Results 2,441-2,460 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I would think so, if they have any sense. Senator Mansergh also spoke about democracy and called for a debate on the annual report of An Post. We can have such a debate and will invite the Minister to whom the report is presented to attend. Senator Norris congratulated the Office of Public Works on the job done at the National Library, which is free to the public and has a shop, a café and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I believe the Senator's brother or some other relation was elected.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We should not let him in here. We could not put up with two of them.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator asked for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House. Senator Browne said that proportional representation should be explained to people and I agree with him. It is mystifying. While we all know where to put our first, second and third preferences, the system is quite complex and there are a great many spoiled votes. The Senator also...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We will inquire into the matter. Senator Lydon called for a debate on the success of the economy. While we have a very successful economy, the electorate has moved on to other issues and approaches. It is certain that the configuration of the Seanad will change come the next election. The votes have been cast and the local authority members elected. It may well be fortunate and correct to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I ask Senator Feighan to excuse me; he referred to the increased turnout on Friday. To explain why I left the Senator out, I note that he is inclined to contribute last. It is a tactic he has adopted and is not a bad one. We can only be pleased about the increased participation of voters in the elections. While we are not pleased at the outcome, we are pleased that voters turned up in great...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, Water Services Bill 2003 — Committee Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 1.30 p.m. This will not be concluded because more than 200 amendments have been tabled; No. 2, Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2003 — Second Stage will be taken from 2.30 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Members will have 15...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I knew that was coming.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Well, the sun is shining.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: A wonderful book.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: What about Ballymahon?

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Cathaoirleach for providing us with the opportunity to pay tribute to Senator Norris. I had the idea this morning at which point it was a question of telephoning the Senator's secretary to have him jump into a taxi to get here. There was no point in praising him if he was not here. He arrived on time. Senator Brian Hayes added his own tribute and that of his party to Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Whatever happens, we are welded together and Senator Bannon should note that we shall not be going to the country. At a parliamentary party meeting yesterday, many Fianna Fáil Members expressed an interest in placing Senator Coghlan's Bill on a statutory footing. Yesterday, the officials said that was a no-no. I will endeavour to see the Minister today, which will hopefully shed a kinder...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I have not read all of it. Senator Ross also said that the Government partners should stop squabbling. We are not squabbling. We are chums.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I was.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator and I have already spoken about that. We have reached a concordat on the matter.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ross referred to the pay talks. As my colleague Senator Mansergh said, the Government is one of the social partners.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The idea that the partners are all there talking without the Government as a partner is wrong. As part of the proposed Seanad reform I have put it to the Taoiseach's Office that this Chamber would act as a monitor, affirmative or not, regarding the issue of the social partnership. This has been accepted. Indeed the Taoiseach suggested it in his submission to the Seanad, which was a very fine...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Bannon put forward the idea we would have a general election. I do not agree. He also raised the issue of radon gas. We laughed at that because of the combination of squabbling and gas. The air is full of it. Senator Ulick Burke raised some timely points regarding third level funding, the special needs teachers announced at the recent education conference, league tables and other...

Seanad: Housing (Stage Payments) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome the Minister of State and the introduction of Senator Coghlan's Bill. Senator Coghlan has had the Bill available for some time and talked to us about it on several occasions. The House was keen that he put forward a Private Members' Bill on this matter. I also thank the Minister for his support for the Bill. He has said he approves of the thrust of the Bill while the legalities,...