Results 241-260 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Sub-Committee on the Abbeylara Incident: Motion. (27 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That, whereas the Tribunal of Inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of John Carthy at Abbeylara, County Longford, on 20th April 2000 and related matters has requested the Clerk of the Seanad to release to it all documentation in her possession arising out of the work of the Sub-Committee on the Abbeylara Incident (being a Sub-Committee of the Joint...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Order for Second Stage. (27 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: "That Second Stage be taken today." Question put and agreed to.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Today's Order of Business is No. 1, the British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Bill, 2002 – all Stages, with contributions of spokespersons to be not more than 15 minutes and other speakers ten minutes and on which Members may share time, to conclude not later than 4 p.m.; and No. 2, motion for earlier signature of the British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Bill, 2002, to be taken without debate...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank Senator McHugh for those tasks he gave me. Senator Brian Hayes correctly demanded time to discuss the spatial strategy. He also requested that as a result of the debate last night, which was very constructive, we should ask the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Roche, to come to the House to discuss how other European countries could be galvanised to draw...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It would be a bit barren.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ryan also called for a debate on the spatial strategy. He referred to ESB shortages, which I saw reported on television last night. He spoke about the absurdity of Europe not allowing the ESB to build more power stations when the private sector has indicated that it cannot come in until the price range is more attractive.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I mean it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I mean I will come to the point made by Senator Ross. Senator Leyden spoke about the national spatial strategy and the fact that counties Roscommon, Longford and Leitrim had been omitted from it. I noted that this point was echoed later. Members were most vociferous about it this morning. Senator Higgins referred to Eirgrid, about which I had many a spat in the Dáil. They were only sham...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: A holy Mary, yes.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I am not a bit. I am well able to take a drink. Senator Minihan spoke about transition year. I saw the report in a newspaper. It is a very good idea.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It would be useful if the Minister came to discuss it. It is for each school to work out its own programme for transition year. A debate on the matter would be a very good idea. Senator Bannon referred to the spatial plan for counties Longford, Roscommon and Leitrim. He also called for a debate on the linked area of the national development plan. That is a sensible idea. Senator McSharry...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It is fine in principle, but who can say if it would happen in practice, even if it were adopted? I am not sure if it is Senator Ross's idea to ban everyone who is a member of a political party. I do not know anyone who is not politically motivated in one direction or another.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The five Independent Senators. I have my doubts.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ross has had a very chequered political career.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Glynn welcomes the national spatial strategy and why would he not do so with its references to midlands towns such as Athlone, Mullingar and Tullamore? Athlone is at the centre of the three. He requests that the issue of the management of housing estates be discussed. That is a county council matter rather than a national one. We will be told very smartly that we are interfering too...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator McCarthy echoes a call made very strongly yesterday by Senator Minihan to invite the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, to address the House on the flooding issue. I would welcome this and will make inquiries to his office in that regard. I will ask also Senator Minihan to impress upon him that he should come. Senator McCarthy also raised the issue of the licensing laws.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: That is a separate matter entirely. There is legislation being put through on bouncers.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: That is right. While the matter of security personnel is separate, I accept the Senator's point in regard to licensing laws. Senator Dooley inquired if the House could have a monitoring committee on adherence to the national spatial strategy and its implementation. That is a sound idea. Perhaps we could have a monthly debate on the matter. Senator McHugh raised the matter of Turkish imports,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It was a very good debate last night.

Seanad: British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (28 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome the Minister of State. We appreciate that he spent most of yesterday, until 8 p.m., here for a debate on overseas development aid and also attended the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. He is here again this morning before heading to Belfast, which takes some commitment. All sides of the House appreciate that. I also appreciate the various briefing documents on this technical...