Results 601-620 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (28 May 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If one studies the phenomenon, one will note that those involved in religious groups and churches have a positive outlook and their advertising could serve as an antidote to some forms of anti-social behaviour. Will the Minister of State consider seriously the question of why we cannot have religious advertising, particularly when one considers that some talk shows are very anti-religious in...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 May 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I believe that in years to come the recent passing of the cluster munitions convention will be seen as an historic event. In spite of the absence of some of the superpowers, I genuinely believe that a moral milestone has been laid down that will be difficult to ignore in years to come. By hosting the event Ireland has enhanced its role as a moral beacon in world affairs and as a nation that...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I am delighted there have been so many contributions on the Order of Business on excessive regulation emanating from the European Union. We are not only talking about excessive regulation but about nonsensical regulation. Even during the campaign on the referendum on the Lisbon treaty, it was raised on the doorsteps. I remember a time when the local housewife could make apple tarts and...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ——has never been fully acknowledged.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Tallaght strategy was needed at that time. Nothing like the situation which existed in those days exists now.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jun 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If I were Senator Jerry Buttimer I would be cheering Alan Dukes and the legacy he left. Senator Joe O'Toole was 100% right that, as legislators, we should act as such because neither compassion nor recrimination will give any solace whatever to someone who loses his or her job or if a small business closes. Now is the time to unite because that is what is expected of us as legislators. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The vast majority of people in Northern Ireland subscribe to the Christian faith and they regard that as their cherished birthright. Throughout all the difficult and brutal times in Northern Ireland, the Christian churches stood together united against strife and tried to promote a positive approach among people. The church leaders played a significant and central role in the peace process....

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I join with others in welcoming the release of Ingrid Betancourt. I compliment those who raised the issue in this House. We have played our role in that regard by making people aware of the existence of this fine lady and what she must have been suffering. I also welcome the release of other hostages. I hope that a firm message is sent to people who use hostage taking as a military...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: On a point of order, I am not questioning the Chair's ruling on Senators who missed out on the opportunity to speak this morning being called the following day, but I foresee a difficulty with that down the line, and perhaps the Committee on Procedure and Privileges might consider it. In other words, if six or seven Members from either side want to book time for the following day, they would...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I commend Senator Quinn on the point he made regarding waste of food in a time of food shortages. In some ways he may have set in train a new awareness of our responsibility to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Hundreds of thousands of people die from starvation. We see terrible pictures on our television screens from time to time. I am sure we all feel a pang of guilt when...

Seanad: Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I welcome the Bill and congratulate the Minister and his officials on the comprehensive response they have given to much of the debate that has taken place, not just in this House but in public. Whenever there are high-profile cases of anti-social behaviour, ending in some cases not just in violence but in death, this House invariably has long discussions on the Order of Business. Each time...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I ask the Leader to consider allowing time on an ongoing basis to discuss the economy. As we are all aware, the global financial crisis appears to be changing on an hourly basis. While a fair amount of time has been laid aside for a debate today, that is not sufficient. I do not know whether it should take the form of a question and answer session, as has been suggested, but I genuinely...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I echo the sentiments of Senator Fitzgerald with regard to focusing on the requirement for training for those who have lost employment, and not merely those who have recently done so. In the future people will wish to diversify. Senator Fitzgerald is right. Out of the debate we had on the legislation, in particular the impressive discussions here, it is clear that a sense of urgency has...

Seanad: Hunger Task Force Report: Statements (7 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh na tuarascála seo. Is mian liom freisin tréaslú leis an Rialtas mar go bhfuil a leithéid againn agus seans againn na tuairimí atá nochtaithe ann a phlé agus ár dtuairimí féin a chur chun tosaigh. Tá an tuarascáil seo thar a bheith tábhachtach agus tá súil agam go mbeidh seans againn arís macnamh a dhéanamh uirthi. B'fhéidir go mbeidh...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We should compliment Mr. Justice Morris on the comprehensive and meticulous work he has done. He has done the State and the Garda Síochána a lot of good. We have one of the finest police forces in the world. It was particularly important to restore confidence in the Garda. I am sure the members of the force would agree. I was surprised that the report contained negative comments about...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: They acted in a very responsible manner. They were very prudent. They did not go to the media but instead contacted the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, as they should have done.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is important to have a discussion on the matter. I was highly impressed by the manner in which Mr. Higgins responded on television last night to the criticisms made by Mr. Justice Morris.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It behoves us all, as public representatives, to appreciate that we have a pretty privileged role to play. We must be able to respond to what we hear from our constituents. In this case, the manner in which the information was presented is separate from the more important issue of the essence of what was presented. I do not mean to detract in any way from the excellent report which has...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I join speakers in wishing the Minister for Finance well today. There is no doubt but that he has a major task in hand. We are prepared for it, given our debates and the media coverage. The Minister has the mettle to handle the matter, as he proved through his intervention in guaranteeing the financial institutions. The House played a significant role in that respect and won many kudos,...

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit agus roimh an oifigeach ón Roinn. Tá áthas orm go bhfuil seans again na ráitis seo a phlé inniu. Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil éinne ar an oileán seo nach dtuigeann an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an ábhar seo. Níl an t-ábhar seo á phlé toisc go bhfuil an cáinfhaisnéis ag teacht i láthair inniu. Ag aon am, tá sé mar thraidisiún...