Results 1,101-1,120 of 3,476 for speaker:Charlie O'Connor

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Children have been educated in same sex institutions throughout the history of the State. Many single parents raise their children in loving homes and we should not shy away from providing the children of gay parents the security of stable and loving family relationships. It is for that reason and the reason the Government has proposed the first ever children's rights amendment to the...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: We have received good advice and consulted widely on the issue. We are serious about it. The amendment allows us to build on the work of various committees and implement their recommendations in the best interests of same-sex couples. In the interests of equality, to which this party has always been committed, we should use the opportunity the amendment and debate give us to commit to...

Civil Unions Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (21 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: We can be trusted to deliver on this most important and urgent issue of civil and human rights. Fianna Fáil wants to treat all our citizens equally, as it is the republican party. I am impressed by the consultations and preparations undertaken by the Government during this Dáil. We will get it right for same-sex couples and soon. The issue should not be rushed at the last minute before a...

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I would have been happy to share my time with Deputy English because he was speaking well. I had presumed he was a small child when his party was last in office.

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I do not want to upset him further when I say a visitor to my packed clinic in Tallaght last Saturday had an address in Navan. The person apparently heard I was good, so had come to see me.

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Funnily, that was not the case. Deputy English mentioned Navan several times, so I hope I will be permitted to make at least one mention of Tallaght.

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: The Health Bill 2006 is a central element of the health service reform programme. The Bill provides for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services with specific statutory functions. I always welcome the presence of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and I look forward to seeing him in Tallaght tomorrow,...

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I believe someone suggested all Government initiatives should be responded to by claiming they are related to the election. Regardless of whether it is good or bad news, it must pertain to the election. However, the election has not been called yet and Members must remain focused. I am not looking for a job as I already have one, which I wish to complete. Thereafter I will go before the...

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I will knock on every door in Tallaght, Brittas, Bohernabreena, Firhouse, Templeogue and Greenhills to bring that message to the electorate. As is my custom, I will talk to and listen to people every day at my work and at the eight clinics I hold every week, as well as at the other activities in which I engage. I will listen to people's concerns, including those pertaining to health. While...

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Is Deputy English watching my time?

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I am impressed such a prominent member of the Opposition and such a favoured comrade should stay to hear me speak. I might do a press release on it. Much criticism has been made of the health services. I am not afraid to state from the Government benches that people should be entitled to services. I come from an old Dublin which had hospitals everywhere. I lived within sight of Mercer's...

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Perhaps all we need to deliver hospital services is a number of big hospitals. However, they should be safe environments. People are entitled to make political points. Opposition colleagues are entitled to be critical. This Bill and others introduced by the Minister try to get the job done. I attended a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children a few weeks ago....

Health Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: At that meeting no less than the SDLP spokesperson from Northern Ireland stated she was very impressed by what she sees of the work of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I do not ask the Deputy to believe it, I am only stating what the lady said. The Minister is a former colleague of mine. She represented my constituency very well. I was happy she decided to go to...

Written Answers — Garda Operations: Garda Operations (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 7: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made by Gardaí in Dublin under Operation Anvil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6792/07]

Written Answers — Youth Diversion Projects: Youth Diversion Projects (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 22: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda youth diversion projects here; the resources allocated to same; if he has plans to extend them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6793/07]

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 155: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the financial and other support she has given to the community childcare sector; her plans to continue that support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6987/07]

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 156: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the achievements of the equal opportunities childcare programme under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6988/07]

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (22 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 157: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress to date of the childcare strategy launched in Budget 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6989/07]

Child Care Services. (27 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: I welcome the opportunity to raise this issue along with my fellow Tallaght-based colleague, Deputy Crowe. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing us to raise this important issue on a day when he clearly had many items on his desk. I acknowledge the presence of the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, and I hope he has answers for us. As Deputy Crowe has outlined, this crèche has...

Written Answers — Garda Deployment: Garda Deployment (27 Feb 2007)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 259: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide additional resources to An Garda Síochána to allow special attention to be given to an area (details supplied) in Dublin 24 where the local community has concerns regarding crime, vandalism, anti-social behaviour and bad parking; if he will take action on same; and if he will make a...