Results 1,281-1,300 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I am pleased that our companions and colleagues in the Progressive Democrats have tabled this motion which has enabled us to have a good debate on the matter. I have listened to all the contributions. In a debate such as this there must be some allowance for inaccurate statements. I welcome the Minister of State and his esteemed public servants. I know both very well. They are people of the...

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Irish Times, which I know I am allowed to say. I will confine my remarks to Luas on which we had the enthusiastic backing of our colleagues in the Progressive Democrats. Their esteemed spokesperson was an adviser on transport to the Tánaiste, Deputy Harney. I do not wish to name him because that would not be fair but Members know the person to whom I am referring. When the matter went to...

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I will praise the Minister, Deputy Brennan, who has made a correct decision. The editorial contains a large broadside against him too – it says that one should not hold one's breath while waiting for him to do anything. The Minister has given great energy and commitment to pushing forward the agenda for the Luas and metro projects. I agree with what my colleagues in Fianna Fáil and the...

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: My friend, Senator Norris, praised me, as did my colleagues.

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: We are no good if we cannot have a bit of a laugh.

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Very good, but he has spoken already.

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Bannon is my friend too.

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I know that I should not refer to other Senators—

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The quality bus corridor programme was implemented during my time in office, when between 300 and 400 new buses were purchased. New buses had not been acquired for Dublin for 20 years and those in place were belching out noxious fumes. I remember saying to the Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, that I would not leave his Department until I had been given funds for new buses.

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The money was provided year after year after that meeting. The traffic in Dublin will improve as part of an evolving process. The improvements which have started will be added to and implemented, but there will be pain before there is gain. There is no doubt about that because it is the way advances are made in any transport system. It is interesting to read through the debates in these...

Seanad: Dublin Traffic Congestion: Motion. (11 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: He has no railways.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Bill 2003 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken from the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 11.30 a.m.; and No. 2, statements on the reaction to the recent European Central Bank interest rate cut, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and to conclude not later than 1 p.m., with...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Distinguished.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, the leader of the Opposition, asked for a debate on the ethics in public office report on the benefits which accrue to Ministers and Ministers of State from being in office, not just for the three weeks of an election campaign but for four or five years. There are many issues to be considered. A price was put upon the size of one's office and the amount of time spent in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator O'Toole asked about Ventry. This is an ongoing debate within education about the extra concessions to gaelscoileanna as distinct from people who live in the Galltacht areas. It would be a good subject for an Adjournment matter because the policy would be enunciated. I share the Senator's view on Members being cited as being in the bar as if they were on a trail of debauchery.

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes. We are clearly not on a trail of debauchery if we are there. It is often a case of making arrangements to meet somebody there. It is not correct to give the impression that we are all closeted in a particular place. I regret the manner in which it was highlighted and I thank the Senator for raising the matter. Senator Brian Hayes mentioned the remarks made by Niall Andrews, MEP, when he...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I am willing to arrange a debate on neutrality but there is a difference between the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána acting with great distinction as UN peacekeepers in troubled places and the abandonment of neutrality. The people must decide whether it can be abandoned. One must not throw out the baby with the bathwater just because it is a current fad. Senator Ryan spoke about the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not see the need for video cameras at GAA championship matches either. It may be due to over-zealousness. In general, GAA matches and all matches are very well supported by enthusiasts but not by those bent on any type of hooliganism. Senator Leyden praised the Garda. He spoke about the need for a debate on the crisis in Palestine. Senator Coghlan also spoke about the case of the schools...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Finucane supports the call for a debate on neutrality. He asks for a debate on the non-production of the radiotherapy report and requests that it be published. I hope the Minister for Health and Children will come to the House before the summer recess to discuss the two major reports. Senator Norris asked for a debate on neutrality and on the Middle East. He also asked for a debate on...

Seanad: Interest Rates Reduction: Statements. (12 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes.