Results 181-200 of 2,725 for speaker:Noel Coonan

Seanad: Sugar Beet Industry: Motion (Resumed). (26 Jan 2005)

Noel Coonan: It is still recovering.

Seanad: Sugar Beet Industry: Motion (Resumed). (26 Jan 2005)

Noel Coonan: I am most disappointed with the response of the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, to the motion. Everything that is in her script I have already read, either in the local or the daily papers and certainly in the Irish Farmers' Journal. She refused to answer the pressing questions as to whether she knew about or had discussions about the closure or was given reasons for it....

Seanad: Sugar Beet Industry: Motion (Resumed). (26 Jan 2005)

Noel Coonan: This is a matter of national importance and it should be treated that way. I am disappointed that the Government parties did not agree with our motion. It is basically the same motion as theirs, but we are calling for the decision to be reversed until the EU proposals are sorted out. We should wait and see what comes from the negotiations. Speaker after speaker on the Government side agreed...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)

Noel Coonan: I add my voice in support of the Civil Partnership Bill 2004, proposed by Senator Norris, and avail of the opportunity to second Senator Ross's proposal. We need to resolve this issue because there is a huge degree of scepticism out there in regard to politics and the role of this House. We have heard about Seanad reform. If we make this House irrelevant, we must take responsibility for that....

Seanad: Disabled Drivers. (2 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, to the House and thank Senator Ulick Burke for sharing time with me to allow me to support him on this issue. I could name people who are close friends both of mine and the Minister for State who, fortunately for them, are on the right side of the border with Offaly. These people have a difficulty with this legislation and the lack of facility...

Seanad: Food Safety: Statements. (3 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House because it is important that he put on record his response to the public's concern about this scare. The Sudan Red 1 scare has reminded the public that it cannot be fully confident that the food it eats possesses no health risk. Unfortunately, food scares are becoming increasingly the norm as larger retailers cut even more corners in order...

Seanad: Food Safety: Statements. (3 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: Probably a honky-dory like the Senator.

Seanad: Food Safety: Statements. (3 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: It sounds like a potato.

Seanad: Food Safety: Statements. (3 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: The Senator is making us hungry.

Seanad: Food Safety: Statements. (3 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: Did the Senator sample it?

Seanad: Food Safety: Statements. (3 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: The Government is not able to provide classrooms, let alone food.

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: I also support Senator Henry's amendment. Most farmers would be conscious of the fact that they have a particular affiliation with and sensitivity to animals. The term "putting down of an animal" should be used with care because many people are affected by it. Only today the manner in which some animals are disposed of was highlighted in respect of what happens animals in the fox farming...

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: The vet has always been known as the veterinary surgeon and it makes common sense to continue in that vein.

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: I move amendment No. 9: In page 16, subsection (1), between lines 11 and 12, to insert the following new paragraph: "(f) one person who is nominated for such appointment by the Minister for Agriculture and Food as being representative of persons with a farming interest;" The Minister has dealt with this matter to some extent but I would like her to be even more specific. I accept her...

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: The Minister would have to make a choice.

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: Or party.

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: I would like the Minister to be more specific in the legislation concerning this issue and I may reintroduce the amendment on Report Stage.

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: I also welcome the Minister's decision to increase the numbers, a change sought by both sides of the House. She also proposes to achieve a balance in the numbers. When we originally sought the change, we were informed that it would have to be within the remit of a council of seven persons. We can accept that the number on the council has now risen to nine members, but the correct balance also...

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: I support Senator McCarthy's amendment. He is calling for a definite arrangement whereas the Bill tends to put the matter on the long finger. The Minister is aware of what happens if something is left on the long finger. It is better to be definite and positive about something than indefinite and indecisive.

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Noel Coonan: Taken in the context of my amendment, I agree with my colleagues. We must be conscious of the impact of the veterinary signature on exports and animal welfare. It is accepted worldwide and any diminution thereof could have a knock-on effect. We need to be more specific about the type of individual who can be registered in certain cases. We must consider the impact this will have.