Results 1,121-1,140 of 7,640 for speaker:Rónán Mullen

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: By way of a response and in the courteous spirit that I hope will mark our exchanges on the Civil Partnership Bill when it comes before the Seanad, the difficulty with what Senator Dearey says is - who defines civil rights? It is interesting to note that there is nothing in the international human rights instruments that requires a member state to------

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: Would the Leader agree that there is nothing in the international human rights instruments that requires a member state to legislate for same sex marriage or for civil partnership? The moral question is whether we will acknowledge the right of people to have a different ethical position. They should not be targeted by the law if they wish to live that ethical position. As things stand,...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: I look forward to the debate on carers which will take place next week. I ask the Leader to draw to the Government's attention the need to facilitate Irish carers who are returning home from abroad to provide full time care for family members. The current operation of the habitual residence conditions is affecting many of these very deserving people. We need the Minister for Social...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: Uncle Joe has removed the Whip.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: I also welcome the ladies from west Cork.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: We are honoured to have them in our presence and I hope we will have ladies and gentlemen from east Galway in the Gallery very soon. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that we take, before No. 1 on the Order of Business, No. 35, motion 16, in my name and those of Senators Quinn and Ross, which states: That Seanad Éireann affirms that each Senator should vote according...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: -----held about different parts of the Bill which were not reflected in amendments. Therefore, given the profound cultural and social significance of the Bill, the changes it will introduce and there are acute issues, in particular around people's freedom of conscience-----

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: My point does not concern the Bill, rather that it is a Bill which merits a free vote. It is important that the Seanad sends out a message that there has been such a stifling consensus today-----

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: -----that it is more like Zimbabwe than Holland. At least in Holland there would be a political party which would reflect the concerns that many people have had.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: In each party there are people with concerns and their voices have not been heard. On that basis I ask for support from both sides of the House for my amendment to the Order of Business that we would debate the need for a free vote.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: On a point of order, what Senator White said is simply not correct.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: On a point of order------

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: The point of order is that----

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: -----it is within the remit of Seanad to comment on any issue. We have motions about what the laws in Africa should be on homosexuality.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: We are entitled to urge the parties in the Seanad as well as everything else.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: There is a lot of credibility in free voting.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: The Dáil.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: Is that a statement of intent for the next election?

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: Yes.

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Second Stage (7 Jul 2010)

Rónán Mullen: I welcome the Minister to the House. If this legislation had been drafted in a different way, it would have been excellent and would have attracted near universal support. Unfortunately, as drafted, the Bill merely masquerades as a piece of ground-breaking, compassionate, equality legislation. The reality is that in parts the Bill is cruel and discriminatory, not something of which to be...