Results 321-340 of 1,338 for speaker:Kathleen O'Meara

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (28 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (28 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: While I welcome the provisions of the Bill, I agree with Senator Terry. It is our position that the Bill does not go far enough and, therefore, we will not support it on Second Stage. The Minister of State pointed to the advances that have been made in this area, but it is worth recalling that, to a large extent and until the onset of Celtic tiger economy, this country had to be dragged,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 May 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I support the call for a debate on the findings of the OECD report, which, from accounts in the media, seems to be extremely important. It is not the first wake-up call, but it is further evidence that the Government has squandered the boom. Severe problems will arise as a result and the country faces major challenges in managing the economy. It is important to have an early and detailed...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I agree with Senators who have asked for a debate on the failure of the three large banks to reduce interest rates in line with the ECB reduction last week. It is important that the issue of the lack of responsibility taken by the banks in relation to the economy is debated. Many householders across the country will be affected hugely by this decision. I am not sure that the Minister for...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Like the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I agree with Senator White's comments in relation to female participation, not only in the Houses of the Oireachtas but in Irish politics generally. I should point out to the Senator, in case she is not already aware of it, that the Labour Party has achieved 40% female representation in this House and over 30% in our parliamentary party.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: It can be done. I certainly encourage Senator White's efforts in that regard. This week and next some very important discussions are taking place in Brussels on the Fischler CAP reform proposals which will have a major effect on the economy, particularly in relation to life in rural areas. I ask the Leader to make time available, as soon as the discussions are finalised, for a full debate in...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003: Second Stage. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: The Senator needs to conclude.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I am happy to second this motion on an issue of fundamental importance to our democracy, namely, how we organise ourselves, our political parties and our elections, which are the very cornerstone of our system. It is clear that the relationship between business and politics is, if anything, being strengthened by the attitude and actions of Fianna Fáil, in particular, in the current...

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: It is the same for the Minister of State's leader.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: The taxpayer already pays.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Would the Senator prefer private donations instead?

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Only to SIPTU members.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: It does not apply to all of us. I do not get a donation.

Seanad: Election Expenses: Motion. (18 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: What about at Easter?

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Nobody who watched the performance at Croke Park on Saturday night when the Special Olympics World Summer Games were opened could have failed to have been impressed by the huge level of goodwill and sense of celebration of people with disabilities. This is also true of those who participated in or observed the torch runs in towns throughout Ireland last week. The goodwill and positive feeling...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: What about the relevant Minister's responsibility?

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Donoghue, and I thank him for bringing forward this important Arts Bill. The Bill is important because the arts play an important role in society at many levels. This legislation is necessary to clarify the roles of the Arts Council and the Minister, the functions of the council and the relationship between the council, the Minister, local authorities and the...

Seanad: Arts Bill 2002: Second Stage. (24 Jun 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Hear, hear.