Results 1,141-1,160 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Organisational Review Programme: Statements (13 Oct 2010)

Ann Ormonde: That said, public servants must be challenged. They know that any reform must come from within. In all walks of life, they are well able to examine how best to make changes to develop the country's future, to get more effective use out of information and communications technology, to improve the way in which management does its business and to make effective use of resources and technology....

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Oct 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I support the call by Senator O'Donovan to discuss the reasons so many young nurses must emigrate while at the same time a number of non-EU professionals continue to occupy nursing positions in hospitals. While they are professional people and it was fine for them to do so in good times, I believe as a philosophy of life that we must look after our own first. Perhaps we should have a debate...

Seanad: Restructuring of Vocational Education Committees: Statements (19 Oct 2010)

Ann Ormonde: This is a subject which is close to my heart. As a teacher and a career guidance counsellor, I worked on a wide variety of educational courses and disadvantage problems within the VEC system. I was also a member of County Dublin VEC for nine years. I am well equipped to speak on this subject, therefore. I pay tribute to the innovative and professional people involved in the VEC system over...

Seanad: Restructuring of Vocational Education Committees: Statements (19 Oct 2010)

Ann Ormonde: It is now the junior certificate.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I thank Senator Cummins for introducing the Bill. Perhaps his actions might focus minds on how we might bring about reform of the Seanad. We have been down this road so many times and, in such circumstances, it is absolutely appalling that we are discussing the matter again. When I spoke at the annual conference of LAMA on this matter, I stated I would support the Bill. I do support it...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: The discussion seems to centre on the meaning of consensus and how we can reach it. Far be it from me to lecture anyone on the definition of "consensus", but I hope that, as a result of Commissioner Rehn's suggestion, we will sit around the table to try to tease out matters. There is a bigger picture and one-upmanship is not what I want for the country. I want us all to reach agreement...

Seanad: European Council: Statements (9 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, and the opportunity to participate in the debate on the recent European Council meeting which I believe re-affirmed the key role the European Union is taking in responding to some of the greatest challenges we face, be they economic, environmental or international. I congratulate the Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, on the roles...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I agree with speakers who say the financial situation has deteriorated greatly and I wish the Minister for Finance every success in his negotiations this afternoon. I read an article by one of the leading journalists in The Irish Times today and I was impressed by his approach. He said the international media are not accurately communicating the Irish position and indicated areas we could...

Seanad: Death of Member: Expressions of Sympathy (17 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: Kieran occupied the office next to mine and every Tuesday afternoon he would come in for a chat. He would chat about how he had walked the land during the previous week and would tell me all about his cows. We used to chat about cows regularly because I told him I loved cows. I also told him I had a lovely painting of a cow and promised to bring it in for him to see. He said to me that if...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome this morning's contribution from the Governor of the Central Bank. Let us hope that once the relevant representatives become involved, politics will be removed from the equation. Let us now engage in real discussion and positive thinking. This is a great country and the Irish are a race of fighters. We are not going to go down. People should not engage in the type of...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I am weary with the rhetoric from all sides.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: Wait now.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: We are at a political crossroads. Let there be no doubt about that. There will be a redrawing of the political landscape. That is coming regardless of whether we like it. I do not know how things are going to shape up but change is coming loud and clear in terms of the future of all our parties. The public is looking for change. I am not saying we are not the brightest or that any other...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: That is the bottom line. I do not want anyone to do it to me either.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: I want issues to be discussed in the House. I support Senator Hannigan who called for a debate on overseas aid. I do not know where we are going with it, but this country has been good in that regard in bad times. Perhaps we should try to keep up the momentum in Irish Aid. After that I wish to discuss issues if we can get down to whatever is left. Let us cut out the personality...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: Some days ago Senator O'Toole announced that he would not be seeking re-election. I was sorry to hear that, particularly on the basis that I value his contributions.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: Senator O'Toole recently noted that, in its current form, the Seanad was indefensible. In his contribution on the Order of Business he referred to neutrality, sovereignty and our independence and asked whether these had been weakened by our entering into an agreement with the European Union and the IMF. I do not believe they have because there is nothing wrong with seeking help. There is...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2010)

Ann Ormonde: If the debate on the matter cannot be taken immediately, I urge the Leader to make time available for it as soon as possible. This matter must be kept on the agenda.