O'Toole, Joe JohnWednesday, 5 March 1997 |
Seanad Éireann Debate
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Order of Business.
I identify with Senator Wright's sense of bemusement about the Government's strategy of accepting Private Members' motions. It is laudable and it is fooling me.
I compliment the Government for seeing something which the rest of us have yet to see.
Will the Leader raise with the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the recent statement by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises body which described up to 50 per cent of unemployed people as soci...
Sports Strategy: Statements.
I propose to share time with either Senator Lee or Senator Norris.
I welcome the opportunity to speak about a matter that is crucial to Irish life and education and I congratulate the Minister of State on the quality of the report. A vote of congratulations must be g...
Employment Equality Bill, 1996: Committee Stage.
The matters raised by Senator Norris are not covered by the Bill. The discussion has gone on at length as to whether the proposal put forward by Senator Dardis or the narrower definition in the Bill ...
Except that Senator Dardis takes the precaution of putting in a lead in clause which refers to the impact on an individual and duly recognises impairment. The example I gave could not be regarded as ...
I would hate to be demoted to the Lower House.
Two substantial issues have emerged during this debate. I am glad the Minister highlighted the point that there is a looseness in the Bill. However, one must consider the ridiculous interpretations ...
It is narrow in places and wide in others.
Not with the concept of partnership the Senator's party is considering with the left wing elements of Fianna Fáil.
I am delighted to hear the views of the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil on this issue which I hope will transfer to recognition of trade unions in the workplace. This has been resisted in other...
I asked the Minister whether this aspect was covered in earlier legislation and I thank him for his comprehensive reply. I accept there are difficulties regarding the question of political beliefs, e...
I move amendment No. 6: In page 13, subsection (3)(a), line 2, to delete “65” and substitute “70”. I am moving this amendment on behalf of Senator Lee. This is a very simple amendment which relates t...
Discussions on employment have regularly focused on creating employment opportunities for unemployed or younger people. I reject the idea that retirement is important in order to create employment op...
Alleged behaviour.
There are four options being proposed. We are talking about harassment in the workplace. It is agreed that this goes on and that it is demeaning and unacceptable and we should have legislation to dea...
Someone is going to suggest that we teach seduction processes and techniques in primary schools.
I am reassured to hear the Minister's views on this matter and I am happy to go along with them. In considering the issue, I would ask the Minister to bear in mind the thinking behind that form of w...
Indeed. It may be reasonable in normal terms. Someone coming from a sheltered background might for various reasons not be able, to use Senator McGennis's words, to be as robust about some of these i...
Employment Equality Bill, 1996: Committee Stage (Resumed).
I move amendment No. 27: In page 26, subsection (1)(a)(ii), line 2, to delete “violent”. I am moving the amendment on behalf of Senator Lee. Does the Minister consider it is necessary to include the ...
I find the Minister utterly convincing——
——on this issue. I hope the Minister will be amenable to me on other issues. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Amendments Nos. 28 to 30, inclusive, not moved.
I move amendment No. 31: In page 26, subsection (2)(b), line 20, to delete “with the consent of the Minister,”. I am also moving this amendment on behalf of Senator Lee. This issue arises where the M...
On the basis that the Minister will consider an alternative before Report Stage, the amendment is not being pressed. Amendment No. 33 not moved. Section 32 agreed to. Sections 33 and 34 agreed to. SEC...
I move amendment No. 35: In page 34, subsection (1)(a), line 28, to delete “reasonable” and substitute “necessary”. I move this amendment on behalf of Senator Norris, who is indisposed and will return...
We must ensure that action is not taken in a way that would be offensive or that it is not used as a defence. By not allowing it to discriminate on the grounds I listed, including the disability gro...
On a point of order, the Senator is allowed to refer to Senator Norris in his absence. However, he is not allowed refer to his absence.
On a point of order, it had to be “or” because of the way the Bill is drafted.
Yes.
I did not suggest that.
The Bill allows them to consider private lives.
I stated it; there was nothing to concede.
In all honesty, some of the Minister's replies to me were somewhat specious. I will deal with them and may stand to be corrected. As to what is and is not available, the record will show I did not st...
That is ridiculous.
This demeans the whole debate. I cannot believe what Senator McGennis has said and I do not know from where she got it. I deal with members of boards of management every day of the week. They are pe...
Adjournment Matters. - Media Identification of Asylum Seekers.
I wish to raise the matter of the identification of asylum seekers by the media. I am concerned about some developments. We discussed the Refugee Bill, 1996, at length in the House and had many diff...
I take the Minister's point and I accept her bona fides on the matter. However, a mistake occurred and it is not good enough just to ask the media to have restraint. Will the Minister assure the Hou...
Will the Department inform the newspaper editors between now and then?
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