Results 2,681-2,700 of 3,476 for speaker:Charlie O'Connor

Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I welcome the opportunity to make my contribution and thank Deputy Chris Andrews for sharing time with me. I am sure Deputies will expect me to mention Tallaght at some point in my contribution and I certainly intend to do so. The Public Transportation Regulation Bill 2009 is an important piece of our public transport regulation infrastructure. We have waited several decades for its...

Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (11 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I just about have my ticket. If the Minister of State can use his influence to get additional tickets for me, I would welcome it. I support the revitalisation of the transport system throughout the Dublin region. When I was very small I witnessed tram tracks being pulled up. Deputy Chris Andrews reminded us that Todd Andrews was in charge when the Harcourt line closed. I often wonder...

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I thank Deputy O'Rourke, who is difficult to follow.

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I will.

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I am comforted by the fact that so many Labour Deputies, led by Deputy Eamon Gilmore, have entered the Chamber to hear what I have to say. Deputy Pat Rabbitte is also welcome. I was interested in everything the Minister said, particularly his statement that never before-----

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: -----has so much information and advice and so many expert reports been published in the run up to a budget. He was correct. I heard a contributor to Marian Finucane's programme recently who asked for the budget, but there are three more weeks to go in this process.

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: Every organisation in the country is contacting us. I expect that Deputy Rabbitte is receiving the same mail as me. People are contacting us from all over our constituency to tell us their views and what should be done. We have met a number of organisations in recent weeks. For example, we met the Carers Association last week. We have also met students and a farming group. I know that...

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I will not tell the Deputies. It is important that we listen to all of our groups. I want to say clearly that Fianna Fáil must continue to do what it has done throughout the decades.

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: It must look after those who-----

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I will not take a lecture from the Labour Party or its various incarnations on previous payments to the vulnerable.

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: Members know that I am genuine when I say that those on the margins must continue to be protected. They are under more pressure than anyone else. As many Deputies have stated, including the nice people on the Labour benches, there is a new poor, people who never had to face the dole queue or look for assistance but are now doing so. I am glad to hear Deputies from every party discussing...

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I am trying to be fair in this situation and I am not afraid to represent those who are suffering, angry and vulnerable.

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: Is the Acting Chairman waving at me?

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I hope that the one message to come from this debate will be the need for recovery, job creation and continued investment in our infrastructure.

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: Not to be too parochial, but the Minister for Education and Science gave a good presentation to the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party, as one would expect. I told him that I was glad he was not suggesting that the lights would go out. We still need the building sector. Let us not forget that building schools is important, as it will provide employment and help people. I want to mention two...

Written Answers — Physical Education Facilities: Physical Education Facilities (17 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 493: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans for the provision of a physical education hall for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41835/09]

Adoption Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: I welcome the opportunity to make a brief contribution on the Adoption Bill 2009 and I thank my colleague, Deputy Niall Blaney, for allowing me share his time. It is important that we would note that the objects of this Bill include ratification of the Hague Convention; to provide for inter-country adoptions on a statutory basis to be in accordance with the standards set out in the...

Adoption Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: Will the Acting Chairman, Deputy Costello, protect me or will I protect myself?

Adoption Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: Deputy Durkan is a good man. I have no complaint with him. I am trying to make a serious point, that every day there are constituents telephoning us, calling to us and coming to our offices about all sorts of issues. It is interesting to note in the midst of the current situation that while one would expect that people would come to us about issues of social welfare, housing, poverty,...

Adoption Bill 2009 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (18 Nov 2009)

Charlie O'Connor: Yes, I remember quite a lot.