Results 1,301-1,320 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

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

Mary O'Rourke: I am glad the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, was able to address the House on this matter and to listen to the debate. I particularly appreciate that because he attended the House for the Final Stages of the Bill. I appreciate also the role of the House in highlighting this matter. It was taken up here on Tuesday, before there was any move by the financial institutions but just...

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

Mary O'Rourke: —and the relevant Minister for Finance, now our esteemed Taoiseach. I recall being nonplussed. If one goes to buy a suit and there is something wrong with it, one will just leave it and go on to the next shop. One does not leave one's money if one does not like the garment. However, we leave our money and expect to be treated as consumers but we are not.

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

Mary O'Rourke: That is the point.

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

Mary O'Rourke: Yes.

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

Mary O'Rourke: No, the Bank of England is independent.

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

Mary O'Rourke: They have not enough money for me.

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

Mary O'Rourke: About the bank?

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

Mary O'Rourke: Big brother was watching the Senator.

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

Mary O'Rourke: People are checking the websites.

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

Mary O'Rourke: They made it too late.

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

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Minister of State and his officials for attending the debate which allowed for a good and broad range of views to be expressed.

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

Mary O'Rourke: Next Wednesday at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, a motion concerning the risk equalisation scheme which was referred to the Joint Committee on Health and Children which has completed its discussions, to be taken without debate; No. 2, European Convention on Human Rights Bill 2001 – Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 2 p.m., with the contributions...

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Leader of Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, said with regard to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill that too short a period has been given to engage in a full examination of its intricacies. I will come back to that later. Senators are entitled to the very best of service and information from all sides. I would add, though not by way of self-justification, that we did circulate, not an early...

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: No, not dissolve – I mean before the summer break. I discussed this personally with the Minister yesterday, and he intends to come to the House. I do not know what date it will be because he is not going to the Dáil with his proposals until Friday week, but we will have the Minister here before we break up.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Fair enough, but in general terms the spokespersons of all the parties will be here all day.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The speed of the Committee Stage is the point of contention.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Everybody is very good, but two or three speakers on the other side of the House said that they would be here and we will be here too.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Maurice Hayes correctly pointed out that the Special Olympics is run on an all-Ireland basis, which is a good thing. So many sports gain credibility by being for the island as a whole. The Drogheda bypass is a huge anomaly when the currency question arises. Senator Mary Henry referred to the acute beds in children's hospitals being given to psychiatric patients.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Jun 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes. She said the Minister assured her that this practice was being phased out but that it does not appear to be. Senator Glynn, supporting Senator Norris, preferred the term "transient traders" to "Travelling community" and referred to the Garda issue. Senator Bannon wants all of us to speak up about moral responsibility. I would have to find a professor of theology to respond to that.