Results 81-100 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Military Neutrality: Motion. (25 Jun 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I thank Senator Mansergh for sharing time with me. I compliment Fine Gael on tabling this motion for debate, which I regard as politically very courageous on its part. Some might regard it as foolhardy but that is not how I see it. This is an issue which, in the long term, will ultimately impact on the lives of our people, particularly the younger generation. I would greatly prefer to have it...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jun 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Relationships between Ireland and Britain are particularly good at the moment. The main reason for this is the partnership that exists regarding Northern Ireland. However, one area still requires attention – perhaps we could have a debate on it – that is, the in-built bias in the judicial system against Irish people. A young Irishman from Carrick-on-Suir, Christy McGrath, is languishing...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jul 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support the call for a debate on radio licences. We will have to revisit this with a great deal more urgency and vigour than we have already seen. There is a perceived arrogance at the moment, relating to a certain echelon telling the rest of the country what they should listen to and what aspirations they should have. What worries me is the emergence of new monopolies that are growing by...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Jul 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The case of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane has again come centre stage. The European Court of Human Rights has found Britain guilty of a breach of human rights because there was not sufficient investigation of the suspicion that there was security force collusion in the murder. I ask the Leader to raise this matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the hope the inquiry sought by the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The issue raised by Senator Henry this morning is one for every person with a social conscience and an interest in human rights. I was listening to the RTÉ report on the prison in question. It was chilling and it was not hearsay because the reporter was allowed in not to meet the prisoners, but to talk to the commander of the prison. That commander was not prepared to deny reports...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: —is that those people are presumed guilty. This Chamber must be able to convey to the Minister for Foreign Affairs the concern of all people in this country. In coming years, we will all be at the receiving end of these excesses throughout the world and no matter how friendly we are with America, we must put down a marker on behalf of human rights, due process and basic civilisation.

Seanad: Official Languages Bill 2002 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages. (4 Jul 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Is mian liom glacadh leis an deis seo chun tréaslú leis an Aire. Mar a dúirt sé, bhí an-chuid oibre i gceist ó thús go deireadh. Bhí 39 leasuithe ar fad – is ionann sin agus a rá go raibh an tAire ag éisteacht go géar le gach tuairim agus comhairle. Bhí sin thar a bheith tábhachtach mar is rud amháin é Acht a bheith ann agus rud eile ar fad é a chur i bhfeidhm agus dul chun...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I too support the call for a debate on planning, particularly in the context of rural development. The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, was present for a debate on this issue during the previous session, but the public debate has broadened considerably in the meantime. This week alone two radio programmes featured this issue as well as "The Late Late Show" and many other programmes. It is important...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, has proposed that all parties involved in this issue should meet around the table for discussions—

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: —and that the planners should be made aware of Government policy. One of the great difficulties in this area is the number of planners from outside this country. There are currently 25 planners here from South Africa alone. I am not taking from their professionalism, but they are trained in a totally different school and have a totally different concept of planning from that which we have...

Seanad: Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (Resumed). (8 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: There has been so much debate and publicity on this sad period of history that one wonders how one can make any worthwhile or helpful contribution at this stage. On the other hand, I believe that everyone accepts that, until there is final closure on this issue for all concerned, it will continue to haunt us, especially the victims who are our primary concern. I am especially disappointed by...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I acknowledge the exceptional contribution that Senator Mansergh has made to the peace process on this island. There is always the danger of misrepresentation but, importantly, he approached his work in an astute, sensitive and humane manner, and he also won the trust and confidence of all traditions. The success that he and others have had in the peace process is evident. I ask the Leader to...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill 2001: Committee Stage. - Local Radio Licensing: Motion. (15 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The report from the Oireachtas committee was timely. It is important that we have the opportunity to discuss this report, mainly because of the debate that has been taking place throughout the country, some of which is quite animated. There was much confusion about the future of existing radio stations and the method of granting licences. It is important to provide a focus in addition to the...

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion. (15 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Senator Tuffy without interruption, please.

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion. (15 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Senator has the permission of the House.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The virtual unanimity in the Chamber this morning regarding Northern Ireland is an indication of the great progress which has been made to bring a lasting and just peace to this island. Most of us were hoping a final solution to this particular phase would have been reached yesterday. What we are now dealing with is a cosmetic issue. We should all temper our views because, as Senator Brian...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Our current programme is onerous. I would like to think we will not extend ourselves to adjudicating on miracles in the near future.

Seanad: Irish Nationality and Citizenship and Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (22 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I wish to share my time. Acting Chairman (Labhrás Ó Murchú): Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I, like other Members, seek a debate on Iraq. The fact it is no longer in the headlines does not mean that people, particularly those with a regard for human rights, should not be vigilant. The detention of the Guantanamo Bay captives is a serious matter that will come back to haunt us when international justice is being debated in the future. Many issues are at stake. The US Administration...

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Nov 2003)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I ask the leader to invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to update us on the procedures and requirements governing criminal investigations and how the names of suspects come into the public domain, in particular, the recent tragic case involving a woman in Mullingar. Here was a case where a person went through a tragic and traumatic time. As the story unfolded in the...