Results 4,441-4,460 of 25,799 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013: Second Stage (24 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: I am not sure how stimulating the debate will be, but we will do our best. I very much welcome the Bill and we will support it. As the Leader will attest, I have raised the matter and queried the Bill's progress over the past two years. It has a number of very important aspects, not least the levelling of the playing pitch for bricks-and-mortar operators in towns and villages all over the...

Seanad: Access to Educational and Other Opportunities for People with Disabilities: Motion (24 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: That is no problem. I second the amendment. I thank my Labour Party colleagues for tabling the motion on access to educational and other opportunities for people with disabilities to allow for discussion on the issue. While my colleague Senator Averil Power may have mentioned that in our view it was a little bit general, it is still very important that it be discussed. What really...

Seanad: Access to Educational and Other Opportunities for People with Disabilities: Motion (24 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: -----and initial assessments can tell anyone that it is rubbish.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: As every day passes, in the context of the Seanad by-election and the appointment of Mr. McNulty - the Leader can shake his head all he wants-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: If every Member asks himself or herself honestly whether this has been handled well by the Government, everyone will agree that it has not, leaving politics out of it. However, as every day passes, we are getting more information on this appointment. I have a few questions. I heard the Taoiseach's interview from America. He effectively said he was the Taoiseach, that he was the leader and...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: The Taoiseach has no regard for the Seanad, which is why he proposed to abolish it. He previously tried to undermine a democratic decision regarding the selection of candidates for the banking inquiry. He tried to force through a vote and interfered in the process here. Serious questions remain unanswered about what he and Fine Gael are doing in ensuring Mr. McNulty's candidature is valid....

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Why was the IMMA board not advised of this appointment? More importantly, has it met to ratify Mr. McNulty's application? If one is put forward as a nominee to a board - this would happen in any company - it needs to be ratified at a board meeting. Furthermore, Members received letters this morning outlining that they would receive registered letters tomorrow with the ballot paper to vote...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: I am putting it in context. I formally propose an amendment to the Order of Business for those who are interested in the democratic process and the integrity of this House and the Seanad by-election. No one should be fearful of the Minister coming to the House to answer these questions. I formally request the Cathaoirleach to convene a special meeting of the Committee on Procedure and...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Will the Cathaoirleach convene-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: The Cathaoirleach convenes the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: That is what I am asking the Cathaoirelach to do.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: What other forum, bar this House, is available to examine Standing Orders, for which the Cathaoirleach is responsible, and the electoral process?

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: It has. An individual will sit in the House following the by-election.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: I have the utmost regard for the Cathaoirleach and do not mean to delay the House, but if the by-election is allowed to proceed, an individual will be elected who is not qualified to be in the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: I have a say and all of us should have a say if we care about this House.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Fine Gael might as well have appointed Mickey Mouse. One could put a dog in here instead. I am asking the Cathaoirleach to convene a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges in order that we can discuss how an investigation can be carried out. I have proposed an amendment to the Order of Business.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: I am seeking direction from the Chair on for whom it is a matter because if the Taoiseach is allowed to do this, all he will be doing is treating the House as his own. It is not his.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Jesus, it is absolutely. Do we not care about this?

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Until we get proper answers, I will propose amendments to the Order of Business. I expect the Government-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Fine. I expect the Government parties to accept the amendments. If they want transparency and to get to the truth behind this, they should bring the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht here themselves.