Results 21,821-21,840 of 26,293 for speaker:Darragh O'Brien

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Yes, I have a question for the Leader and I have also tabled an amendment to the Order of Business. We deserve answers on the issue. Let us be fair. The Taoiseach belatedly apologised, but I do not know what he apologised for, because the previous day he said it was a matter for the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys. I would not have tabled the amendment if the Minister, Deputy...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: -----as to why-----

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: She did not answer the questions that were put to her, so I will give her another opportunity. I table an amendment to the Order of Business-----

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: -----and I would ask my colleagues to examine the matter if we care about transparency and getting to the bottom of the issue. I seek the attendance in this Chamber today of the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, to answer questions put to her, such as who asked her to appoint this chap, John McNulty, to the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, IMMA. Was she aware that this individual...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: We allow people to speak their minds on this side of the House. We are not sheep.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: When did we ever do that?

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: He has not nominated him to the Seanad; he has nominated him to contest the by-election.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: So it is our fault. We should just shut up and say nothing.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: That is exactly the point. Welcome to work.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: On a point of order-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: -----I ask Senator Paul Coghlan to correct the record, because no board member, bar the chairman, is entitled to claim expenses from IMMA. He is not doing work pro bonobecause he would not have received a fee anyway.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: He will be there for two weeks. Give me a break.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: As every day passes, in the context of the Seanad by-election and the appointment of Mr. McNulty - the Leader can shake his head all he wants-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: If every Member asks himself or herself honestly whether this has been handled well by the Government, everyone will agree that it has not, leaving politics out of it. However, as every day passes, we are getting more information on this appointment. I have a few questions. I heard the Taoiseach's interview from America. He effectively said he was the Taoiseach, that he was the leader and...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: The Taoiseach has no regard for the Seanad, which is why he proposed to abolish it. He previously tried to undermine a democratic decision regarding the selection of candidates for the banking inquiry. He tried to force through a vote and interfered in the process here. Serious questions remain unanswered about what he and Fine Gael are doing in ensuring Mr. McNulty's candidature is valid....

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Why was the IMMA board not advised of this appointment? More importantly, has it met to ratify Mr. McNulty's application? If one is put forward as a nominee to a board - this would happen in any company - it needs to be ratified at a board meeting. Furthermore, Members received letters this morning outlining that they would receive registered letters tomorrow with the ballot paper to vote...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: I am putting it in context. I formally propose an amendment to the Order of Business for those who are interested in the democratic process and the integrity of this House and the Seanad by-election. No one should be fearful of the Minister coming to the House to answer these questions. I formally request the Cathaoirleach to convene a special meeting of the Committee on Procedure and...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: Will the Cathaoirleach convene-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Sep 2014)

Darragh O'Brien: The Cathaoirleach convenes the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.