Results 201-220 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Rail Services and Related Transport Matters: Statements. (14 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank Senator Dooley for sharing his time. Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have excellent spokespersons on transport in Senator Dooley and Senator Browne, respectively. They are bright, interesting and know what they are talking about. On a separate issue, Senator John Paul Phelan must the youngest Acting Chairman in any parliament in Europe. Well done to him. I am glad the Minister, Deputy...

Seanad: Rail Services and Related Transport Matters: Statements. (14 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Iarnród Éireann should go out and look for business. They should say, "We have the rail tracks, we need freight and we want to get the going rate for it." We should lift freight of all kinds from the roads to the rail. The cost-benefit analysis shows there would huge advantages.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Digital Hub Development Agency Bill, 2002 – Committee Stage (resumed), to conclude no later than 1.30 p.m.; No. 2, European Communities (Amendment) Bill, 2002 – All Stages to be taken today; No. 3, statements on Northern Ireland, to be attended by the Taoiseach, to be taken at 5 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m; No. 9, motion No. 16 re the abolition of the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: That is a mistake. I regret very much that the House was notified of an incorrect time as a result of human error. The debate on the Estimates will take place between 1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: We have a voice in the parliamentary party.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Would the Senator like to come?

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Hayes, the leader of Fine Gael in the House, spoke about the Estimates and asked if there would be a free vote. We will vote freely for Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: There was a further point regarding ministerial salaries in which he asked if Ministers would take a reduction in same. The Minister for Finance will be here tomorrow afternoon and the Senator could ask him that question. Senator Norris asked about the craft which ply in EU waters, as did Senator MacSharry. I am very appreciative of Senator Minihan who sent me a note stating that under...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Since 1996 all ships must have a double hull. While 2015 is a long way off I wanted to give the Senator the exact position. We will have to see if that can be advanced in any way and, perhaps, that is a matter for the Minister when he goes to the ministerial Council meetings. It is a terrible disaster. The Ceann Comhairle's room is not a matter for this House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator McDowell spoke about the freezing of developmental aid. I suggest he raise that matter tomorrow on the Estimates debate with the Minister for Finance. Senator MacSharry referred to the types of vessels which are still allowed in our waters and the protection of our waters. I do not think anything can protect against what happened in Galicia. It is catastrophe. As I said to Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Coghlan cannot attend our meeting. Senator Dooley spoke of the Opposition's hypocrisy in seeking a free vote. Senator Terry raised the issue of flooding in west Dublin. That matter has been tabled for discussion on the Adjournment by another Senator. I understand that only the Senator who tabled the matter can speak on it. Senator Terry, echoed by Senator O'Meara, also raised the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I see. It was a joke.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ulick Burke expressed his feelings about Senator Mansergh's reference to Justice Flood. The time for discussing such issues is when the debate is taking place. I am surprised the Senator did not comment then.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator was in the House. I saw him. It is a bit old hat to raise this matter three days later. That is my opinion.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator could have shouted it out.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ross also referred to Senator White's intention to travel to Columbia. We have already dealt with that matter. He also asked for a full debate on benchmarking. We look forward to hearing the Senator's lively contribution on the Estimates tomorrow afternoon. I know he has firm ideas on this issue. The Senator is welcome back from his break.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It will be one hour in total. The Taoiseach's office has informed me that he will make a statement of 15 minutes. I have yet to clarify whether he requires five minutes at the end. That will mean not more than five minutes for each speaker.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It has not been abandoned. Order of Business agreed to.

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I welcome the Taoiseach. We are honoured. The House appreciates his visit. A month ago the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, visited the House when we had an excellent debate on Northern Ireland. It is good that the two Governments have tried to fill the vacuum and that despite the suspension they continue to work together. The publicity given to the...

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (20 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: On behalf of the Members of the House I thank the Taoiseach for coming here today and for speaking frankly and openly. I suggest that Senator Ross has read what he wants to read and not read what he does not want to read.