Results 161-180 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: CLÁR Programme: Statements. (7 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ——should have applauded him for what he has done and achieved. Senator McHugh raised two or three particular issues but does that suggest we expect 100% success from such a broad-based programme in two or three years? Of course, that cannot be done. I have no doubt that the Minister will listen closely to any genuine cases brought to his attention in the same manner he brought about the...

Seanad: CLÁR Programme: Statements. (7 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: However, the interesting thing was that Senator Ulick Burke and at least two other Senators on the other side of the House spoke on the Order of Business and invited the Minister to the House, as I did on the same day.

Seanad: CLÁR Programme: Statements. (7 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: He has responded to our request on the Order of Business that he come to the House. However, let us be very clear on this point. I would be extremely sad if the suggestion was that we start dismantling something that has been successful, given value for money, been in close contact with the communities being served and brought together all the interests that I mentioned — the community,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Yesterday on the Order of Business, I raised the case of the murdered solicitor Mr. Pat Finucane in the context of a public inquiry. As the House is aware, this case was one of the subjects dealt with by Judge Cory with regards collusion by the security forces in a number of murders in Northern Ireland. The public inquiry obviously will not happen in the near future. Nationalist and Unionist...

Seanad: Report of National Advisory Committee on Drugs: Statements. (28 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I wish to share my time with Senator Hanafin.

Seanad: Report of National Advisory Committee on Drugs: Statements. (28 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I compliment the Minister of State on the proactive role he has played with regard to this issue. He has spoken to the Seanad on a number of occasions and to the joint committee of which I am a member. It is evident from his contributions on those occasions that he is determined to devise a strategy which will bring results and to ensure that research is carried out to give us a complete...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: On a previous occasion I raised the case of the young Tipperary man who is serving a life sentence in an English jail, the champion jockey, Christy McGrath from Carrick-on-Suir. There is a growing body of evidence that this is another miscarriage of justice. Within the last year, a man from Clonmel who had served 25 years was released and it was accepted that there had been a miscarriage of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Yesterday we saw shocking pictures of naked Iraqi soldiers being humiliated, abused and tortured by gloating American soldiers. Those pictures will have upset many people but I am also upset by the mild rebuke those soldiers received from their government.

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Apr 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is absolutely vital that we take a stand on issues like this. The question now in people's minds is whether it is a mater of replacing one brutal regime with another. The time has come for American and British soldiers to leave Iraq and for the United Nations to bring some semblance of order to that country. I do not believe, no matter how friendly we are with a country, that we can stand...

Seanad: Ombudsman's Report: Statements. (5 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I welcome the report. It is a transparent document which makes it easy for all of us to understand the role of the Ombudsman and her office. It is important to realise that for many people the Ombudsman may still be an unknown service. On the other hand, the report suggests that more people are becoming aware of their rights. Many of the people who have recourse to the Ombudsman are those who...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I took a robust stand against the war in Iraq. At the time I said I regarded that war as illegal, immoral and unjustified. That is still the case. I believed the fall out would eventually cast a shadow over us and if there was even a perceived acquiescence on our part with what was happening in Iraq, this nation would suffer internationally. That is what will happen. It will not be sufficient...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: There is sovereignty and human rights in question. Senator Norris is correct that deep down we all believe the same thing. However, that is not enough. If we do not stand up to be counted on these issues not only will America suffer, but Ireland and the rest of the world will suffer as well. The first step that must be taken is an admission by the United States that it was wrong. We will have...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We must give leadership now or history will not judge us kindly.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We all agree we must be especially cautious regarding the impeachment process. Any stray or unintended comment could eventually prove prejudicial. I had intended making much the same suggestion as Senator Maurice Hayes, that perhaps the Leader would consider calling a meeting today of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I hope Senator O'Toole will agree to that because it would be...

Seanad: Good Friday Agreement: Motion. (19 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Allow the Minister to continue without interruption.

Seanad: Good Friday Agreement: Motion. (19 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Minister without interruption.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (20 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes for a debate on what is happening to the Palestinian people. The war crimes being perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people will shock the world and will be seen for what they are. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been particularly forthright in support of the rights of the Palestinian people. It is important for this nation, and for...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit agus gabhaim buíochas leis mar gheall ar an soiléiriú a thug sé dúinn maidir leis an mBille seo. I welcome the Minister and thank him for the clarifications he has given us. He mentioned that what we are dealing with is interim legislation, the first of two Bills which will be coming before the House. The purpose of these Bills is to give legislative...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I take a different view from Senator Brian Hayes on the representations made by the Taoiseach on behalf of the three Irish citizens held in Colombia.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I do so because it was a strange case from the outset. The prosecution brought forward some questionable witnesses. There are even suggestions that some of those will be tried for perjury. At the same time there were witnesses from the other side, including from our diplomatic service who must be taken into account where credibility is concerned. The Taoiseach did what any leader of a...