Results 2,701-2,720 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I understand amendments have been tabled all round. There is a delay but it is expected the amendments will be ready by the end of this term, which is fair enough. We should have the Bill before us this term and we will press to ensure that is the case. Senator O'Toole raised the matter of an interim report by the committee set up by both Houses to look into the Judge Curtin case. The Deputy...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I thought the Minister made herself clear this morning when she replied on radio. The case which gave rise to the interview was the one where it appeared the Department would not underwrite the costs which were quite hefty. Senator Ryan brought up the matter of Sinn Féin. As stated by Senator Mansergh, Sinn Féin has a democratic mandate but it cannot fulfil it until it gives an absolute...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ryan also brought up the matter of overseas development aid and the 0.7% of GNP promised by the Taoiseach at the United Nations. He asked that we get a proper commitment on that matter. I do not mind — I do not think any of us would — what appellation he gives the Minister of State. The Senator could be called "venerable" which would be another appellation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: To be venerable is very good. Senator Ormonde raised the new framework of qualifications and a seeming dispute between the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Education and Science. We understand a European framework of qualifications is to be adopted by all colleges, including apprenticeships and all such gradings. The sooner that comes out, the better. Senator Finucane asked...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I cannot get out to chase up anyone. Senator McCarthy also inquired when the 2,000 gardaí promised in the Fianna Fáil manifesto would be provided. As I understand it, that measure will be put forward by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the Estimates procedure. Senator Maurice Hayes supported the call for debates on Northern Ireland and the road at Tara. He quoted what...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: There is nothing wrong with that.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I wish to move an amendment to the Order of Business to allow us to take Committee and Report Stages of the Bill. We were originally to conclude deliberation on all Stages at 2 p.m. followed by a sos. I seek permission of the House to use some of the time allocated for the sos to allow us continue the debate until 2.15 p.m.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Minister for coming into the House today and I am glad we can urgently deal with this Bill. The Bill closes a loophole which I did not believe existed but one never knows the way people's opinions vary. The Bill was deemed to be necessary. Everybody approves of the No Name Clubs and discos for young people which allow enjoyment without intoxicating liquor. The Minister and his...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Now.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Committee and Remaining Stages. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Certainly not in a posh restaurant.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Committee and Remaining Stages. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: That must have been before small wine bottles were introduced.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Committee and Remaining Stages. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We could have a pre-legislation discussion.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Committee and Remaining Stages. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: He is right.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Committee and Remaining Stages. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: It would.

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004: Motion for Earlier Signature. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That, pursuant to subsection 2o of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to her.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: As Leader of the House, I also bid the Minister of State welcome. I am sorry that it is not more rousing.

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senators welcomed the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power, and the Tánaiste to the House earlier. Similarly, we are glad that the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, is back in the House. We have welcomed the Minister of State and enjoyed his company on the many occasions on which he has been in attendance. The motion proposed by the Labour Party Senators is extremely focused and all...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: In her speech, the Tánaiste reiterated the comments she has made on radio and in various interviews with media commentators. She spoke clearly about the provision of medical cards, particularly for those on the margins. I refer to those who are deemed to be ineligible for medical cards because they exceed the limits by €5 or €10, rather than those on the margins of society, who are...

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Does the Chair want me to stop?

Seanad: Medical Cards: Motion (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I have used up the minute. I knew by his face that the Cathaoirleach was getting anxious. The new team in the Department of Health and Children, led by the Tánaiste, will ensure that the pleas from the Dáil and the Seanad will find a resonance within the Department as the Tánaiste is engaging in deliberations. I strongly urge the Tánaiste to ensure that the commitment given in 2002 in the...