Results 341-360 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Dec 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: This morning, Senator O'Toole raised an important question for Members as legislators. While the item in question will not grab any headlines, I regard it as a fundamental issue for Members. I refer to the unfortunate woman who, in the festive season, sits outside Leinster House, day in and day out. She is cold, wet, embarrassed and feeling hurt. I understand the House's procedures, and it is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Dec 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Over the years I have found that this House plays a significant role in debating public issues and bringing balance to bear on many of them. I have had an uneasy feeling for some time that there is a perception abroad about the negation of due process. The House should debate this issue. Whether it is a Minister, a private citizen or whoever, everyone is entitled to due process.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Dec 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: This matter often develops into a national blood sport.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Dec 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: A bandwagon will eventually begin moving and we will not be able to stop it. Our justice system is one of the finest in the world. We must defend and protect it. Ordinary citizens and objective observers must know we do not conduct trials by media, public perception or whatever else the case may be. I will not refer to a specific case as there are currently a number. I strongly appeal to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Dec 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Maidir leis an Acht teanga, i ndáiríre níl an reachtaíocht sin ann ach le tamall an-ghearr ar fad, agus is reachtaíocht an-radacach agus an-bhunúsach í, a chruthaíonn go bhfuilimid i bhfabhar na Gaeilge agus dáiríre maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge i saol an Stáit. Do thuigeamar i gcónaí go mbeadh dúshlán faoi leith ann chun an reachtaíocht sin a chur i bhfeidhm, ach ní...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jan 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We have debated the plight and aspirations of the Palestinian people on several occasions in the House. This is underlined by the existence of an active Palestinian friendship group operating among Oireachtas Members. Any democrat must be pleased when elections take place and all parties commit themselves to those elections to determine the will of the people. I was disturbed to hear some...

Seanad: Appropriation Act 2005: Statements. (26 Jan 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Senator Daly without interruption please.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Feb 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: To some extent, Members should feel pleased that 1916 is being discussed in these Houses. It is no longer a matter of "Who fears to speak of Easter week". In many ways, we must be careful that in endeavouring to build bridges, we do not become apologetic for what we are. I have always supported the idea of commemorations because I never thought of them in terms of physical force. I thought of...

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Statements. (2 Feb 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Senator Norris has one minute remaining.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We lost a great opportunity to create dialogue with people in the Muslim world when it was realised that they perceived that offence had been given. Instead of meeting and discussing the issue, people allowed attitudes to harden as further newspapers reprinted the cartoon. Evidently, some took the attitude that they did not want to engage with those who felt they had been offended. Like...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: One of the issues that we have discussed most often here in this House is health. There are times I feel that perhaps we should also endeavour to strike a balance. In recent times I have been dealing with several families who have had to avail of hospital services and invariably they have been high in their praise of the service which they have received. We need to say that, if for no other...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: There are communities, particularly in urban areas, who are devastated by anti-social behaviour. Young married couple wishing to rear their children in a safe, dignified environment cannot do so because of unabated thuggery. Defenceless old people, who should have our protection and deserve our voice, are terrorised in their homes. In their twilight years they are entitled to some...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We all agree that what took place last Saturday, which has been condemned by all right thinking people, was outrageous. The question has been asked as to whether the group from Northern Ireland should have been allowed to parade in O'Connell Street. The decision to allow the group to march down O'Connell Street was correct, particularly since it came down here to highlight and remember the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Garda Síochána has emerged from this affair in a way that will do much good in the long term. This is not solely due to the restraint demonstrated by the force but also to the compassion it showed those caught up in the riots. The gardaí put the safety of these people before their own. None of us should use this occasion for political or other purposes.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In many ways, the Orange Order could learn lessons from this affair. The order is one of the most bigoted organisations on this island.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Orange Order should purge itself of its anti-Catholicism and become part of the new evolution which is taking place in this country.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Mar 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We will lose opportunities if we do not do this.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Mar 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support Senator Ryan's request for an urgent debate on the imminent humanitarian disaster in Kenya and surrounding countries. The international community will have to live up to its obligation because it will not be able to claim ignorance in this regard. This is a situation which was never experienced before. If urgent action is not taken we will again be watching decaying humanity on our...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Mar 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It was recently announced in the media that the original copy of Amhrán na bhFiann, our national anthem, is for sale. It is feared that it might end up in a private collection outside the country. This document is an important part of our heritage and history. In the past, we have purchased such items to ensure they remain in this country, for example, the Joyce manuscripts. It is important...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: A debate on the Marino Institute of Education might be helpful, because most Members are not privy to all the details and depend on media reports. All Members will agree that many conflicting views have been put forward. For example, yesterday I listened to the Minister for Education and Science, who stated that the Department's inspectorate was quite happy with the academic standards...