Results 1,001-1,020 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jul 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I support Senator Mullen. He made a point about the importance of the role of the Seanad. Once again, the importance of it became clear yesterday afternoon when we had a very fine discussion on Committee Stage on the Local Government (Charges) Bill. Many fine suggestions were made and it demonstrated to me once again the importance of the Seanad and how important it is that we try to...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Jul 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I agree with Senator Mullen on the subject of end-of-life care. People who have given a contribution to the country all their lives find there is no plan for them at this time. We must ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss the incorporation of such plans into the HSE service plan for those who are at the end of their lives. Today we saw a discussion in The Irish Times about the...

Seanad: Telecommunications Services: Motion (8 Jul 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome this opportunity to say a few words on the revitalisation of rural communities. I am interested in this area and have spoken on it at many seminars. The factors that contributed to population decline were economic trends, changes in farming patterns and infrastructural provision. I was worried that if those trends were not reversed, we would be in serious trouble. We must look...

Seanad: Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty of Lisbon) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Jul 2009)

Ann Ormonde: The Minister is most welcome. I wish him well in spearheading this campaign for the referendum, which will be held on 2 October. Today's debate on the Lisbon treaty is the result of months of work by the Government and some of the most senior officials in the country to ensure the concerns of Irish people about Europe are addressed. We have had ample opportunities to understand the reasons...

Seanad: OECD and IMF Reports: Statements (10 Jul 2009)

Ann Ormonde: Senator Hanafin without interruption.

Seanad: OECD and IMF Reports: Statements (10 Jul 2009)

Ann Ormonde: To yourself?

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jul 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I agree with some of the points raised by Opposition Senators regarding the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill. Perhaps we do need more time to debate Committee Stage of the Bill. The fault lies with the Lower House. The process of legislation is not paced properly. Too much comes to this Chamber too quickly at the end of the session. Reform of the Seanad should take that matter into...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jul 2009)

Ann Ormonde: A huge amount of legislation came to the Seanad in the last week. I would like to tease it out more thoroughly. I agree with the merits of the legislation and I am prepared to go along with it on that basis. However, there are points which should be raised with regard to it. A recent study looked at nine year old children, who are the offspring of the boom years. The study examined their...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I endorse the points made on expenses by many of my colleagues. The issue should be settled once and for all. I am ashamed by the bad press we receive. It is as if we have all been selected or elected to be corrupt and abuse the system. The way the media are treating us is wrong. I do not care how, but it should no longer be said everything we do is shady. All I want to be is a public...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, who is listening to the very fine contributions of everybody. That is how it should be at this stage of the debate. This is a very important Bill and I am glad it is being introduced at this time because it will have a huge impact on how we will develop. It is timely in light of the economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. I...

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (7 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I wish to share time with Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill.

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (7 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Power. Having read both motions, I am struck at how all parties are singing from the same hymnsheet. Some time ago in a paper I gave on vibrant rural community development, I pointed out how cogent reasons show the maintenance of rural populations and ensuring the growth of our cities is not at the expense of rural communities not only makes...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I too would like a debate on the economy, particularly with regard to the points raised by Senator O'Toole about the new programme for Government and the education sector. It is all about second-chance education. One need only watch the television to see the queues every day and evening for new courses. It is important to have co-ordination between the Departments of Education and Science...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I, too, congratulate the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for their role in the release of Sharon Commins and her Ugandan friend, Hilda Kawuki. I am one of the senior Members of the House and have spoken many times on the issue of Seanad reform and on how the House should be reformed with regard to the selection and election procedures. I have spoken at length about the role...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: We must bring it up to date and we need a debate on the economy. At this point there must be a discussion on how to protect mortgage holders, on NAMA and on all the issues of the economy, including the cutbacks and the social partners. Such issues must be debated in this Chamber and we are not given a chance to debate them.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I do not seek the abolition. These issues should be debated in here and that is the way for the Chamber to move forward.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (22 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome Ms Noreen Kett and her family and Tony's extended family. I also welcome the representatives from the CRC, Central Remedial Clinic, and his friends, particularly Deputy Cyprian Brady and former Senator Chris Wall. I welcome them to hear these lovely tributes to the late Tony. I also wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to Noreen and the family of the late Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: We should have an ongoing debate on the economy, society and the enormous changes that have taken place in work. Will the work of the future be done on a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. basis? We should consider the work ethic. All that is very important when we are facing cutbacks or tax increases. The discussion must centre on society in general. It would be a golden opportunity to have a debate on...

Seanad: Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2009: Second Stage. (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: They think it is only us, and not them, who do this.

Seanad: Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2009: Second Stage. (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh. I am pleased to participate in and listen to the debate. I congratulate Senator Ross on his highlighting of recent developments with State boards and bringing that matter to light. Perhaps that has prompted bringing the matter further and into this Chamber. I agree with most of the points raised by Senator Ross, and go along with the...