Results 2,041-2,060 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of the young firefighter who went to do his public service and by way of thanks got 35 stitches in his face from what Senator Hayes described as a "lunatic hooligan". While firefighters are paid by a town or city council, much of their work is of a voluntary nature and for that to happen is appalling. Senator Hayes called...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The way the media have begun to write about the western rail corridor does not bode well for it. Those concerned would want to get their act together and get stroppy about it again. Senator Kitt also referred to the national broadcaster and the future of farming. Senator Bannon asked for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to be invited to the House to debate nursing home...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: There should be a national regulation and information provided on whether there are inherent dangers associated with telephone masts. Senator Glynn called for a debate on drugs. He referred to those who want to decriminalise cannabis, although it is a gateway drug, and to its mental side effects. Senators will note four or five short new Bills on the Order Paper for this week and will also...

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (13 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: This will be done before the Order of Business.

Seanad: Death of Former Taoiseach: Expressions of Sympathy. (13 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Cathaoirleach for his judgment in this matter. As Leader of the House, I wish, first, to do the proper and homely thing, which everybody does in such circumstances, particularly the Irish, and that is to pass sympathy to Mrs. Maureen Haughey and her four grown-up children, and particularly our colleague in the other House, Deputy Seán Haughey, on the death of her husband and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes raised the matter of the location of the new children's hospital and asked that a decision be deferred for a month or two. It would be very wrong to defer a decision as it would send a wrong signal. We are all rightly aware of the needs of children and this hospital is to serve the whole country. Groups have been set up and have discussed it and agreed the location. There...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It is important to raise it here. The Senator welcomed the aim of the Minister for Transport to reduce the waiting list for driving tests. Senator Terry referred to the 1,300 driving tests cancelled today due to a meeting to discuss whether to accept the offer to get in outside testers. Senator Brady would welcome a debate on the new children's hospital. The idea of the hospital is already...

Seanad: Road Traffic Bill 2006: Order for Second Stage. (8 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: "That Second Stage be taken today."

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, the Road Traffic Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 3 p.m., spokespersons have 15 minutes each and other Senators have ten minutes, and the Minister will be called upon to reply not later than ten minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage. I beg the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: There is none this week either.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: That was the earlier debate.

Seanad: Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (7 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Will that include telephone numbers?

Seanad: Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (7 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Next Tuesday.

Seanad: Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006: Second Stage (Resumed). (7 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for putting the question, which was correct. I propose to extend this debate to 7.30 p.m. but not beyond that.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: We stated earlier that we would allow extra time on Second Stage if necessary, but it ended quickly. We are now on Committee Stage which is due to end at 6.45 p.m., according to the Order of Business. Therefore, I suggest that we adjourn at 7 p.m.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I am only fulfilling what I said on the Order of Business. I have a right and an obligation to do so. I am also very conscious that we do not operate a guillotine in this House. I operated a guillotine once, on the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, and I learned my lesson. I think 7.15 p.m. is appropriate and if Senators wish to allow Senator Cox all that time to speak, they should...

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes, 7.15 p.m.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (2 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I will do that but it is important that I stick to the Order of Business, as agreed earlier. That is why I am making this intervention. I said earlier that we would play it as it goes. I ask other Senators to be aware that Senator Cox wants a lot of time.

Seanad: Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Minister for coming before the House today and on Wednesday. It showed respect for the House, particularly when he was surrounded by foes within and outside the Chamber. The result of the court case has taken much of the steam out of this event and we have been allowed to philosophise generally. Perhaps this leads to a better debate. We sought to distance ourselves from the...