Results 1,081-1,100 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2010)

Ann Ormonde: The Minister confirmed that he would take on the points raised by them.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the decision of the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, to review the possibility of grade inflation in universities. It concerns me because I noted the points raised by Senator O'Toole. There are fine graduates leaving universities but they lack social skills and the work experience ethic. They do not know how to mix. They have regurgitated facts and...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I ask the Minister to explain what the 1958 Act has to do with breeding dogs.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I beg the pardon of the House.

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I am confused. I am not clear — neither are those working in the greyhound industry — on the substance of the Bill. When I read it Bill, I understood it was to regulate commercial puppy breeding establishments. The greyhound industry is in a different category. I, therefore, ask the Minister to explain the purpose of the Bill again. There will be two regimes. Is it correct that the...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: It seems to me the greyhound industry is being penalised twice. I do not believe this is right as two separate issues are involved. The provision in the 1958 Act is broader in its scope and has nothing to do with welfare while the provision in the Bill does. Will the Bill overrule the relevant section in the Greyhound Industry Act 1958?

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: What about the double fees?

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (3 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I know nothing about the limit of six litters. I am not knowledgeable in that area but I would imagine that the veterinary surgeon would be a key person in deciding each case. That is obvious to me. We are talking about protection and welfare, and this is a welfare Bill. We have the identification procedures under the 1958 Act and now the Minister plans to add the micro-chipping...

Seanad: Prohibition of Depleted Uranium Weapons Bill 2009: Second Stage (3 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the opportunity to contribute on this important legislation and compliment Senator Boyle on bringing it forward. As Senator Norris said, it is technical. I will concentrate on health issues. Ireland has joined international efforts to try to establish the level of risk from the use of DU. While as yet there may not be absolute scientific proof, I am assured that the Government...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I also support the call for a debate on the arts. I would hate to think there would be a reduction in investment in this area. Many Senators have touched on the subject. Throughout Ireland, even in the smallest villages, art is blossoming in every form, whether it be reading, protection of monuments, stimulating interest in young artists or art exhibitions. It is our natural flair to be...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I agree with the points raised about amending the Intoxicating Liquor Act in order to bring it into line with today's thinking. Of course we must be aware of Good Friday. As someone who grew up with the values of Good Friday, I feel it is possible to accommodate both points of view, maintaining the values of Good Friday while allowing pubs to open for large events such as the planned rugby...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I would certainly not want to go down the road of the quota system. The issue of grade inflation in schools and universities was mentioned last week. In view of the planned meetings of the education unions around Easter, perhaps that would be a good time to discuss more fundamental issues. Why do young people entering third level institutions not have a more rounded education? They may...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: The relationship between the 1958 Act and the Bill has been mentioned. There is duplication between the two. I cannot understand why the Minister did not take this into consideration, but perhaps he did. There is duplication in the regulation, registration and identification processes. This is a well run industry. Like the two previous speakers, I come from the south east. As a very...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I hope the Minister will do this. I ask the Minister of State to take this message to the Minister. We are all singing the same tune. We all support rural pursuits and want to protect rural Ireland. We do not want to see the urbanisation of everything. I support the rural sports with which I grew up and about which I heard in my youth. The 1958 Act must be reconciled with this Bill. I...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I endorse the comments of the previous two speakers. I would prefer the inspectors to be staff of the local authority, who know the area. They are professionals. We have all worked with local authorities and we know their veterinary departments. These are the professionals who should be vetting anything to do with animal welfare. No outsiders should be brought in. It should be left to...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (9 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: Will the local authority retain control even if it delegates responsibility? Will the body used report to the vet of the local authority or to the senior personnel? That is a very important issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I agree with all the points raised on the passport issue. It is a disgrace that so many people who are trying to obtain their passports are losing money in the process. I ask them to abandon their protest while the talks are in progress. I am not sure we will be able to get the Minister to come to the House today. I would love him to come to the House today if at all possible but it must...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: He has already spoken out on the issue and will speak out again. He will come to the House today if it is possible.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I ask for a debate at another time on reform of the leaving certificate curriculum. I refer to a very interesting article in today's newspaper. We must question whether the curriculum is suitable for the educational needs of today and I do not believe it is. We do not know how to change the leaving certificate. We should use this Chamber to discuss the future, IDA's Horizon 2020,...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (24 Mar 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I endorse the points made by Senator Mullen. There have been calls in the House previously for debates on the perception of politics. We must have a debate on that issue. The professionalism of politics has been downgraded to the extent that we are considered to be nobodies in the world, regardless of one's political party. I have also on many occasions sought a debate on Irish society....