Results 1,141-1,160 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes raised the Access programme to third level education. Perhaps the people concerned were above the normal student age and did not have a chance when they were at school. A one-year foundation course in third level college was my idea. However, it was the Senator who made the comment.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: There are hundreds of students completing full term college courses who would not be there if they had not had the opportunity of the foundation course. It would be an interesting matter for the House to consider. I thank Senator O'Toole for his kind remarks about Kilbeggan racecourse. I have told those responsible that he and Senator Glynn have been most assiduous in raising the issue....

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Mansergh welcomed the review of the ownership of land, but he took up Senator O'Toole's point that special concessions with regard to such measures should not be given away lightly or be misused. He also said that those who benefit from property tax breaks because their homes are worthy of public visits, should not refuse such visits. We all know who is being discussed in this regard,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: They are operating on a care and maintenance basis. I will ask the Minister about this matter. Given that we had a debate on the North last week, I do not expect that we will have another in the next week or two. Senator White also asked for the review by Judge Corry to be published. Senator John Paul Phelan referred to third level fees and Professor Malcolm Skilbeck's report about the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: We are delighted with it because it enables all Senators to discuss the issues.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: We are very pleased with it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: He is a good man.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Is Senator Brian Hayes becoming obstreperous? Not really. We admire and like the shape of the Fine Gael amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: No. Senator Bannon raised the issues of decentralisation and better crime prevention. Order of Business agreed to.

Seanad: Health Service: Statements. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: At 12.30 p.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, Redundancy Payments Bill 2003 – all Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business until 4 p.m. and, if not previously concluded, to resume after Private Members' Business at 8 p.m. and conclude not later than 9 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons on Second Stage not to exceed 15 minutes, those of all other Senators not to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank all the spokespersons of the various parties who have agreed the timeframe for dealing with the Redundancy Payments Bill. Senator Brian Hayes spoke about the amendment which his colleague, Senator Coghlan, has tabled, which I note and have read. I am sure Senator Coghlan will make a spirited espousal of the amendment during the debate. Senator Brian Hayes also expressed his personal...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Sympathy was expressed with regard to the McBrearty family not being able to obtains its costs. Many agreed with the Senator on the matter, on which we will approach the appropriate Department because, as Senator Maurice Hayes said, it should be worked through a Department. Senator Higgins also raised the issue of post boxes in rural areas. I was thinking about the regulatory issue, of which...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not know.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I thought to myself that the position of the regulator had been well vindicated. All sides of the House would say to Etain Doyle, chairperson of the regulatory body, Comtech, that if an intervention was ever needed, that was it. Senator Norris said it would not be egalitarian to bring in one's spouse or a relation to represent one if the dual mandate was abolished. However, Senator Brennan...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The skill of dealing with people is often instilled in a family. Senator O'Meara supported Senator Higgins in his call about the McBrearty family as well as on the issue of post boxes. She also looked for the Disability Bill to be brought forward now to mark the Special Olympics. We have been seeking to have the Bill brought forward in the Seanad. Senator Maurice Hayes also wanted to mark the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator said that the Minister is receiving divine inspiration in respect of various matters. It is good for a person in the public eye to have ideas and talk about them, rather than adhering to departmental briefs and becoming boring.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: It is good to have a person who has a new idea every day.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senators are just making fun of the position. Many of the Minister's ideas are highly admirable and I have no doubt that, in time, they will become points of policy underpinned by legislation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Minister will be in the House this evening and I hope Senator Terry will put forward her points of view and refer to her diminished admiration. If she does so, it will make for a good debate. Senator John Phelan raised the matter of the Redundancy Payments Bill. I was fortunate enough to hear the debate in the Dáil last week when the Tánaiste was challenged about commitments that she...