Results 5,001-5,020 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Well done. It was very effective in the overall settlement, that the minors were made wards of court. The Senator also said that we should make known our opposition to Mr. Howard. He went on to make other allegations about what the Chinese are doing. Senator Morrissey spoke about the opening of the port tunnel and the effect it will have on the M50, as well as the gridlock he experienced...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Henry is not in favour of aptitude tests for entry to medical schools and I agree with her. It simply adds another layer on top of the leaving certificate points system. Senator Mansergh commended all involved in the events at St. Patrick's Cathedral and particularly the Church of Ireland personnel and welcomed Mr. John Howard to Ireland. In that context, the Seanad will suspend...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I think he has done that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator also welcomed the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Howard. Senator White spoke about local authorities and the development charges they levy on commercial interests and called for a debate on the small business report which the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, has just issued. With regard to Senator Bannon, if I used a wrong word I apologise and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24, motion 22. No. 1, a motion referred to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service which has completed its deliberations concerning the extension of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 (Prescribed Bodies) Regulations 2006 to additional bodies which now brings to more than 500 the number of bodies covered by the Freedom of Information...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I saw that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: He has said he will do that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Everybody had a great time.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: We were just discussing that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Of trust.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Reliably informed.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes mentioned the Supreme Court ruling which astounded everybody who read it. He referred to young women in predatory relationships and that also relates to young boys. There was a case in the United Kingdom concerning a teacher who subsequently went to jail after appearing in court charged with having an improper relationship with one of her students. Later on, however, she...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ó Murchú spoke about equity and fairness in dealing with the Christian Brothers. He also referred to the need for an independent public inquiry into the Pat Finucane case, particularly in view of the noted collusion of British forces therein. Senator Finucane got a great run on Saturday afternoon, which was as good as any we have seen.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: After the ball was over.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Finucane has done well and seems to have had a good time. He wants the Minister to attend the House. As the Cathaoirleach wisely said, his contribution was based on having a debate on what sporting events should be free to air. Senator Glynn mentioned the Supreme Court ruling and asked if it meant that certain people would be removed from the sex offenders register. I did not read...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Mooney referred to the death of one of the Birmingham Six, Richard McIlkenny. He also raised the INTO campaign whereby children were sent home with a letter to their parents. I have vivid memories of a particular circular which every child in the land received to take home. I do not remember complaining about it. Given that I was the Minister involved, when my second child came home...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator referred to the Comptroller and Auditor General. I constantly seek rent subsidy for needy people, as does the Senator if he is doing his job — I am sure he will be very successful. We cannot on the one hand regret what has emerged in the figures and on the other not accept we are part of the issue through seeking to make representations.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I realise the Senator focused on a particular case. However, I find asylum seekers are the ones plucked out and picked upon. I do not understand why.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Maurice Hayes supported the call for a proper inquiry into the Finucane murder. Senator Coonan referred to Belarus. While I have come across the problem to which he refers, the authorities in Belarus and adjoining countries are clamping down heavily as part of the rights they have acquired as emerging democracies. I know of the sad case of a couple who took a Belarussian child for...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 May 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: We can hardly interfere. It is an internal matter.