Results 1,161-1,180 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I am duty bound to put forward the Tánaiste's point of view because she is not here to defend herself. Whatever else the Opposition might say about her, the Tánaiste is entirely truthful.

Seanad: Redundancy Payments Bill 2003: Order for Second Stage. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now." Question put and agreed to.

Seanad: Redundancy Payments Bill, 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: On a point of clarification, discussion of the Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Bill 2003 was to begin at 4 p.m. but I am requesting that the Order of Business be amended in order that it can commence at 4.05 p.m., approximately.

Seanad: Road Safety: Motion. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2002 – Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 1.30 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and on which Senators may share time, the Minister to be called upon to reply...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: So did I.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Leader of the Opposition asked for a copy of the Government's legislative programme between now and 4 July. I will arrange to have it circulated. He also raised the issue of third level fees and sought time for a debate later this morning. One cannot snap one's fingers and summon a Minister just like that. A Minister's day is packed. The Senator is right to request a debate but—

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Opposition Senators had their say and I never said a word. One cannot summon a Minister by clapping one's hands.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Furthermore, the Cabinet has not yet discussed the matter. It would be wrong to discuss it here prior to submission to the Cabinet of a proper memorandum from the Minister. We had a good parliamentary party meeting on the matter at which over 24 members spoke. While various points of view were expressed, I am not in favour of the reintroduction of tuition fees.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: That was reported in The Irish Times yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Let us not pretend it is big news. I only say it because the Opposition states there is dissent. Of course, there is. We are entitled to hold different points of view. We contributed to the debate openly and honestly and were listened to in the same manner.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator O'Toole agreed with Senator Brian Hayes and asked for debate on the matter. I have just been explaining the reason there cannot be one. Senator Ryan asked how it would affect the Seanad resumption at 3.45 p.m. if there was an amendment in the Dáil to the Redundancy Payments Bill. When I spoke about the resumption of business, I was careful to include the proviso, "If the Bill is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I will suggest it to him but he will not come as quickly as that. The Tánaiste has told me that she will come to discuss the steps taken regarding insurance.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Everybody is entitled to his or her opinion. Senator Bannon asked about cutbacks in the home help service. There have been cutbacks but individual cases are being looked at and help provided. Senator Brennan wants the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, to come to the House to debate the issue of serviced land and its release by...

Seanad: Redundancy Payments Bill 2003: Motion for Earlier Signature. (15 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That pursuant to subsection 2o of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Redundancy Payments Bill 2003 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to her. Question put and agreed to.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 2, Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Bill 2003 – Committee Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 4.30 p.m., and No. 3, Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2002 – Committee Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 2, or at 4.30 p.m., if the debate has not concluded earlier, and conclude...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: With regard to Progressive Democrats Members, Senator Minihan has gone back into hospital for a check up. We were gracious enough to send good wishes to Senator Cummins and should do the same now for Senator Minihan. Senator Dardis told the Whip last week that he would not be here today. We are delighted that Senator Kate Walsh, a respected Member of the House, is present. Senator Brian Hayes...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes also said that the then Minister, Deputy Woods, was complicit in some campaign. Deputy Woods made his position clear yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I also wish to make it clear that he had the money when he made his pronouncements.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: That is another question.