Results 381-400 of 1,338 for speaker:Kathleen O'Meara

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Mining Leases. (22 Oct 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I note from my files on this matter that the Minister of State replied to this matter when I last raised in April. This is at least the third time I have raised it as a Member of this House. The Minister of State reported to this House last April that an order has been issued and he also said that he was pleased to inform me that the document...

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Mining Leases. (22 Oct 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I thank the Minister of State for his extensive reply. In relation to the required legislation, the SRK report is very extensive and has set out in great detail what is required. It is not a quick fix solution by any means but the work is done, with €420,000 spent in drawing up that remediation plan. What plans, if any, are under way to draw up that legislation? Has it reached the Office of...

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Mining Leases. (22 Oct 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: Can the Minister of State supply me with the road map?

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Mining Leases. (22 Oct 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I am sure the Minister of State will supply me with it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I agree it is urgent that we have a debate on the implications for the legal system and our democracy of what happened at the Central Criminal Court yesterday. There is a sense of horror abroad at this and that we have among us the type of criminals who will engage in such utter and complete contempt for our system. We feel helpless in the face of this contempt and it cannot continue. Senator...

Seanad: Humanitarian Issues in Post-War Iraq: Statements. (4 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I call Senator Minihan.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (4 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: We welcome this Bill in principle and will not be opposing it on Second Stage. I intend, however, to put down a series of amendments to the Bill because, like Senator Finucane, I do not think it goes far enough. I note the Minister's general remarks with regard to the changing environment surrounding television not only here but in the European and global contexts. One has to take this into...

Seanad: Insurance Industry Reform: Motion. (5 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I second the amendment to the motion.

Seanad: Insurance Industry Reform: Motion. (5 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I wish to share my time with Senator McCarthy. I thank the Tánaiste for her comprehensive statement.

Seanad: Insurance Industry Reform: Motion. (5 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: The Tánaiste has delivered a comprehensive statement to the House, which is welcome. It puts on the record exactly where the Government currently stands on the matter and is very useful, as is tonight's debate. I do not doubt for a moment the Tánaiste's commitment to bringing forward legislation. I welcome her announcement that her part of the arrangement will be honoured next week with the...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I reiterate the points made by Senator Finucane. My amendment No. 5 proposes that a specified percentage of funding be allocated to community broadcasters. It is a pity the Bill does not go further in this regard. We made this point extensively on Second Stage. It has come up in the discussions between certain groups and the Minister's officials. The Bill is deficient in this regard....

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: The Minister referred to a generalised approach. While such an approach might be designed to mean everything, it usually means very little. Unless something is stated specifically in legislation, there is no guarantee that it will happen. In fact, there is every likelihood that it will not happen. We have enough experience to know this is the case. Therefore, I am disappointed with the...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I move amendment No. 2: In page 4, subsection (1)(a), lines 15 and 16, to delete "on Irish culture, heritage and experience" and substitute "the diversity of culture, heritage and experience on the island of Ireland". The Minister stated that the aim of this legislation is to provide additional high quality programmes for the audience and not for the programme makers. That is an important and...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I neglected to mention the global issue, which the Minister dealt with in his reply to Senator Quinn. An opportunity will be lost if this issue is not examined. I will put down an amendment to that effect on Report Stage. I would like to respond to Senator Quinn's proposal in respect of current affairs. His amendment suggests that current affairs be included in this fund. I fundamentally...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I move amendment No. 4: In page 4, subsection (2), between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following new paragraph: "(c) the start-up costs of community broadcasters,". Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I move amendment No. 6: In page 5, subsection (4), line 30, after "circumstances" to insert "and may in particular require that funding be allocated on a thematic basis during periods specified in the scheme". Amendment No. 6 is designed to ensure that funding be allocated on a thematic basis. However, in light of what the Minister has already said, I do not feel it will be accepted. I would...

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I move amendment No. 7: In page 5, subsection (8), line 41, after "scheme" to insert "or an amendment to a scheme". This is pretty much a technical amendment which seeks to insert "or an amendment to a scheme" after "scheme". It is helpful.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: No.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: It is largely a drafting amendment.

Seanad: Broadcasting (Funding) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Nov 2003)

Kathleen O'Meara: I strongly support Senator Quinn's proposal. I am glad the Minister is considering it positively because, unless it is included in the Bill, its objective will not be achieved. The Minister stated its inclusion could cause problems in the system. Let us see what those problems are and iron them out. The amendment is very important and I strongly urge the Minister to take it on board....