Results 3,681-3,700 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: The answer is no. The Dáil is not sitting either.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: I will revert to the Senator on the matter, but there is a genuine reason.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: I am not blaming them.

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Statements (21 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: The Senator is hoarse.

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Statements (21 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: I hope the Senator is not blaming the Gooch for his catching a cold.

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Statements (21 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: It happens to the best of us.

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Statements (21 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: I thank Senator Mooney, the spokesperson for the Government side, for allowing me to speak first for eight minutes. Senator Mooney will take 12 minutes. I welcome the Minister to the House at a difficult time for the tourism industry. When we look back on 2009 it will be seen as one of the most difficult years ever experienced in tourism. Everybody was looking forward to the early part of...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the national housing development survey report; No. 2, statements on the Food Harvest 2020 report; and No. 35, Private Members' business, motion No. 17 regarding the treatment and management of diabetes. It is proposed that No. 1 shall be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 2.55 p.m. if not previously...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Twomey, O'Toole, Hannigan, Boyle, Buttimer, O'Malley, Norris, Coghlan, Harris, Mooney, Leyden, O'Reilly, Bacik, Bradford, Mullen, Phelan and McCarthy all made excellent suggestions as regards the forthcoming debate on the need for a series of four budgets. The Minister will be in the Seanad tomorrow for an all-day debate on all of these matters. All of the excellent suggestions and...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Mullen asked for an update from the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Ó Cuív, on section 246 of the 2005 Act. I will request that the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, who has always been forthcoming in response to requests from me to come before this House, come to the House to discuss the matter. Senator Mullen also asked about the animal health and welfare Bill. I will obtain...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Before I announce the Order of Business, on my own behalf and that of the House, I extend deepest sympathy to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, and his wife, Mary, on the tragic loss of their daughter. It is a very sad time for them and their family. The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the current overcrowding levels in Irish prisons, to be taken at the conclusion of...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Keaveney, Ross, McCarthy, Coghlan, Buttimer, Healy Eames, Feeney, O'Reilly, Norris, Mooney, Dearey, MacSharry, Donohoe and Ó Murchú all called for further debates on the forthcoming budget. For the past few weeks we have debated the finances of our country, the banking difficulties and the challenges facing the Government and all parties in both...

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: The Bill before the House is extremely important. It is our job to represent the local authority members who have placed their trust in us for many years. It is an honour and a privilege to be elected to the Seanad. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, for coming before the House and, as on many previous occasions, giving of his time. He is fully supportive of the local...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: I want to inject balance into this debate because there seem to be a few inaccuracies. I have had the unique distinction of serving in both Houses. It is a marvellous experience and a wonderful privilege.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: I do not see anything wrong with colleagues serving in either House and going on to become a member of the Cabinet or the President of Ireland as has happened.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: People have moved on from this House to become Taoiseach, the first lady Tánaiste and the first lady leader of a party. There are members of the Cabinet who served in this House where they gained tremendous experience. Being a member of the Upper House is a privilege and gives one experience such that when one serves in the Dáil one is at a distinct advantage on one's first day in office...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Of Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, of course. It was in 1977 and the Taoiseach of the day was Jack Lynch.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: She was party leader of the Progressive Democrats. I have checked all my facts. I have been here a long time, for longer than most; only one other person has been here longer than me. To put the record straight, when I became a Member of the House in 1982, the Seanad sat for about half a day every week. The situation changed and colleagues now on the Independent benches should know that...