Results 1,041-1,060 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (27 Jan 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I acknowledge the presence of the Kenneally family and pay tribute to the late Billy. The Kenneally family has been a household name for me since I was a child growing up in Waterford. That three generations of the Kenneally family have been involved in politics since the 1940s says a lot about their commitment to the country. The late Billy Kenneally was elected to the Dáil in 1965 and...

Seanad: Haiti Disaster: Motion (27 Jan 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I move: That Seanad Éireann fully supports the Government in its efforts to assist the people of Haiti in the aftermath of recent earthquakes. I have come from a meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, at which we heard from representatives from Concern, Haven, the Red Cross and a few others. I commend them on the fine contributions they made. We heard about what they were doing...

Seanad: Haiti Disaster: Motion (Resumed) (27 Jan 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I appreciate the Minister of State's interest in the matter under discussion. He listened to the contribution of each Member, as was clear from the way he responded to the matter and the comments of various speakers. It shows clearly that he understands the problem very well. What happened in Haiti was a massive disaster. People have lost their loved ones, their houses and possessions....

Seanad: Haiti Disaster: Motion (Resumed) (27 Jan 2010)

Ann Ormonde: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I agree with those who referred to the lack of proper standards in residential institutions. The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Moloney, is extremely willing to discuss this issue and did so again on radio this morning. He is introducing legislation designed to make these institutions subject to examination by independent inspectors. Is it necessary for...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State and two aspects of the Bill. I listened to Senator Quinn and agree with him on many of the points he raised which I will be endorsing. I recognise the need to improve and regulate dog breeding establishments and the management of dog breeding. We all are well aware of the disgusting images of illegal puppy farming and the appalling conditions in which some...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: It is strange that he should decide to do so midstream. However, if he does so and acknowledges that such groups do not rear puppies for commercial purposes, I will have no difficulties in that regard. It goes without saying we all want to protect and ensure the welfare of young dogs. Therefore, the legislation is to be welcomed, but the greyhound coursing groups and the hunting...

Seanad: Water and Roads Infrastructure: Motion (3 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: One and a half minutes.

Seanad: Water and Roads Infrastructure: Motion (3 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: That is agreed.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: The resignation yesterday of George Lee made me think about what is the essence and definition of a politician. Do we require letters after our names? This seems to be the projection as a result of this. George Lee felt he was so highly qualified that his talent was not used, and he used the word "talent".

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: What about those very fine politicians who do not have letters after their names? Do they not have talent? The Seanad could debate the politician's role in making a contribution, no matter what it is, in either House of the Oireachtas. We should discuss people's personalities as well as their having or not having qualifications. Everyone elected to these Houses is very well qualified to...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: People come from abroad who are not properly trained to carry out these operations. The Minister, Deputy Harney, when she has an opportunity, should come to the House to discuss this very important issue. I call for regulation and licensing of such clinics.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I endorse the comments made on many issues raised. Yesterday I touched on the quality of democracy in this country on the Order of Business. Senators Harris and Alex White referred again to this issue earlier. As Senator Harris said, there is no doubt that there are insiders and outsiders and that is the perception, which is a shame. We need a debate on our democracy and on the nature and...

Seanad: CAO Applications and College Places: Statements (10 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science and thank him for listening so attentively to Senators' contributions. This is an important debate because, as the media have reported extensively in recent days, the CAO has experienced a huge increase in applications. This is a welcome development on one level because it reveals the strong education ethos in...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: In the light of this being Engineers' Week and in view of yesterday's discussions on education and what Senator White said about the state of higher level mathematics and science at leaving certificate, I draw attention to an interesting proposal made by the engineers that perhaps some consideration should be given to those engineers who are unemployed. It was suggested that they could be...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I support the call for a debate on an Oireachtas committee on how we protect children in the future. Noting many of the points raised, it is a very big issue because it concerns the role of the family. It also needs to take into account today's society and how we should go about this. There are also questions in relation to adoption and fostering as well as many other areas. By all...

Seanad: Cancer Awareness: Statements (17 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I commend the Irish Cancer Society, especially my ex-colleague who is one of the key persons in spearheading how to deal with cancer by way of an awareness campaign in terms of leaflets and reaching out to schools, hospitals and doctors. Everyone in society has a role to play, but the Irish Cancer Society has created that role for all of us to make that happen. More than ever, the big C, as...

Seanad: Power Sharing Agreement in Northern Ireland: Motion (17 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I wish to share three minutes of my time with Senator Norris. I thank the Minister for updating the Seanad on this important matter. I congratulate the Minister and the Taoiseach on the effort, energy and commitment to bring this agreement to fruition. I warmly welcome the recent agreement reached at Hillsborough and look forward to its full implementation. Since we have reached an...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I agree with what Senator Quinn stated about Northern Ireland. It was a very worthwhile debate last night. This Chamber should be utilised for more of that kind of debate. We would welcome an up-to-date report on how we are making progress on the many issues which affect north and south of the Border such as health, education, transport and current infrastructure, if we start thinking with...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: ——and that needs to be explored. There are two serious issues and we could easily hold a debate on how we move forward. However, I would be a bit wary about saying young unemployed graduate engineers should be brought back into the system. They might be very well qualified but we all know from having gone to courses that some do not impart the knowledge.