Results 761-780 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senators are willing, ready and able to do anything in our power to assist the undocumented Irish in America. Unfortunately, I cannot accept the amendment because it is of the utmost importance that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, would be present to make a contribution. However, if Senators are agreeable I will arrange to hold a three hour debate in the first sitting...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: When it works in a positive way, we see how meaningful it can make its contribution so that we in the House can endeavour to enhance the good work it brings to our attention. Senators Mullen, Leyden and Carty also raised the matter of a recent Council of Europe report and the abortion issue. I will pass on their views to the Minister. On our return on Tuesday, 8 April, the President of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator McFadden inquired about the Mullingar-Athlone rail link. I will come back to the Senator on that matter. She should know the county council did not make an application for the gateway innovation fund, which is a negative development. I am sure all invited to that important meeting will keep us briefed.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Butler called for a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the challenges facing the construction industry. I can have this take place at the earliest possible date after the Easter recess. Senator O'Reilly spoke about the cost of consultants and wastage. I will pass his views on to the Minister. However, his former Taoiseach, Garret...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Buttimer was going to national school at the time.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Ross, Harris and Alex White called for a debate on the financial markets challenge facing the world, especially the West. I appreciate the father of the House bringing this to the attention of Senators. This is a serious challenge which will last for some time. Many individuals in Ireland who have created much employment, and particularly those in the financial services and...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: In my lifetime it is unprecedented anyway. I understand the Minister for Finance is out of the country but when possible I will ask him for an urgent debate and to update the House at the very earliest opportunity. If the Minister was in the country now I would endeavour for such a debate to take place tomorrow. It is of the utmost importance that we hear from the Minister himself on this...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Deputy is pushing an open door on the matter.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I thank Senator Cummins for raising this matter. If we do not, as a result of the Order of Business taking so long, complete our deliberations on Nos. 1 and 2 before 5.30 p.m., we will resume those deliberations at 7.30 p.m., following Private Members' business, and continue with them until a conclusion is reached.

Seanad: Undocumented Irish: Motion (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I move: "That Seanad Éireann: recognises the priority the United States must give to securing its borders; recognises in particular the difficult plight of undocumented Irish people who have made their homes and careers in the USA, like many generations before them, but are living in fear of losing their new livelihoods, with no opportunity to visit their siblings or parents in Ireland for...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I would like to amend the Order of Business and take No. 2, Passports Bill 2007 — Committee and Remaining Stages, between now and 6.00 p.m.

Seanad: Sustainable Residential Development: Motion (19 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Amárach ar 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business today is No. 1, motion re address to the Seanad by distinguished persons, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2008 — Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Fitzgerald, Boyle, Kelly, Walsh, O'Reilly, Keaveney, Callely, Butler, Harris and Hanafin all called for an urgent debate on the state of the economy after the Easter recess. I fully agree with the sentiments expressed and there is no difficulty in having the debate. Senator Keaveney also asked that the Minister of State with responsibility for innovation, Deputy Michael Ahern, be...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: On the discussion of the Lisbon treaty, the format I have already discussed with the various leaders of the groups in the House is that the visiting dignitary will address the House first. The leaders of the various groups will make a contribution for ten minutes and we have agreement on this side of the House that spokespersons will then ask a question of the visiting guest at the end, and...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: If the proceedings of this House were broadcast live, as they are in the European Parliament and the US Congress, but Members only had one minute to make their proposals to the Leader of the House, the affairs of this House would be enhanced. As one of the two Houses of Parliament, that is the direction in which we should go. I have always been proud of the proceedings of this House, but...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Mullen made his views known on education. I will pass his views on to the Minister. I welcome yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Education and Science of €58 million in funding for the refurbishment of research facilities at various universities and institutes of technology. This is money well spent. The secret of our success and the Celtic tiger is that the ITs have...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: As I said yesterday — I do not know whether Senator Kelly was present — I fully support——

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: While we on this side of the House have been in Government, 45,000 or 50,000 people have returned to Ireland from all over the world, but during the Opposition's time in office from 1982 to 1987——

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: These are facts. The Senator made an allegation in the House. The fact is that the Senator's party ran 50,000 people out of Ireland——