Results 541-560 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: We do not have time.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: A Chathaoirligh, I did not mean to be cheeky when I said you had your sos.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: It was not a premeditated remark. If the debate on the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill concludes early, there will be a sos. Senator Brian Hayes spoke about the need for a debate on an updated drug policy, perhaps in combination with a debate on justice. Such a debate would be welcome because much work was done in this area and we do not know what has been going on in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes, and the Senator has an interest in the Shannon. He also noted that today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, who grants miracles. It was certainly a miracle to have that issue included in the partnership agreement. We should have a debate on the partnership talks before there is a final outcome. Senator McCarthy spoke about the role of An Taisce. It is not appropriate for us to comment...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I was forbearing and decided not to take the Senator up, but I have a cold today and I am not going to listen to him any more. He has said I did not answer him but I answer everyone because I was brought up with manners. If Senator Burke can show me a time slot when all these Ministers can appear I will get them but we just cannot get the time to do so. Next week I hope to organise some of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 2, Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Bill 2002 – Second Stage, to conclude at 1 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and on which Senators may share time – Committee Stage of the Bill will be taken at 4 p.m., to conclude not later than 6 p.m.; notwithstanding anything in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator asked if the Act was being subverted.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Distinguished.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Hayes asked about Second Stage of the Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Bill. It is due to conclude at 1 p.m. As Committee Stage is due to be taken at 4 p.m., there will be a three hour gap. Normally it would be better to have a longer gap but it is better to take Report Stage later. Those who have tabled Committee Stage amendments can proceed with them. Having Report Stage the next...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I am not sure in what category we would put Senator Ryan. The nature of the person infuses the debate. The Government has been quite clear. It is awaiting what the chief weapons inspector says on Friday to the United Nations, with which we are linked, whatever it says or does.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: People are talking about leaks to the newspapers. Sometimes that is done for good reasons, at other times for mischievous reasons; one does not really know. Senator Ryan wanted a debate on housing. Senator O'Toole and his comrades – comrades being the right word – managed to include the need for housing in the new programme, which is good. However, without making a political point, Mark...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I take that point. The firm of Sherry Fitzgerald proposed we all get out of our houses and give them to others. I have no notion of doing so and I am sure many others feel the same way. It is daft.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I have one house, a small three bedroom bungalow.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Coghlan is taking my side. I appreciate that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: It is the firm of Sherry Fitzgerald. It is not a citizen.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ryan also wanted a debate on Northern Ireland, as did Senator Quinn. I will try to arrange it. The Taoiseach is travelling to the North today to meet the Prime Minister, Mr. Blair. I apologise for not covering these matters already but there was a diversion. Regarding Cork as European City of Culture and the School of Music, the Department of Finance is considering the issue. I hope...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes. Senator Mooney said correctly that there was clarity in the Government's views on Iraq and called for further debate on North Korea. Senator O'Meara asked for the Minister for Health and Children to come into the House to discuss the BreastCheck programme. Senator Coghlan raised the same matter in relation to County Kerry yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: We have asked the Minister to come to discuss it. Senator O'Meara also asked about the strategic transport review by the Department of Transport. The Minister for Transport has not yet brought it to Cabinet which would want to see it before we get our hands on it. Senator Fitzgerald asked for the Minister for Education and Science to discuss with the House how he proposes to implement the...

Seanad: Private Business. - The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Charters Amendment) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I thought he would sit in the Minister's chair.

Seanad: Private Business. - The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Charters Amendment) Bill 2002: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I am glad to speak in favour of this Private Bill. Even though I am quite a long time in the parliamentary system and have been a Member of the Seanad in the past, this is quite new to me as we did not deal with a Private Bill at that time. It is interesting that the original charter was granted by George III on 11 February 1784 and today, 12 February 2003, 219 years later, there is a modest...