Results 181-200 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (9 May 2006)

John Minihan: The Acting Chairman might imagine my disappointment when I heard this showcase piece from the Fine Gael Ard-Fheis——

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (9 May 2006)

John Minihan: —— and remembered how I had described it as being superficial and nonsensical when originally put forward by Deputy Kenny in February. Fine Gael's proposal has not changed since February and it is as superficial and nonsensical now as it was then.

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (9 May 2006)

John Minihan: Who will decide if the patient is drunk enough to be fined? Will all accident and emergency patients be breathalysed? If not, what will be the test of "drunkenness"? Members are aware of the tests which gardaí must administer when assessing whether a person is drunk. Will doctors be obliged to form an opinion that the patient is sufficiently drunk to be fined? Who will fine the patient? Who...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (9 May 2006)

John Minihan: In contrast, the new GP-visit card, as well as the additional medical cards which are now available, help those who need assistance to visit their GP and receive medical care without any cut-off point for children based on age. The Government has not decided that children will not become sick after the age of five.

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (9 May 2006)

John Minihan: It is also regrettable that Fine Gael seems unaware that health screening programmes to catch diseases early must be carried out scientifically. A simple regular health check, as proposed by Fine Gael, does not catch diseases. While the Fine Gael leader claims he will save money, millions of euro could be wasted on useless checks instead of being spent on treatment. The Government has...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (9 May 2006)

John Minihan: This Fine Gael proposal is, yet again, too vague and unconsidered and has been neither costed nor scientifically based.

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (9 May 2006)

John Minihan: As an aside, I noted, with a smile, that the leader of Fine Gael has given himself more time to address accident and emergency issues than he has given the Tánaiste. He has given himself 30 months. While Fine Gael has produced buckets of negativity, no health policies whatsoever have been produced by the Labour Party since the general election, apart from scraps from the last election, such...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: Senator McHugh should apply for Professor Drumm's job.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: I would like to start by responding to the final speaker, but I will wait.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes welcomed the announcement that was made by the Christian Brothers today in respect of St. Michael's national school in Inchicore. He spoke in general terms about the planning, development and construction of schools. He asked whether legislation is needed to ensure that schools are provided in newly-developed areas. He was joined by Senators Ormonde and Glynn in calling...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: It is incorrect to suggest she refused to attend the conference. On 25 October 2005, the Tánaiste received an invitation to attend an international conference in Pennsylvania. She agreed to attend the conference. On 18 January last, she received a request from the INO to attend its conference. She replied to the INO on 24 February, stating that she was unable to attend its conference because...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: The Tánaiste did not receive any communication from the INO after she sent it the letter of 24 February until it sought its soundbites this week.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: I am led to believe that——

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: I have given the facts. She would have been quite happy to facilitate the INO at any stage.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: She had made a prior commitment to attend a very important international conference. I think that deals with that issue. Senator McCarthy also spoke about on-line motor taxation. He was joined by Senator Glynn in raising the question of non-insured drivers, an issue which he had raised on a previous Order of Business about the sale of cars and the need for insistence on motor insurance. The...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: ——these issues can be highlighted. I will endeavour to arrange for such a debate in the near future. Senator Coghlan raised the question of the abolition of the groceries order and the recent survey reported in The Sunday Times. In fairness, we have had the debate on the groceries order, and in terms of the abolition's impact the report may be premature. The abolition came into effect...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: Senator Henry raised the important issue of forensic medical services. In light of recent media reports, it is somewhat disturbing that there is a conflict between medical professionals. In everyone's interest it is vitally important that as a society we have confidence in our forensic services, particularly given the linkage with court cases and the judicial process. A debate on that area...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: If he is suggesting a whole new democratic system in which Cabinet positions will be graded on the basis of the number seats a party holds, that is a whole new invention——

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: Following his initial comments on democracy the Senator then went on to speak against it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2006)

John Minihan: The less said about that——