Results 1,021-1,040 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I gave my word to the House that we would have this debate before the summer recess. This is particularly needed now, as Senator John Paul Phelan correctly pointed out, since we have had changes in the Cabinet and a new Taoiseach. As Senator MacSharry reminded me, we had a full and lengthy debate on the economy in this session. However, the challenges facing our country due to the global...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I look forward to playing my part in achieving this again in the next local election for the political party in the Midlands. Senator Bacik called for a debate on women in politics. I have no difficulty in arranging this and I applaud anyone who encourages women, and young women in particular, to get involved in public life. It is a difficult life but it is rewarding to serve one's...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: It is Lisbon. Senator Hannigan mentioned Seanad reform. Many Senators opposite will not be interested in this, but the Seanad reform committee is having a meeting with the Minister at 4 p.m. today. I assure the House that real Seanad reform will take place under my leadership. We can update the Seanad on this, particularly as most leaders are represented on the committee. I hope we will...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Leader's position, as provided for in Standing Orders, is to propose the business of the Seanad on sitting days and to propose when the House will sit. As the Senator is aware, on matters such as this, she has possibly the same opportunity and avenue open to her as I have, but I will endeavour——

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: My response is that I will endeavour in this regard, but the meeting will be held on Friday. I will contact the Minister's office and I will do everything I possibly can, but I cannot give the Senator the assurance that I will have the information by Friday.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: All matters in regard to the economy will be included in the economic debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I will consider that and come back to the Senator later on today.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I cannot take that matter today, but I can review the request for a later date. I cannot take the matter today because we have agreed the business and the schedule is very tight. Committee Stage of the Broadcasting Bill must be taken today. It is important we discuss the Lisbon reform treaty today because the Taoiseach is going to Europe tomorrow morning. In view of the serious challenge...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, I propose item 1 as stated.

Seanad: Planning and Development Regulations 2008: Referral to Select Committee (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development Regulations 2008, copies of which were laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 16th June, 2008, be referred to the Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in accordance with paragraph (1) (Seanad) of the Orders of Reference of that Committee,...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business. It has now reached 3 p.m., when we agreed we would recess for a half hour sos and return to this debate at 7.30 p.m.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, until 7.30 p.m. I understand I did not make this clear on the Order of Business and I was asked to clarify that we are recessing and we will return to complete Committee Stage following Private Members' business. It appears that the half hour would not complete the remainder of the Bill. Is that correct?

Seanad: Business of Seanad (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I am in the hands of the Members.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: In that case, I propose we continue this item until 3.30 p.m. instead of having a sos.

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I agree with Senator O'Toole's views on RTE. We should not be going backwards. Some 30 years ago I had a radio programme on RTE and it was received widely across Scotland, on the Welsh coast and in Liverpool, Manchester and Coventry. Even when there was a full-blown medium wave service, it was always difficult to broadcast a signal to the north London area. What is happening represents a...

Seanad: Broadcasting Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The national broadcaster has certain duties and obligations. This is the Oireachtas and, in the context of this legislation, its Members should stand up for the people to whom I refer. Enough is enough with regard to commercialism. For at least two hours each Sunday morning, the religious services of the various churches should be broadcast on all wavelengths. What is happening is...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on older people; and No. 2, motion re Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998. It is proposed that No. 1 will be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and adjourn not later than 1 p.m. Spokespersons may speak for eight minutes and all other Senators for six minutes. Senators may share time by leave of the House; No. 2 will be...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (19 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Boyle has proposed and Senator Glynn has seconded the proposal that leave be granted for No. 13 to be taken before No. 1. I have no difficulty with this and I agree to the amendment to the Order of Business. Senators Regan, Ross, Coghlan and Norris expressed their views on the Lisbon treaty. I will take on board the proposals made this morning, especially given the research...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (19 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Buttimer again called for a debate on the economy, but, as the House knows, I have given a commitment that we will have a full and wide-ranging debate on the economy before the summer recess. I have committed to at least a half-day of debate on this. We look forward to that. We have a new, young and dynamic Minister of State with special responsibility for children and youth...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re the risk equalisation (amendment) scheme 2008; and No. 2, the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008 — Second Stage. It is proposed that No. 1, motion re the risk equalisation (amendment) scheme 2008, which is back from committee, will be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; and No. 2, the Electricity...