Results 1,521-1,540 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, motion re non-contractual obligations, on which the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights has completed its deliberations, to be taken without debate; No. 2, motion re Simpson's Hospital (Amendment) Order 2003, on which the Joint Committee on Health and Children has completed its deliberations, to be taken without debate; No. 3,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome the tone set by Senator Brian Hayes in his comments on Northern Ireland. There is a need for a debate but I must take account of what is happening and I will then judge when a debate is appropriate. I congratulate all those involved and our hearts are full of hope that the negotiations will continue and full agreement will be reached shortly. The Senator also asked what the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I always feel a sense of futility when I say motions are to be taken without debate. However, they are usually coming back from or being sent to joint committees, of which Senators are members. I suggested to Senator O'Toole some time ago that if a report is requested on a motion, it should be sought with notice and a debate held subsequently. That is a good idea. While we trust Senators on...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator O'Brien wished the Government well and congratulated both Governments on the work that has been done so far. Senator Terry raised two issues of justice. She mentioned the inequality in a major finance house, but I do not know to which bank she refers. I am sure she has checked the matter. Apparently the bank in question does not have an equality statement. She also mentioned the drink...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ó Murchú's request for Senators to temper their views on the North was in line with comments made by other speakers. We have been very careful in that regard. Senators could have said other things, but I thank them for engaging in such a responsible mini-debate. The Senator praised Mother Teresa and argued that we should not adjudicate on miracles. I hope that we will not become...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brennan spoke about General John de Chastelain. It struck me as I listened to the general yesterday evening that he is used to military matters, rather than political issues. He is a very fine person. All sides agreed that he should be the adjudicator in respect of such matters. I know he will be part of what we hope will be the true resolution of all such matters. Order of Business...

Seanad: Non-Contractual Obligations: Motion. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I move:

Seanad: Simpson's Hospital Estate Act (Amendment) Order 2003: Motion. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: The Health Act 1970 (Section 76) Simpson's Hospital Estate Act (Amendment) Order, 2003, a copy of which was laid in draft before Seanad Éireann on 25th June, 2003. Question put and agreed to.

Seanad: Freedom of Information Act 1997 (Prescribed Bodies) Regulations 2003: Referral to Joint Committee. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approve the following Regulations in draft: Freedom of Information Act 1997 (Prescribed Bodies) Regulations 2003, copies of which were laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 14th October, 2003, be referred to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service, in accordance with paragraph (1) (Seanad) of the Orders of Reference of that...

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senators on this side of the House do not have to lurk; they can say what they like.

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: "Lurking" is not a word that could be applied to him.

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome the encouraging report of the National Task Force on Medical Staffing, also known as the Hanly report. I applaud the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, and his ministerial colleagues in his Department for the work they have done to compile this report. I do not mind if there were 3,000 meetings. The fact that the report has been well researched, compiled and produced...

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Burke can say what he wants. I am satisfied that I did not seek an acute hospital.

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I certainly never gave any false hope. I never wished for it. I knew that there was expertise in Portiuncula Hospital, which is 15 minutes from Athlone. I do not indulge in pipe dreams and I never have done.

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I think it is wrong to chase rainbows. It is not for Senator Ulick Burke to tell me my electoral duties. I know them.

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Cathaoirleach for that information and for looking after my interests when I was being ambushed. I hope the remit and programme of services laid out for us in Sustaining Progress will be delivered as quickly as possible. I also hope we will be able to have doctors constantly on call. This is one of the huge issues in Athlone and the very least a patient should demand. I am very...

Seanad: National Task Force on Medical Staffing: Statements. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I agree with the Minister.

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill 2001: Report and Final Stages. (22 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I propose that we extend the debate by ten minutes.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, Sea Pollution (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003 – Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and Members may share time. This item is to conclude not later than 1 p.m. with the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Oct 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes noted the successful passage through Second Stage of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship and Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2003, which was brought forward by Senator Quinn. All Members of the House are pleased that the Bill was approved last night. I encourage all Senators, from all parties, to propose Private Members' Bills. I am preparing such a Bill at...