Results 1,001-1,020 of 1,338 for speaker:Kathleen O'Meara

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2002 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages. (24 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I welcome the Bill and I welcome the Minister of State to the House for consideration of these amendments. Clearly, significant amendments were made to this Bill in the Dáil. It is a pity we have only a short period of time and only one opportunity to speak here in the Seanad. Nevertheless, I welcome the Minister's and the Department's open attitudes to the proposals put to them in the...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003: Second Stage. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: The Senator needs to conclude.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I am happy to second this motion on an issue of fundamental importance to our democracy, namely, how we organise ourselves, our political parties and our elections, which are the very cornerstone of our system. It is clear that the relationship between business and politics is, if anything, being strengthened by the attitude and actions of Fianna Fáil, in particular, in the current...

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: It is the same for the Minister of State's leader.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: The taxpayer already pays.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Would the Senator prefer private donations instead?

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Only to SIPTU members.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: It does not apply to all of us. I do not get a donation.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: What about at Easter?

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I agree with Senator White's comments in relation to female participation, not only in the Houses of the Oireachtas but in Irish politics generally. I should point out to the Senator, in case she is not already aware of it, that the Labour Party has achieved 40% female representation in this House and over 30% in our parliamentary party.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: It can be done. I certainly encourage Senator White's efforts in that regard. This week and next some very important discussions are taking place in Brussels on the Fischler CAP reform proposals which will have a major effect on the economy, particularly in relation to life in rural areas. I ask the Leader to make time available, as soon as the discussions are finalised, for a full debate in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I agree with Senators who have asked for a debate on the failure of the three large banks to reduce interest rates in line with the ECB reduction last week. It is important that the issue of the lack of responsibility taken by the banks in relation to the economy is debated. Many householders across the country will be affected hugely by this decision. I am not sure that the Minister for...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Like the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I support the call for a debate on the findings of the OECD report, which, from accounts in the media, seems to be extremely important. It is not the first wake-up call, but it is further evidence that the Government has squandered the boom. Severe problems will arise as a result and the country faces major challenges in managing the economy. It is important to have an early and detailed...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Will the Leader of the House ask both the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Finance to arrange for the three major reports on the health service – the Hanly, Brennan and Prospectus reports – to be published as soon as possible? It would also be helpful if they were published in advance of Government decisions on the service. It is clear that they are widely available...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I specifically recall the debate on the Bill because I had a group here from a school in Nenagh and they were hugely impressed with the idea of an ombudsman for children. Those students have left school at this stage and moved on to third level and it is not acceptable that the Government should drag its heels on this important appointment.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (28 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (28 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: While I welcome the provisions of the Bill, I agree with Senator Terry. It is our position that the Bill does not go far enough and, therefore, we will not support it on Second Stage. The Minister of State pointed to the advances that have been made in this area, but it is worth recalling that, to a large extent and until the onset of Celtic tiger economy, this country had to be dragged,...