Results 481-500 of 1,338 for speaker:Kathleen O'Meara

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: With regard to the changes in social welfare provision and entitlement announced yesterday by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan, will it be possible to debate what are severe restrictions in regard to the applicability and availability of such entitlements? I understand that the changes will be introduced by regulation. One ought to be reminded of the recent Supreme...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: Would they have to establish residency in order to be entitled to social welfare or will this only apply to those from accession states?

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: I support Senator Feeney's remarks, some of which I did not hear. Will the Leader look at the status of women in sport because it is clear that, in many instances, they are treated as second class citizens in the sporting area? I support the call for a debate on the need for balanced and sustainable rural development not only in the context of one-off rural housing, which is important, but...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: They did.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: I too wish to add my voice to the comments condemning the atrocity in Madrid. Will the Leader seek from the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment early clarification on the issue of the European working time directive, specifically in terms of how it applies to junior doctors? Will she also inquire from the Minister of Health and Children about the state of negotiations...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (11 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: I wish to share time with Senator Browne.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (11 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: Much of what I wanted to say has already been said. I welcome the general structure of this comprehensive, reforming and much needed legislation which will modernise the administration of the Garda Síochána, set up the independent complaints commission, and most important, set up the joint policing committee structure which, I hope, will incorporate public views and ensure those served by...

Seanad: Agency for the Irish Abroad: Motion. (24 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: So was his family.

Seanad: Agency for the Irish Abroad: Motion. (24 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: I welcome the Minister and the sincere tone of his remarks, but the content of his speech was an exercise in pretence, masking the reality of doing very little. The following line in the Minister's speech sums up best the attempted spin to convince Members that something is being done. It is a reminder more of 1984 rather than 2004. We are not opposed in principle to the establishment of an...

Seanad: Agency for the Irish Abroad: Motion. (24 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: Deputy Kitt further stated: The Minister has decided, therefore, at least as a first step, to establish a dedicated unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs, when staff resources become available after the EU Presidency. That just sums it up. That means that when staff are less busy they will be asked to do something about the Irish abroad, because of the problem with the Opposition giving...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: I support the point made by Senator Brian Hayes on the EU summit. In particular, I wish the Taoiseach and the Irish Presidency well in advancing unity and agreement on the proposed constitution. Last December, it seemed as if this would not be achieved in the six months of the Irish Presidency. However, if progress can be achieved in the coming days and weeks, we would fully support the...

Seanad: Maritime Security Bill 2004: Second Stage. (31 Mar 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: The legislation stems from our support for UN protocols arising from the events of 11 September 2001. Why has it taken two and a half years for the legislation to come before the House? The Minister of State, Deputy Browne, stated that it is urgent that this be dealt with in the context of the EU Presidency and of what happened recently in Madrid. The world was alerted to a whole new threat...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: I will not stretch the Cathaoirleach's patience. I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes for a debate on the referendum. I also seek clarification from the Government, through the Leader, as to what its intention is in the matter. We should know from the history of the past 20 years that changing the Constitution requires the most careful consideration.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: A great deal of thought should be put into it. We should also be aware that using the Constitution for political purposes is a recipe for disaster.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: There can be no question of holding a referendum on 11 June and it is absolutely essential that the Government states this as soon as possible. I add my voice of thanks and congratulations to the sub-committee of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for its sterling work on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings issue. I ask the Leader to suggest that the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: We have to be concerned about that. To some extent we feel helpless and hopeless in terms of dealing with this matter. However, as a sovereign State and member of the European Union, particularly in our Presidency role and against the background of the proposed visit by President Bush in the coming months, we must be cognisant of what is happening there. My colleague, Senator Ryan, asked the...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (1 Apr 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: The Senator should take up the matter with the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Apr 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: What about Government policy?

Seanad: Disabilities Bill: Motion. (28 Apr 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: I move: "That Seanad Éireann, condemning the continuing delay in the publication of the Disabilities Bill and noting the clear indication from the Government that this legislation will not constitute a rights-based approach, calls for the urgent introduction into the Oireachtas of a rights-based Disabilities Bill incorporating an objective assessment of the needs of disabled persons." I...

Seanad: Disabilities Bill: Motion. (28 Apr 2004)

Kathleen O'Meara: If the Minister of State would like to listen, he might hear——