Results 401-420 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan

Seanad: Suicide Incidence: Statements. (19 May 2005)

John Minihan: Perhaps the most important guiding principle is to consider the readers, listeners or viewers, who may be in crisis when they read, hear or see a report. The consideration must be whether this piece makes it more likely such people will attempt suicide or more likely they will seek help. The media have a major responsibility in this regard. Organisations such as the IAS, the Samaritans, the...

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

John Minihan: The coalition is gone before it starts.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

John Minihan: I demand that comment be withdrawn.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

John Minihan: I also heard it. I want that comment to be withdrawn.

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

John Minihan: I am pleased to contribute to this evening's debate. Growing concerns exist about the incidence of anti-social behaviour. The most worrying aspect is that the vulnerable are at the receiving end. I am particularly concerned for the elderly. Communities can be subjected to serious harassment, which can cause distress despite its not involving criminal offences. Standing up to offenders can be...

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

John Minihan: If the Senator had been listening ——

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

John Minihan: What about the 70% who do not go into the criminal system?

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

John Minihan: Some people have claimed that the introduction of ASBOs will mean that those guilty of anti-social behaviour will always end up in the criminal system. I restate my point that a certain percentage of people will end up in the criminal system but that same percentage would have done so anyway. We must take account of those people who will benefit from an ABSO and not end up in the criminal...

Seanad: Anti-Social Behaviour: Motion. (11 May 2005)

John Minihan: It is interesting that the only two parties who do not support the ABSO measures are Sinn Féin and the Green Party. Consensus on the seriousness of the problem and the measures to deal with it will not stop some groups attempting to make political gain from anti-social behaviour. I hope that this will not be the case in this House because we must move forward to address this blight on Irish...

Seanad: Immigrant Workers: Motion. (4 May 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Minister to the House. I am pleased to contribute to the debate this evening because it is imperative that we have a balanced and accurate discussion on the rights of migrant workers. We must recognise the significant contribution made by migrant workers and deplore any exploitative or unfair practices. We must also recognise and commend actions taken by the Government and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 May 2005)

John Minihan: I endorse Senator Ryan's comments regarding the events that took place in Cork two days ago. I know the couple in question well and know that the family has suffered extreme trauma as a result of this crime. I am also tired of expressing my views in this House regarding the activities of the so-called republican movement. If this crime is its version of democracy and advancing its case, we...

Seanad: Accident and Emergency Services: Statements. (21 Apr 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to the House, and welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. There is no doubt that the health service, particularly accident and emergency departments, are to the fore of much recent political activity. Our health service needs to be focused and directed at patients, who must be at the centre of all actions and decisions...

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Motion. (13 Apr 2005)

John Minihan: I welcome the opportunity to discuss the important matter of special educational facilities. It is the duty of all Members of the Oireachtas to be cognisant of the most pressing issues for citizens at any given time. It is fair to say that health care, infrastructure, the economy, child care and education would make the top five of most people's lists of areas that need our constant...

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Motion. (13 Apr 2005)

John Minihan: Parents and schools have voiced their frustration with the system and, as we must, we are acting to ease their burden. A total of 70 special needs organisers have been recruited nationally and will act as dedicated points of contacts for parents and schools. It is more evidence of the meaningful policy approaches adopted by the Government to meet educational requirements. While the...

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Motion. (13 Apr 2005)

John Minihan: I have spoken for seven minutes without reacting to an interruption.

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Motion. (13 Apr 2005)

John Minihan: As is typical of Fine Gael in Opposition, when its representatives have nothing constructive to offer, they interrupt and avoid facing reality.

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Motion. (13 Apr 2005)

John Minihan: I have clearly set out what the Government has achieved.

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Motion. (13 Apr 2005)

John Minihan: We have made real progress in the area of special needs education in a strategic, well-planned manner which ensures improved educational provision for all children.

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Motion. (13 Apr 2005)

John Minihan: It would be more appropriate for certain people to reflect on what they did and, more important, failed to do while in office.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2005)

John Minihan: In Holy Week too.