Results 321-340 of 11,812 for speaker:Denis O'Donovan

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (12 Mar 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: I formally thank the Minister of State, the Cathaoirleach and the House for putting up with my protracted debate over many days and hours. I acted responsibly in the interests of my community and I am glad that, even though the Bill is passed and Senator McCarthy is technically correct that Cork Port could take over Bantry Harbour, this cannot happen without consultation and without the...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects (1 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: This motion concerns the urgent need for the construction of a new school at Summercove national school in Kinsale in view of the large number of prefab classrooms in the yard and the delay in having this project put together. I would like to share my time with Senator Michael McCarthy.

Seanad: Schools Building Projects (1 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: In 1997 the Department recognised that a new school was warranted. It was originally a small two-teacher school and now has 11 or 12 teachers. What concerns me most is that there is a total of nine prefabs on the school grounds and the square footage of the prefabs quadruples the original size of the old school. It is worrying that one of the prefabs is 26 years old and falling apart,...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects (1 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: I am disappointed with the Minister of State's response in that the cost of renting prefabs year on year represents an approach that is penny-wise but pound-foolish. If the school authority has to continue to operate from prefabs for another ten years, that would represent a further €600,000 plus in rent down the drain. That is the net point. When the school authority was given the go...

Seanad: Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development Report: Statements (28 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Curran. I wish him every success in his new brief and congratulate him on his continued role in office. I have no doubt he has a very important role to play. I am sure he will bring a breath of fresh air to this important brief. To reflect on where we have come from in the past ten or 12 years, I remember being the spokesman on justice in the Seanad...

Seanad: Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development Report: Statements (28 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: Ag leath-uair tar éis a deich maidin amárach.

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: An old hobbyhorse of mine is the fisheries sector. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on fisheries, particularly as a review of the Common Fisheries Policy is imminent and in view of an emerging report which shows the vulnerability of Ireland's fishing stocks. There is no reason that Commissioner Borg could not be invited to the Seanad to debate this. It would add to the Seanad's...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: It is something we should consider for the review.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: I ask for a debate on rural planning, particularly the role of An Taisce. Over the past 20 years I have always been clear that I have no problem with An Taisce, which has an important function in protecting heritage and buildings. When it was set up in the 1980s it was never intended that An Taisce would have a role in objecting to rural once-off housing. I was contacted by a couple who...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: That is a valid point but never in my experience in west Cork has there been an advertisement or an open invitation to join An Taisce or to raise a view. The body lacks transparency. It has a role but not in——

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Apr 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: ——one-off rural housing. With all due respect to An Taisce, the experience of Senator Norris would differ totally from my experiences, which would be similar to the majority of public representatives across the political divide in County Cork.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (13 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: I rise with the same passion and fervour as other speakers but concerning the fishing industry. I have sought a debate on it. There is an old saying in my area of west Cork that one never kicks a man when he is down. The fishing industry from Donegal down the western seaboard to west Cork and Kerry is on its knees, unfortunately. I am greatly concerned that not for the first time in...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (20 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: As a member of the All-Party Committee on the Constitution I have mixed feelings on the blasphemy issue. The Minister is unfortunately in a dilemma. He can either ignore it and leave the 1961 Act as it stands, seek a constitutional referendum which could be divisive and difficult, or legislate for it. I have sympathy for him. The issue was highlighted in Corway v. Independent Newspapers...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: Not to divert from the important issue on which the other Senators spoke, I ask again for a debate on the current review of the Common Fisheries Policy and reiterate my demand for an exclusive 100 mile limit, which I think the Minister is considering. If we do not conserve our stocks the fishing industry and the fish to be eaten in the next decade will deplete. On a more positive note,...

Seanad: Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (27 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: Yes.

Seanad: Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (27 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: No, with all due respect the Senator cannot do that.

Seanad: Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (27 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: I will not allow that now.

Seanad: Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (27 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: It has been ordered that the Minister of State will speak at 4.50 p.m., so Senator Mullen will have to conclude then.

Seanad: Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (27 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: The Senator has one minute remaining and there should be no interruptions please.

Seanad: Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (27 May 2009)

Denis O'Donovan: Unfortunately, it has been ruled on and the Order of Business was agreed to. My hands are tied.