Results 521-540 of 891 for speaker:John Minihan
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: I can assure him from my knowledge of the military that if such an exposé were to take place, the programme would not be over before the military authorities would have the director of military police on the line and a military investigation would be started immediately. That is my experience. I accept what Senator Maurice Hayes said about closed societies. No one was more frustrated in the...
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes should allow me to speak. I am genuinely trying to contribute to the debate by bringing on board my 21 years of experience in the Army which I believe is relevant to the discussion. Things take place in military training that would be in breach of all manner of legislation if they were to take place in civilian training. I would not like to have an ombudsman sitting at...
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: That is correct. I accept that.
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: A technical modification might be necessary to this amendment where Senator Brian Hayes refers to the adjutant general. The position of adjutant general no longer exists in the Defence Forces. Deputy Chief of Staff â Support would be the correct term for the position to which he refers. I am a little surprised by this amendment because a number of sections address the point raised by...
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: It can be a he, a she or an it.
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: A recruit is a member of the Defence Forces, as distinct from the Canadian system, or even the Garda system whereby a garda in the Garda college is a student, as distinct from being a member of the Garda SÃochána. There is a clear distinction. It is only in phase 3 that he or she becomes a member of the Garda SÃochána. Before a recruit puts on the uniform he or she is attested as a member...
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: The only place "applicants to the Defence Forces" will encounter the Defence Forces is through the interview process. If the case is so severe and the traumatic interview has taken so much out of him or her, then he or she can go to the Ombudsman, as distinct from the ombudsman for the Defence Forces. The legislation also covers the civil servant. Perhaps Senator Brian Hayes would like to...
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: They can go to the Ombudsman.
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: I have studied this amendment carefully and listened to what Senator Maurice Hayes has said. Given his experience, it would be unwise not to take on board his viewpoint. However, from a Defence Forces' perspective, the institution is somewhat different in that a body of personnel is subject to civil as well as military law and is governed under the Defence Act. The military police investigate...
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Committee Stage. (13 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: Senator Brian Hayes referred to the exposé which will take place six months after the appointment of the ombudsman.
- Seanad: Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (6 Oct 2004)
John Minihan: I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister and congratulate him on his appointment. I wish him well in the challenges facing him in the changing environment of the Defence Forces and pay tribute to his predecessor, Deputy Michael Smith, who presided over major changes therein. While we may not always have seen eye to eye and locked horns on numerous occasions, I acknowledge the...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Jul 2004)
John Minihan: I too would like to join previous speakers, particularly Senator Norris, in seeking a debate on the Middle East. If this cannot be facilitated tomorrow perhaps it could be facilitated early in the next session. Given the lengthy debate we have had in the House on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the wall being built by the Israelis, the recent judgment of the International Court of...
- Seanad: EU Presidency: Motion. (7 Jul 2004)
John Minihan: I am delighted to support this motion. I, too, congratulate the Government on the outstanding efforts it has made over the past six months. It is interesting to note that, just six months ago, people were saying agreement on a new constitution for Europe was impossible and that the sides were too far apart. Among those who offered advice on this matter was the editor of the Sunday...
- Seanad: Barron Report: Statements. (7 Jul 2004)
John Minihan: I welcome the Minister to the House and compliment Senator Jim Walsh on his most informative contribution, which certainly provided great insight into the workings of the sub-committee and the thought processes that led to its conclusions. I obviously welcome the opportunity to speak on Mr. Justice Barron's report on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974. Even after 30 years, these...
- Seanad: Maritime Safety Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Jun 2004)
John Minihan: I, too, join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister to the House and welcoming this legislation. I have an interest in this issue. In January of this year I wrote to the Secretary General of the Department regarding my concerns about safety on water, particularly in the area of powerboats. I am pleased that the response to my letter may be in the form of a Bill, considering that I did...
- Seanad: Maritime Safety Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Jun 2004)
John Minihan: From the State's perspective a huge debt of gratitude is owed to those who do this voluntary work. I am concerned the legislation does not go far enough. A balance must be struck between over-regulation and making the waters available for everyone's use. Unfortunately, a degree of irresponsibility on our waters is evident, particularly during the summer months, with persons with little or no...
- Seanad: Maritime Safety Bill 2004: Second Stage. (30 Jun 2004)
John Minihan: I welcome the Bill as it corrects inadequacies that existed. More consideration needs to be given to the responsibility of those authorised in ensuring water safety. Should third party and comprehensive insurance be linked for those who have a national powerboat and safety certificates? Should such certificates and age restrictions be linked to horsepower usage? These issues will be the next...
- Seanad: Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (24 Jun 2004)
John Minihan: Next Tuesday at 2.30 p.m.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)
John Minihan: Is the Senator a candidate?
- Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)
John Minihan: I think I was the one who said it was childish.