Results 201-220 of 4,168 for speaker:Susan O'Keeffe

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I share some of the sentiments expressed by Senator Mooney in regard to employment and the IDA and, as mentioned by others, its regional policy. However, I suggest to the Senator that there is, perhaps, a bit of rewriting of history going on in that while this Government did come into office with a pledge for jobs, that pledge is subject to the mess left behind when it took office. One...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: "Entertained" would be the wrong word to use to describe my reaction to the interest Fianna Fáil shows in the constitutional convention. I cannot quite remember for how many years Fianna Fáil was in government-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: -----but during that time the words "constitutional" and "convention" never passed the lips of any of its members. Fianna Fáil never showed any interest whatsoever in establishing a constitutional convention.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: All of a sudden those in Fianna Fáil are expressing shock at the amount of time allocated in respect of the motion relating to the establishment of the convention when their party, in the 50 to 70 years it was in government, never considered setting up such a body.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: The truth does sometimes offend. I welcome last night's statement from the Orange Order. I understand it is seeking a way to ensure that today's 12 July parade in Ardoyne will be held. I trust the day will pass in peace, especially in light of the historic visit to the Seanad by Mr. Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Order of Ireland, two weeks ago. Mr. Nelson came in peace...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: That is a preposterous suggestion.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I object to that.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: The Senator talks about procedures but he is breaking them himself.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: It will only be a missed opportunity if the Senator keeps shouting.

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012: Second Stage (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I welcome the Minister to the House. I welcome this Bill which will allow people chosen on a random basis from the electoral register to participate in the constitutional convention. I appreciate Senator Reilly's comment that the electoral register is not a complete picture of the people who live in the country, but it is a good place to start. If it had been proposed that people would be...

Seanad: Childhood Obesity (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello. Some years ago the county child care committee in Sligo established the Early Years health promotion project which is now co-sponsored by Sligo and Leitrim child care committees in collaboration with the counties' sports partnerships, a community dietician and community workers from the Health Service Executive. What is being done under...

Seanad: Childhood Obesity (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: In regard to cost, the Minister of State's indication that the cost per beneficiary is high is completely at odds with what the managers of the Early Years scheme have told me. Second, while I understand talks have taken place with voluntary education centres with a view to rolling out the scheme across the State, that process of engagement has apparently stalled. As such, the people...

Seanad: Childhood Obesity (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I thank the Minister of State.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I wish to add my voice to those who have spoken about the need for change with regard to alcohol consumption. It is not something I do very often, but if I may I will disagree with Senator Barrett. It does not matter if the figures show that we as a country are third or 23rd in terms of consumption. What matters is that our culture and attitude to alcohol needs to change. The attempts at...

Seanad: Developments in the European Union and Ireland's Presidency of the European Council: Statements with An Taoiseach (18 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Tá fáilte roimh an Taoiseach. I echo the sentiment expressed by others regarding the remarkable disconnect between the politics of Europe and national politics. I would proffer that a more informed public understanding of the European Union would be gained very quickly if a reformed Seanad took on scrutiny of European legislation. This would ensure a more coherent dialogue and debate...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Report and Final Stages (18 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I thank the Minister. We will miss the almost-weekly instalments of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which has become almost a fixture in the Seanad in the last while, but a very valuable one. We are grateful to the Minister for bringing the Bill to the Seanad first. It has been a fine example not just of how the Seanad can operate, but also of how the legislative process can be very a...

Seanad: Presidential Nominations: Motion (18 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: On a point of information, I want to correct the record.

Seanad: Presidential Nominations: Motion (18 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: The Acting Chairman has allowed me to speak. Let it be a point of order then.

Seanad: Presidential Nominations: Motion (18 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: There has been no attempt to stifle anybody.

Seanad: Presidential Nominations: Motion (18 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Well, whatever it is.