Results 501-520 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Housing Policy: Statements (12 Oct 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Fine Gael has not done anything there since it got into power.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

Ann Ormonde: The draft register of electors is a mess because local authorities are applying different standards when compiling the register. We should address this serious issue quickly.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

Ann Ormonde: The Senator should wait until the budget.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I endorse Senator Kitt's call for a debate on marketing techniques used by banks in various towns. I have always understood the role of education was to discuss the concept of saving, rather than a specific business coming to promote its wares. While I love the idea of guest lecturers going into schools and having a debate, I condemn the idea that a particular firm could go into a school to...

Seanad: Mental Health Commission Report 2005: Statements (19 Oct 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State and wish him well. He has shown great sensitivity in dealing with the problem of mental health and the quality of mental health services. I was distracted by Senator Norris's beautiful quotation, from memory, of a letter written by James Joyce. I share the author's sentiments as we try to move on from the past. This debate focuses on a vision for change for...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I endorse Senator O'Toole's comments on the workings of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. Anyone who, like me, listened carefully to media reports at lunchtime yesterday will have concluded that the PIAB is in chaos and has a major backlog of work and that most of its claims will ultimately come before the courts. Given the negative media attention the PIAB is receiving, it is good to...

Seanad: Housing Policy: Motion (1 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I thank Senator Brady for sharing time with me and I thank the Progressive Democrats for tabling this motion. I welcome the Minister and look forward to re-reading his script as I agree with many of the points he raised. There is not a family in the country that does not know about this subject. I think every family in Ireland has, at some stage, submitted a planning application.

Seanad: Housing Policy: Motion (1 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I seek only to represent the plain people of Ireland to best improve the quality of life for all. I represent an area that has experienced urban sprawl with between 300 and 400 housing schemes, no community life, few residents' associations and no soul. I welcome the Minister's rural guidelines because I want to see a movement away from large urban areas. I seek a village concept that will...

Seanad: Address by the European Union Ambassador to the United States (8 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the ambassador and thank him for an informed address. He considered the matters of EU membership, enlargement, and the relationship between the EU and the US. I was interested in his vision for 2020. I intend to read his script again as it provided much to consider in respect of the statistics provided on world population. In 2020, only eight of every 100 people in the world...

Seanad: Telecommunications Structures: Motion (8 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I wish to share my time with Senator Mansergh.

Seanad: Telecommunications Structures: Motion (8 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I will be brief because many of the same points have been reiterated. I am glad this motion was put down, even though it was by the Opposition. This debate should take place. Every public representative in Ireland has faced the problem of these masts suddenly appearing. One must agree with aspects of the motion put down by Fine Gael. Concerns are raised when a mast goes up in close...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I support the many Senators who raised the issue of standards in nursing homes. The fact this issue is getting public recognition in the House should give an opportunity to the Leader to arrange a debate. Members will agree we need a debate but the Leader should be given a chance to organise it and arrange for the Minister to come to the House. With regard to pensions, the Minister for...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Of course he will deal with the issue. He is the one person from successive Governments who has grasped the nettle in this regard.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I want to take up Senator Ulick Burke's point on the list of feeder schools. I understood that yesterday's article related to access to third level. The Deputy is correct that many schools on the list did not provide access for special needs students. I spoke to the Minister just yesterday in this regard. She is dealing with the problem and acknowledges that some feeder schools are not...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Everyone is aware of the issue. The Minister would welcome a debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: There have been successive Governments since 1971.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Is Senator John Paul Phelan running as well?

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Absolutely.

Seanad: Homelessness: Motion (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: All the relevant points have been raised. I will take up where Senator Brian Hayes left off regarding the involvement of local authorities. I like the name "MakeRoom" campaign, which says it all. We must find simple accommodation — rooms rather than houses — to facilitate those who want to overcome homelessness. I have often given a great deal of thought to why such people become...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I support Senator O'Toole in regard to the issue he raised on which we should have a further discussion. I ask the Leader to try to arrange a debate with the Minister for Education and Science on her Department's assessment procedures and how it carries out assessments, particularly in State examinations where the problem lies. Another discussion on how we assess special needs students at...