Results 961-980 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support the proposal made by Senator Keaveney for a debate on the Spirit of Ireland proposals on wind energy. Its presentation was one of the most impressive I had ever attended and I compliment Senator Butler on making it possible. Senator Alex White made a significant contribution to our discussion when he suggested we should consider how we use the remaining preparatory years leading up...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In the history of every country but none more than Ireland there are defining moments that decide its future welfare and character. We have often touched on defining moments in debates. We have reached a defining moment in that Ireland is at a crossroads and we must make a decision on which road we are to take. I was impressed by Senator Fitzgerald who expressed her clear belief the Irish...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: If we are to depend totally on a cohesive voice emerging in Europe, we will find it will not emerge at this stage. That is why we are receiving different reports on a 24-hour basis, which reports are contradicted subsequently. It is obvious that forces which do not have the best interests of Ireland at heart are currently at work. This House and the Dáil have an opportunity to provide the...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Anyone listening to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on the radio this morning could not but be impressed by the obvious sincerity and sheer tenacity he is displaying when batting for Ireland at present. It is just possible that one reason certain information is not being made publicly available immediately pertains to the type of negotiations that are under way. I believe...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In accepting it, however, there also is a chance that Ireland will again be lulled into a false sense of contentment. Instead, we should continue to consider the bigger picture and should ascertain the basic analyses that are required at present to go forward and get a long-term resolution.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is evident the House is in its final days. While it is possible there may not be a Seanad in the future, we can look back on some glorious moments, including when the House held the fort and assisted in forming public opinion on issues such as human rights and the image we have presented to the world, one which has stood us well whenever we have required assistance. It is not unusual for...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In the midst of rhetoric, emotion and negativity, we all seek nuggets of hope and practical intent. Senator McCarthy's contribution was significant and should be considered. He has made it clear that it is possible to acknowledge our crisis and even to apportion blame fairly, be it internal or external. People will look to legislators to devise policies that will take us from this terrible...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The deliberations of this House generally do not get great exposure in the media and I have always felt one of the main reasons for this is that we tend to do our business and deal with issues in a very serious manner. Very often, this does not attract attention except when we go into controversial areas. I have always felt this was a pity because there is much debate in this House which if...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I commend Senator Twomey on his magnanimous contribution. He was brief and to the point and set a tone from which we could all learn. The resilience and generosity of the people have come to the fore once again in these challenging weather conditions. It is inspiring to see people helping each other, getting out to push a car, clearing snow, delivering groceries and so on. These people...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Some time ago, I went to Limerick and visited some of the areas which were affected by anti-social behaviour and criminality. I also met members of the regeneration team on that occasion. I was particularly impressed by their commitment as well as their knowledge of the problems involved and how to confront them. They were determined to give back a decent life to decent people. I was...

Seanad: Confidence in Government: Motion (8 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Ba mhaith liom i dtosach mo bhuíochas a ghabháil don Seanadóir O'Malley as ucht seans a thabhairt dom labhairt inniu. We heard about the look on the faces on the Front Bench in the Dáil when it was discussing one of the most serious issues facing the country. That type of comment typifies some of the debate in recent times. When there was no recession, if the camera had picked out some...

Seanad: Confidence in Government: Motion (8 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We came in here to serve them, not our personal interests. I hope the Leader will use every hour at our disposal in a positive way and provide results.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The murder of Pat Finucane was one of the most notorious acts during the Northern Ireland Troubles. He was a solicitor who did his job effectively and who provided his services without fear or favour, but it would seem now that he was about to throw light on some murky happenings in the North which involved collusion by the security forces. There was an outcry at the time of his murder, not...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Job creation and the protection of existing jobs will have to be our focus at all times because it is the only way we can lay down a foundation on which we can have further economic recovery. I accept the drip, drip revelations from the banks and other areas will occupy a considerable amount of our time. However, there is a danger that the job creation issue will get sidelined because of...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Ar nós gach éinne eile, guím rath Dé ort, a Chathaoirligh, ar na Baill go léir agus ar na hoifigigh ar fad a bhíonn ag saothrú ar ár son. Cé go mbíonn easaontas go minic sa Teach seo, bíonn aontas anseo freisin. Caithfidh easaontas a bheith ann - is é sin buntáiste an daonlathais. Bíonn seans againn ár dtuairimí a nochtú agus na torthaí is fearr a bhaint amach. Bíonn...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Tá sé tábhachtach go seasann an Teach seo i gcónaí le chéile maidir leis na daoine sin. I rith na bliana, bhí aontas eadrainn maidir le stádas na Gaeilge. Is cúis áthais é dom go mbeidh an straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge á láinseáil ag an Taoiseach Dé Máirt seo chugainn. Tá Baill an Teach seo agus an Teach eile aontaithe ar an ábhar seo. Tugann sé sin dóchas dom go...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: During the past few days, I received a message from the Irish community association in Shanghai. It is excited that for the first time the route for its St. Patrick's Day parade there will be recognised by city officialdom. One reason it is now recognised is the success of the Irish entry at Shanghai's World Expo 2010 which I had the privilege of visiting. Over the six months of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: This attitude hurts the cohesion and solidarity which has existed for centuries among the Irish diaspora.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: One can sympathise with those who resent the kite flying of President Sarkozy and particularly what one could call an intrusion into the internal affairs of this country. The best comes out in the Irish character when we are provoked in that way. Often it forces cohesion between the different groupings, both in this House and elsewhere, and we see that happening in this instance. I would...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Every so often we hear a positive tone in our debate. No one suggests the country is not experiencing the difficulties that have been alluded to and for many these problems are devastating. One only needs to consider the large number who are unemployed. I presume many Members receive queries from people who want to participate in training schemes, community work and so forth. Recently...