Results 2,181-2,200 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Twomey was not in this House in 1983 to 1987. He should read the history books and the history of the party he represents.

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I did not interrupt the Senator, I assisted him.

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I referred to facts.

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I agree with Senator McCarthy. We have agreed to an all-day debate on the fishing industry. There is a great amount of jobs and potential in this area. The criminal offences to which Senators McCarthy and O'Donovan referred must be addressed as a matter of urgency. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, who was a distinguished Member of the House as front bench spokesperson on...

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: It is hard to take defeat. It is now two years since Senator Twomey was defeated and we must all get over it. I lost my seat on the same day as Senator Twomey.

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Twomey was a worthy representative of the people of Wexford as I was of the people of Westmeath. There is that evil thing called the Constituency Commission and those who represent us on the Constituency Commission took my seat away. I do not know the reason Senator Twomey lost his seat but I am sure it is a valid reason the same as how I lost mine.

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I understand the anger among the public. Fortunately, Senator Twomey had a job to go back to but the people I am referring to have lost their jobs. They are standing in dole queues, which Senator Twomey and I do not have the experience of doing.

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Others see less money in their pockets. Many find it difficult to access credit from banks when they have no job, and it is no wonder many are angry and disappointed. If Fine Gael or Labour were in power, they would have to face the same difficult choices we have had in governing and they would have faced the anger of voters if roles were reversed. Whoever is in power must face the same...

Seanad: Elections of June 2009: Statements (11 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Minister of State with responsibility for housing is with us today. A third of all homes built since the foundation of the State were built in the past ten years. That is a record we can stand over and for which we deserve credit. We spent a significant amount on infrastructure in the past ten years which was twice the EU average. The money was spent on schools, roads, rail and...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: We echo the Cathaoirleach's very kind remarks and wish Alan well. We spoke last week of how proud we were of his achievement in becoming a Member of the European Parliament. We hope the experience he has gained in the Seanad will stand him in good stead in the many years to come as a Member of the European Parliament. The Order of Business is No. 1, Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 —...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Keaveney, Ormonde, Calley, Bacik and McFadden expressed strong views on Crumlin hospital, which has been an outstanding hospital for decades. We have all played our part in fundraising and supporting the causes of those who have worked hard to fundraise for that hospital. Anything we can do to assist those running that hospital will be done. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: That has been the case not simply for one election but for the past seven elections dating back to the 1981 election. Other than myself, there is only one Senator in the House who fought the election in 1981. We must bear in mind these experiences and in Seanad reform we must address the situation that has been presented to us. It will be addressed and there will be meaningful Seanad reform.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Senator represents a constituency only 34% of whose members vote.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: This is Bloomsday and the Senator, who is a representative of Bloom in the House, should make truthful contributions in this week of importance, as pointed out by the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Fitzgerald, Norris, Ormonde, Regan, Walsh and Donohoe called for a debate on the Lisbon treaty and the forthcoming referendum, following the deliberations of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Europe. It is my intention that the Minister or the Taoiseach will come before the House to update it on the deliberations that are taking place this week. Many good and...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: It is a respectful decision taken by everyone concerned and it allows everyone to vote under the same conditions for the 15 hours allowed for voting on voting day. This is a respect which the media, in fairness to them, have always shown and the convention should be continued. Senator Hanafin also asked for a two-day debate to allow all parties to make their policies known to the people and...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re renewal of provisions of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act; tributes to a former leader; No. 2, Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 - Committee Stage; and No. 35, Private Members' business, motion 32 regarding the information and communication technology sectors. It is proposed that No. 1 shall be taken at the conclusion of the Order...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: In what year was the judgment to which the Senator refers?

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Healy Eames, O'Toole, MacSharry, Coffey and Buttimer expressed strong views on the difficulties being experienced by home owners, particularly those who have lost their jobs. The banks and the Government must play a part and I support the calls for assisting those who are on the margins. Home owners with good track records should be given extensions to their mortgages and allowed...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I provided an update for Senators last week and if further progress is made this week I will revert to the issue on tomorrow's Order of Business. Senators O'Toole, O'Donovan, Hannigan, Leyden, Coffey, Callely, Ormonde, Coghlan, Ó Murchú, Ó Domhnaill and Buttimer expressed strong support for rural bus services. I commend the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó...