Results 521-540 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Domestic Violence: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State and the opportunity to speak on this issue to determine how best to stamp out the dreadful crime of violence against women and men. I am glad the Minister of State has chosen to attend in advance of next week's budget. I too received much documentation. While many Senators have aired the statistics, I want to put to the Minister of State the question of...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: The Senator should withdraw that comment.

Seanad: Further and Adult Education: Statements (30 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: All is not lost for the Minister of State, to whom I am delighted to pay tribute. I looked back at her public life since 1977. She was an MEP involved in social affairs, youth, sport and education matters. She became Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. I believe, however, she really came into her own when she was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for...

Seanad: Further and Adult Education: Statements (30 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I thought I was only starting.

Seanad: Further and Adult Education: Statements (30 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I compliment the Minister of State on providing facilitators and tutors to the literacy and numeracy agencies to reach out to those who cannot do this themselves. Her initiatives include language classes, a new television series, new programmes and "Read Write Now", which has been a great success because it has made it easy for people who have difficulties with language and numeracy to...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I, too, call for a debate on youth mental health. I did not see the television programme last night but I received many telephone calls today from professionals who deal with many of the issues regarding childhood and adolescence, especially in the area of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD. Particularly in their transition from primary school to second level school where they...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Youth mental health services.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I would also like to call for a debate on sentencing. I have listened to the points which have been made this morning. I agree with Senator Maurice Hayes that this is a societal matter. The issues which are at stake are more fundamental than the non-payment of small fines. Rehabilitation should focus on individuals and their families. We need to reflect on the future of the family in...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Second Stage (7 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. As I understand the Bill from listening to the Minister of State's presentation, its purpose is to amend the European Communities Act 1972 to align our national laws with European Community law. I had to grasp that fundamental point before I could go any further. I had to ask what it really meant. It means that up to now we did not have the...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Second Stage (7 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: That is right.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I also call for a debate on the conduct of the auctioneering business and, in that context, I congratulate Senator Ross on his appointment. We must call into question how people are assessed in graduating and acquiring certification to carry out auctioneering. I was disgusted by the revelations in the programme last night. While I know Senator Ross is very capable of handling his brief, it...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Committee Stage (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Senator Quinn's contribution was a reiteration of a Second Stage speech. He spoke about the transparency of the scrutiny of EU legislation but I could not make out his point on the section.

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Committee Stage (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I understand where Senator Bradford is coming from. We have spoken at length in this House and at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs on the transparency necessary to implement regulations and EU law. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State has noted our concerns, has responded accordingly and will ensure statutory instruments will not be implemented in a dictatorial...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Committee Stage (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I would hate to think our Minister of State is not accountable, which seems to be the implication of what has been said. It appears to imply that statutory instruments give the power, as opposed to the introduction of secondary legislation, which would give the power to the Houses of the Oireachtas in respect of implementing any EC law. I would hate it if the Minister of State were unable...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Committee Stage (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I thank the Minister of State and his officials for processing this Bill in the Seanad and for making it somewhat easier to understand. When I started to read this Bill I found it very technical. I agree with many of the points raised on the other side of the House in respect of transparency and that there is too much power going in one direction. We do not emphasise enough the importance...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Committee Stage (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: That says it all.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: The Minister of State will do so.

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome and compliment the Minister who always finds time to come to the House and listen to how we view legislation that is about to be enacted. This is an opportunity for me to discuss the Bill and compliment the Minister on updating and reforming the law on defamation. In his contribution he said he consulted widely going back to the 1990s and set up the legal advisory group to...

Seanad: Defamation Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I beg your pardon. I appreciate that point. Everybody knows we try to legislate and to behave well in society. Is it fair that a newspaper headline will destroy our reputation on some small issue and that a spin is put on it? Will the press council correct that article? It is all very fine in the case of a recent article involving a millionaire as he can pursue it all the way. If it...