Results 1-20 of 996 for speaker:John Gerard Hanafin

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (20 Apr 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I am conscious of the fact that we have had beautiful weather, especially in the past four weeks. It is a good time to reflect on an industry that is important to this country. I am talking about tourism. This year the numbers will be increased. Figures suggest the American tourists have returned. The American tourists are back and the tourism industry has responded positively. I am...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Apr 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I would like to take the opportunity, which I missed during the previous sitting, to pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach and to the staff of the Seanad and the Oireachtas in general. On occasion, particularly in the morning, one hears the greeting, "Good morning, Senator", and this is uplifting when one is about to partake in public service during which one is expected to give of one's best and...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I congratulate the Leader. I am delighted Senator Cummins was elevated to the position. Of course the incoming Government is entitled to the support of every Irish man and woman - it will have it wholeheartedly from me - in ensuring that the country returns to prosperity and that the necessary changes are made. However, I ask the Leader to ensure we do not have 11 separate constitutional...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Report and Final Stages (29 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I thank the Minister and his officials for their work and the manner in which business was undertaken over the past two days. I acknowledge all the contributions made. I note with some satisfaction that the Bill was not taken with an eye to an election that is around the corner but with an eye to the next generation and doing what is right for the country. That is what I would expect...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Report and Final Stages (29 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I agree with Senator Mullen that there was not unanimity in this House on the civil partnership Bill and that some of us voted against it. In the event of allowing the tax breaks suggested, what would be the cost to the Exchequer? Those of us who voted against the civil partnership Bill found ourselves at the receiving end of vile comments. I understood then how some gay people must feel...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011: Second Stage (28 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: On a point of order, what has this to do with the Bill? The Senator's comments are about the leader of Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011: Second Stage (28 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh. In welcoming the Finance Bill 2011 I am conscious that we have achieved a significant front-loading of what is necessary to have our budgetary figures in balance by 2014. From a political perspective, I welcome the hysterical reaction of Fine Gael in the House this morning on the Order of Business and, as we have just heard, in the debate on...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2011: Second Stage (28 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: To give credit to the Taoiseach, he took the necessary steps to ensure the stability of the economy and our standing. He never once looked at the political implications for Fianna Fáil, rather he did what was necessary for the State. Given the situation in which we found ourselves at the time when world markets and the banking sector were in such a state of crisis, we took the necessary...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I support Senator O'Toole's call for a balanced election campaign on foot of the hysterical reaction we have just witnessed to an evident change of fortune for Fianna Fáil. I acknowledge the tireless work the Taoiseach has done for thd country. He has put every other-----

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: My question is about the need to have a balanced election campaign. The future of the country is at stake and we should continue to seek social cohesion through equity. That includes balance in the media, of which there appears to be little. The Government has been charged with blowing the benefits of the boom and doing everything wrong. There have been huge increases in public spending....

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (26 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: My father was a friend of the late Séamus Dolan. When he first came to Leinster House, Séamus was a senior party man who my father looked up to. My father tried to express to our family when he came home the kind and genial people his colleagues were. I remember him speaking kindly of Séamus Dolan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: Yesterday I asked the Leader to make representations to the Taoiseach and I repeat that call today. It is particularly valid in the light of the complex issues we have had to confront in this Seanad. I am cognisant of the bank guarantee scheme and the fact that we have passed legislation that has been exceptionally difficult and budgetary provisions that have been harsh, yet everything was...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: Will the Leader make a direct representation to the Taoiseach? We have been through very difficult times in terms of finance, economic and social issues. I ask him to take the opportunity to give the people a proper debate in the coming election and go for the maximum possible term. The last thing we need is soundbites, knee-jerk reactions and ill-informed opinion when voting. We need to...

Seanad: Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill 2011: Motion for Earlier Signature (20 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I move: That, pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill 2011 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to her. I thank the Minister of State who has at all times been...

Seanad: Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill 2011: Motion for Earlier Signature (20 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: At 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 January 2011.

Seanad: Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second and Subsequent Stages (20 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: I take the opportunity to endorse what Senator Bradford said. I look forward to a campaign which will be constructive, positive and forward-looking based on policy and with a view to what is best for Ireland. In terms of the vision the different parties have for Ireland and how they will explain to the electorate the rationale for decisions, I hope they will try to avoid any knee-jerk...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: It is never too late to do the right thing.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: There is now an opportunity for the relevant committee to outline the way the next Seanad should be run. We should, therefore, take this last opportunity to ensure the Seanad will be relevant for the future. I am conscious that many positive suggestions have been made but not pursued. I was struck, in particular, by Senator Quinn's suggestion in regard to the Malaysia My Second Home...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: Anyone who has read any of the treaties, including the Lisbon treaty, would know that President Sarkozy has no right to dictate in any way.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jan 2011)

John Gerard Hanafin: It is clear from the treaties, which all of us debated and worked and voted for, that the Irish people are the only people who can change our tax status from which foreign industrial companies have benefited. There are times when we need to commend the benefits of the tough decisions made by Government. The fact that farm incomes grew by 34% in real terms in 2010 is something from which we...