Results 3,241-3,260 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke
- Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: I do not understand the reason Senators do not want to hear opposing views, which other Senators are entitled to express.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: We wish to make our submission tonight.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: I liked Senator Maurice Hayes's historical allusion. He expressed the hope that the House would debate the issue. We hope we will do so. I agree that the House should not appear to be lacking in compassion. We do not all live in cosy arrangements. Unfortunately, life is not always a two-up, two-down and everything that goes with it. I have strong feelings on the matter. Senator Henry praised...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: Senator Jim Walsh stated that the Oireachtas should be proactive in discussing the question of civil partnerships. Senator Bannon requested that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment come before the House to debate employment and Senator Hanafin also requested a debate on the issue. Senator Ross wished to discuss the Civil Partnership Bill. He wished the Bill would be debated and...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: It is an issue with which the Minister feels comfortable.
- Seanad: Report of Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: I move: That the report of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on procedure on Second Stage of Bills, dated 10 February 2005, be laid before Seanad Ãireann; that the report be published; and that the report is hereby adopted.
- Seanad: Report of Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: Standing Orders are amended accordingly.
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: I too wish to join in the praise to Senator Norris for his courage which he has displayed in spades for many years in the way he has addressed issues. Before speaking on the Bill I thank the Senator for bringing it before the House where we had an acrimonious mini debate this morning in which, across the House, various insults were heard.
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: Yes. We sound like a bad opera, "oh no, oh yes". He is behind one or in front of one or whatever.
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: I did not, I said a bad opera.
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: No, we are not singing. I wish to echo something the Minister said, namely that it was never the Government's wish to vote down the Bill. I was involved for weeks in seeking to bring about some agreement. Senator Norris will be aware of that.
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: I have spoken with him on a dozen occasions in person and on telephone about his Bill. I have been aware of the Bill from its gestation. I took the trouble to go to see the Taoiseach last Wednesday night on some matters but mostly on this matter and we had quite a thorough discussion on it. I take my duties as Leader seriously so what I am saying is the truth. There was never an intention on...
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: Not really. I regret very much that the word "homophobia" came into the debate. I am not castigating Senator Terry because I have found her to be extraordinarily open and transparent. I regret that the word "homophobia" was heard on this side of the House. Homophobia is a strong, ugly word which I have grave reservations about ever pinning on a person. In its way, it is a form of complete...
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: We are thinking of making him an honorary Senator because he comes here so often and stays for debates on his Bills. We are grateful to him for giving a commitment on this issue. Senator Tuffy raised a point which was echoed by Senator Quinn that stable relationships are the glue in society and I agree. They may be the words used by Senator Quinn. In my view, a couple who love one another,...
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: On a point of order, the Minister is willing to remain in the House for a short time. I propose to change the Order of Business to extend the debate by approximately 20 minutes to accommodate several Senators who wish to speak.
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: As he rolled around.
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.
- Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No 1, statements on the Mental Health Commission Annual Report 2003, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes, Senators may share time and the Minister shall be called upon to reply not...
- Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Feb 2005)
Mary O'Rourke: The Senator is a very focused man.