Results 1,781-1,800 of 7,641 for speaker:Rónán Mullen

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: I sympathise with Senator Bacik on the deprioritisation of the excellent climate change proposal that she brought forward during the last Seanad. I regret that.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: I would be grateful if the Leader would bring the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to the House to outline the Government's current foreign policy objectives and, in particular, to explain the thinking behind the decision to close Ireland's embassy in the Holy See. I do not know if the Minister plays tennis, but I think this one will go down as an unforced error. At a time when our...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: On two consecutive days, there have been extensive calls for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to attend the House. Yesterday, the main issue in that regard was the closure of the embassy in the Holy See and today, it is Gaza. We have there two reasons the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade should attend the House today. It would be helpful if the...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: Is the Leader saying that a guillotine will not be imposed?

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: We will ensure a good flow of debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: N'fheadar cé atá ag íoc as an turas eitleáin.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: All insults through the Chair, please.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: Do not be so sure.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: The Senator has an eye on a constituency.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: It seems to have gone unnoticed that the Government did score one victory in its joust with banking executives yesterday, namely, that it managed to convey to the public, through the media, how deeply disappointed it is at the awkwardness of the banks. We have been told that the Government is "infuriated" by their attitude. It is good for a Government which is not doing what it should be...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: It is noticeable and notable that the banking executives are of the view that their salaries should not be capped at even €500,000. In one case, a salary of €640,000 is being sought. It is clear where the power still lies in this country.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: The Government should, at the very least, facilitate the bringing forward of legislation at an early date to allow the regulator to do what he needs to do in regard to the passing on of interest rate cuts.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: Tá áthas orm gur árdaigh an Seanadóir Healy-Eames gach a bhfuil déanta ag ár n-Uachtarán le blianta anuas. Tá éacht déanta ag Máire agus Máirtín Mac Giolla Íosa. Tréaslaím le Micheál D. Ó hUigín agus guím áth mór air agus ar a bhean chéile ins na blianta atá romhainn. I recall an exchange some years ago where Ronald Reagan told Margaret Thatcher she was a hard act...

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: Ba bhreá liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit. I would like also to welcome our guests from the Humanist Association of Ireland. I too welcome this Bill and the principle behind it, and I would like to give two reasons for that. I am reminded of the British Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks, who has gone on record in the past supporting the ongoing establishment of the Church of England....

Seanad: Student Grants (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: I apologise to the Minister, a Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Clerk for the delay. I raise this matter to discuss the eligibility requirements in place for qualification for student grants, particularly the residency requirement outlined in section 14(4) of the Student Support Act 2011. This residential requirement states that an applicant must have held residency here for three out of five...

Seanad: Student Grants (10 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: In thanking the Minister of State for his response there is still a lack of clarity. One student applying for a grant could be eligible, having spent the last year and half sunning themselves in Florida, whereas a person who has spent the past three years working for the poorest of the poor of the world would not be in a position to apply for the grant at the beginning of their course....

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: I was happy to hear what Senator Walsh had to say about the Government's attitude to closing embassies. I remind my friend and colleague, Senator Noone, that it is not at all inconceivable that Fianna Fáil will return to Government, either at the next election or the one after.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: I say that as a neutral.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: I will tell the Senator one thing. Right now, there are people who will give their vote to Fianna Fáil rather than Fine Gael-----

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2011)

Rónán Mullen: -----because there are people in this country who were hurt by the closing of the embassy, that entirely unnecessary gesture by the Government, and there are people for whom it is a voting issue.