Results 421-440 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Protection of the Environment: Motion. (18 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion provided by Article 1.11 of the Treaty of Amsterdam to take part in the adoption of a proposal for an EU Council Framework Decision of the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law, a copy of which was laid before Seanad Éireann on 5 December 2002.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (18 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I wish to propose an amendment to the Order of Business which was agreed earlier today, whereby we take an earlier signature motion in relation to the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002, on the completion of the Statute Law (Restatement) Bill, 2000.

Seanad: Statute Law (Restatement) Bill, 2000 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (18 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I also welcome the Minister of State who came here at speed from the other House, which we appreciate. Yesterday the Seanad debated at length the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002. It was thoughtful and interesting. Members of the other House were annoyed that the Dáil did not have the same time to consider the Bill. If amendments are considered here and there is good time for debate,...

Seanad: Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Motion for Earlier Signature. (18 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I move:

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I was greeting the Minister.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: On a point of information and not wishing to be contentious, I wish to comment on the last point made by Senator Norris. There are people of different race and colour driving buses and trains in this country. I remember 11 such people taking up employment in our transport companies. I know one of them quite well. I see him driving his bus practically every day.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Our transport company employs people of different colour and race.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I did not interrupt Senator Norris. I respect his opinion but I felt I had to correct him on that point. As Leader of this House and the organiser of business, there was no jiggery pokery involved in bringing this Bill to the House. The matter was placed on the Order of Business and was so arranged.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I admire the tenacity of those raising matters on the Adjournment. They are powerful altogether. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his good wishes to all of us in the House and I know other Members will say the same. I thank him for the way he has done his business since we came back fully in October. I extend those good wishes to Deirdre Lane and Jody Blake. I thank them and the other Seanad...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Senator. I appreciate the toing and froing we have among ourselves. Above all, I appreciate the courtesy shown by all. Courtesy is a very important characteristic which enables daily life to proceed in a much more interesting and definite way.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ross will refuse it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It did for all of us.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: He would bring one to it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, the leader of the Fine Gael group in the House, raised the matter of the partnership talks which he called a dead duck and asked if a Minister would come to the House to debate the matter. I do not regard them as a dead duck and hope that, over the dead turkey at Christmas—

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: —people will reflect on and think about a resumption. I doubt greatly that I would find a Minister today to attend a debate in the House on the partnership talks. If we are realistic, we will know this quite well. They have lives like the rest of us. While I take the Senator's point that he wants a Minister to attend, I do not know where I would find one, especially an appropriate one. I...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Mansergh clearly outlined his disquiet and anger that there appears to be a stand-off concerning arrangements which have been in place since 1987, which have been so valuable to this country and which contributed strongly to our economic growth. I share his hope that the parties will come together again. Senator Terry referred to Shanganagh. Although she was here last night during the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I will simply wish everybody a happy Christmas.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes. Order of Business agreed to.

Seanad: Conflict in the Middle East: Motion. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That Seanad Éireann calls on the Government of Israel unconditionally to allow the President of the Palestinian Authority to attend Mass in Bethlehem on Christmas Day. Question put and agreed to.

Seanad: Matter raised under Standing Order 30. (19 Dec 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It is proposed to sit again on Wednesday, 29 January 2003, unless there is a national emergency before then.