Results 1,241-1,260 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 2, Criminal Justice (Illicit Traffic by Sea) Bill 2000 – Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 5.30 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 Members may share time, the Minister to be called on to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: This is all very stirring. The acting leader of the Opposition, Senator Finucane, talked about the report by the National Competitiveness Council and Forfás and again invited the Tánaiste to attend the House. She has assured me that she will do so at a time suitable to her and the House. We might then debate the report. Senator O'Toole requested a debate on the 15 page document issued by...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: It is a very good document. I suggest the Senator reads it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator also asked for a full debate on the groceries order. A common view among Senators who spoke on the issue today was the need for consumers to be alert and fight for their rights. In relation to Senator O'Meara's query, it was not €42 million but €12 million that the Tánaiste's Department contributed to the fund to assist the disadvantaged in proceeding to third level...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Fitzgerald has always been a stalwart at every level of the education debate. The Senator praised the measures just announced for disadvantaged students, measures which show that much good can come out of a furore. I do not think that any Member would be ungenerous and not acknowledge that.

Seanad: Sustaining Progress: Statements. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Pina colada.

Seanad: Sustaining Progress: Statements. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I am glad to speak in this debate. This is what makes the Seanad such an agreeable Chamber. Everybody has different points of view and those who hold contrary views can give them full expression here. I am pleased that we can do this. Today we are debating Sustaining Progress. While I do not know who thinks up the names every time there is a new agreement, it is to their credit that they have...

Seanad: Sustaining Progress: Statements. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The farmers were, of course, involved. At the time the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, was a rising star in the IFA, as he is now in his new role. Everybody pulled together and the economy was saved. We continued and are now into our sixth programme. Senator Higgins's party was involved in one of them when Deputy John Bruton was Taoiseach. They continued with a spirit of co-operation and...

Seanad: Sustaining Progress: Statements. (27 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: A better bang for one's buck.

Seanad: Sustaining Progress: Statements. (27 May 2003)

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

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, report of the Joint Committee on The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Charters Amendment) Bill 2002, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders relative to Private Business, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003 – Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, the leader of the Opposition, indicated that 20 June was the date for the ratification of the convention and called for an all-day discussion on the convention on the following Tuesday, 24 June. The effects of the convention are huge and they will affect us all for years to come. I fully agree, therefore, that we should have an all-day debate on the issue prior to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: These areas of public life are generally best kept apart. Senator O'Toole congratulated the Garda Commissioner designate, Mr. Noel Conroy, whom I know well. He is a fine person and I have no doubt he will be an inspiration for the force. The question of the appointment of an ombudsman for children has been raised previously in the House by Senators O'Toole and Brian Hayes. I made inquiries at...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes, but it came into force 14 months ago. It is hoped the discussions, which concern terms, conditions and finance, will be concluded quickly. The Departments are actively engaged in deliberations on the issue. I will get back to the Senator on the issue, about which I made inquiries around two weeks ago. A long time has elapsed since this promising initiative which was welcomed all round. I...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Dardis called for a debate on the Convention on the Future of Europe prior to the signing of the final report. We have agreed to hold such a debate. The Senator also referred to the Garda Commissioner designate, Mr. Noel Conroy. Senator Bannon called for a review of the planning process and the enforcement of planning regulations. I understand the Senator will be in the House when the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: That is the Senator's business.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator is allowed to raise the matter in conversation afterwards.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: He will find a way to raise it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I agree with Senator Ó Murchú's comments on the advertisement for Sandtex, which is hateful and hurtful. I saw it in newspapers but have not yet seen it on hoardings. It shows a large picture which is denigratory of older people as it juxtaposes them with an image of the company's resurfacing properties. It is awful and I had intended to make a complaint to the makers of the advertisement....

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator also asked what had happened with regard to the appointment of a guardian ad litem as proposed in the Children Act passed several years ago. I will make inquiries in this regard. Perhaps the issue has been overtaken by the Ombudsman for Children Act.