Results 5,201-5,220 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator is very sexist. Senator Brian Hayes, whom I would not have thought would be sexist, asked that the Government would not oppose Second Stage of the Housing (Stage Payments) Bill tonight. I intended to seek that because Senator Coghlan had spoken to me about this. Senator Coghlan has a letter from the Minister which would be of assistance in the debate. Perhaps we can agree on...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Extreme left, yes. Senator Ryan spoke about the serious situation of Palestine and Israel and he sought statements here. He feels that Ireland is besmirched by the official EU line on the matter. Looking at and reading about it, that has struck me several times. I do not know from where the time will come from, but we will make an endeavour in that regard. Senator White asked for the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It would be a good issue for an Adjournment matter.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Cathaoirleach for that good idea and thank Senator White for raising it. Senator Bannon took up the European cause of safe drinking water and then narrowed it down to this country. He stated we have a deteriorating water supply and an aging system of water provision. He referred to the group water systems. I remember when group water systems were the way to go and one would be...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It was near Senator Bannon. I was surprised he was not there.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I am not going to do that because I will be here.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: No, I will be here.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I have sent my regrets. I am sorry, a Chathaoirligh.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Daly stated that the money has been provided for the water schemes for small villages and rural areas but that there needs to be a kick-start mechanism for it. He also raised the particular position of Shannon and the great disquiet and widespread concern about the lack of employment stability in the area, and asked if the Minister for Transport could come to the House. Senator Ross...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Feighan referred to the family law courts. This has come to my attention. All courts, as Senator Scanlon stated, suffer from proposals to put a case further back, etc., but it is particularly hard on family law cases, which are taken in camera and often are traumatic for the people concerned. There is a need for more such sitting days for such courts. That is a point which he could...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: In any case, he supports his colleagues. Senator Scanlon raised the family courts issue and also the waste of Garda time and jury time in cases. I apologise to Senator Browne for neglecting to mention yesterday that he also sought a debate in this House on the sugar beet issue. Next week will be the deciding week for that. He raised it again today and I will carry that forward. I compliment...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Lydon asked that the Genealogy and Heraldry Bill be brought into the House. Senator Mansergh praised the office of the PIAB and the work it has done. He asked did we ever think we would reach the day when we would have the lowest unemployment rate in Europe.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m., spokespersons will have 15 minutes and other Senators ten minutes, and the Minister will be called upon to reply not later than ten minutes before conclusion...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I did.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It is An Daingean.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, Leader of the Opposition, brought up the very important topic of stem cell research. Equally important was the climate in which he wished such a debate to be couched. I fully agree with him. The lead-up to a general election is fertile ground for intolerance. I remember the mid to late 1980s when such an intolerance was expressed. There was a fear that one would have to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I respect what the Senator said. I also feel that everybody's point of view should be tolerated. People have strong feelings one way or another, but I do not condone the use of words like "murderer".

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: That is not to be respected or tolerated. There is no room in such a debate for that kind of name calling. I dread that in the next nine months, black and white stances will be taken on this debate. This is not a black and white issue. If it was, it would be very easy to nail one's colours to the mast.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It is not such an issue. It was very worthy of Senator Hayes to raise the matter in the way he did. He went on to say that he thought political parties would give a free vote to their members. I fear that will not be the case, but I hope the debate will not reach that point. I admire the fact that members of the same parties in Europe were able to divide on the issue without rancour. One of...