

John Whelan: As one who comes from the heart of the bogs and who cut turf, as did my family, I am cognisant of the emotional attachment to land, turf cutting and turbary rights. A forum is concluding in Athlone today at which Mr. Conor Skehan with Judge John Quirke have tried to facilitate families. It is important to note that only 53 raised bogs out of 1,400 across the country are affected by the...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Mar 2012)

John Whelan: No. I simply want to draw the attention of the House to the matter because it is fair and good work. Others who seek confrontation and protest on the matter are leading people up a cul-de-sac or a boithrín at which there is no good. With the permission of the Cathaoirleach I commend the efforts in the pipeline by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, to resolve the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: I am pleased to add my voice and those of my colleagues in the Labour Party to pay tribute and pay our respects to the legendary Mickey Doherty. I had the privilege of knowing him when he was a member of the Midland Health Board. I often covered its meetings in Tullamore and Mickey was a guy who would fill many columns in the Longford Leader. As Senator Ó Murchú pointed out, he had a way...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: It is just like An Bord Pleanála.

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?

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

John Whelan: The Senator should be ashamed of himself.

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: 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: 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.