Results 2,661-2,680 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: He is a caring Taoiseach who can be relied on regarding those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We have good pensions and we are here for as long as the people elect us. Those of us in secure positions are being called on to share and, in the national interest, we all have to do our bit. I look forward to us doing that for the next two years at least. Senator O'Toole referred to the...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: We have the great ability to do so and we should put our energies and our brains to the best use for the nation.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Bacik called for a debate on climate change. That is a timely call and I will do everything I can to arrange the debate before the Copenhagen convention.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Senator asked for a debate on student charges. This could be raised during the budget debate but I have no difficulty allocating time for such a debate. She also called for a debate on mental health and prisons. Senator Corrigan asked for a similar debate and I have agreed this will take place. Senators Leyden and Mullen called for a debate on the Council of Europe Convention on Action...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: It is the responsibility of another Minister. I fully support the sentiments expressed by Senator Cummins and salute those who are working hard in local councils and have, for generations, given of their time with little gratitude or recognition in return.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I want to come back here too and we will be in a much more difficult position next time than Opposition Senators. They are in a privileged position. Senators Callely and Hanafin expressed their support for the tremendous work being done by the Minister for Finance in the national interest in very difficult circumstances. I commend the Minister, as I did yesterday, and will assist him in...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Mary White called for the introduction of a State supported export credit insurance scheme for the food industry. I agree with her and will arrange a debate on the KPMG report which is of the utmost importance.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: We must protect Irish jobs. We would not be worth our salt, as Senators, if we did not back their protection. I will discuss the matter with Senator White after the Order of Business and hope a debate can be arranged before Christmas. I understand Senator Phelan is celebrating a joyous occasion today. We all congratulate him on the great event and look forward to participating with him later.

Seanad: International Agreements: Referral to Joint Committee (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion provided by Article 1.11 of the Treaty of Amsterdam to take part in the adoption of the following proposed measures: (i) a proposal for a Council Decision concerning the signing of the Agreement between the European Union and Japan on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, a...

Seanad: Hospital Services (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I wish to share time with Senator Glynn. I thank the Cathaoirleach for permitting me to the raise this important matter. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Michael Finneran, who ably served as a Member of this House. I ask the Minister for Health and Children to comment on the reduction in the number of acute beds in...

Seanad: Hospital Services (19 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive reply he has given to Senator Glynn and me. My understanding, on the basis of the information I have been given, is that the consultant staff have not been consulted.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: As Leader, I welcome Senator James Carroll from Monasterboice, County Louth as a Member of this Seanad. He is the first Member of the Oireachtas elected who was born in the 1980s. We welcome this young man to the House today. A UCD law graduate, James has worked in Leinster House with Deputy Margaret Conlon as her parliamentary assistant and has excelled in this area for the past two years....

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I would wish the Minister to make a statement for five minutes to allow colleagues time.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Minister is to be called on five minutes from the conclusion of statements.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, I do.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, McCarthy, Boyle, Ó Murchú, Norris, O'Malley, Buttimer, Ó Domhnaill, O'Brien, Healy Eames, Ellis, O'Reilly, Ormonde, Phelan, Daly, Cannon and Leyden expressed their serious concerns about the horrific weather we have been experiencing in the last few weeks. One's heart goes out to the families caught up in these dreadful events. I like to believe the amount...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: If the House wishes to comment on the Fine Gael proposals-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: -----I have no difficulty with the House sitting on 4 December to consider them.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I will convey Senator Norris's views on human rights.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators O'Malley and Leyden-----