Results 2,341-2,360 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: What is the debate to be on?

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I have asked for that debate. I cannot magically rub a genie's lamp——

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ross got properly agitated about the whole peace process and said he did not believe Gerry Adams and peace were synonymous. At the end of the day they were. Senator Ross also called for a debate on the issue of self-regulation. I have asked for such a debate, but I do not know what Minister we can get to promote or speak on the topic. That is the difficulty. There is a full programme...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I know where he is from. Senator Coghlan raised the matter of the civil law Bill. That is on the A list and it is expected to be published this session. I do not know what it will be about but as the Senator has inquired about it on a number of occasions so I will endeavour to ascertain what is the purpose of the Bill.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is Nos. 1, 2 and 3. No. 1, the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006 — Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m.; No. 2, motion for earlier signature of the Social Welfare Law Reform and Pensions Bill 2006, to be taken without debate immediately on the conclusion of No. 1;...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: We all received one.

Seanad: Cancer Services: Motion. (22 Mar 2006)

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

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I will investigate the matter.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: He did.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: He was not there.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes stated that we were at the start of the longest running election campaign but I thought it started a long time ago. It certainly did in my case. It is a very long campaign and I hope we all keep our heads.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes then referred to RTE, which he described as being bullied. I never found RTE staff to be susceptible to being bullied. They are well able to look after themselves and RTE provides a great service, which is grounded in reality, knowledge and an awareness of the public service remit. I agree with the Senator's point on the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. All these bodies are...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: They feel no obligation to reply or to explain decisions. Some state that they have never allowed an appeal. Imagine an appeal board that never allows an appeal. A debate on refugees, the bodies that deal with them and how members of these bodies are elected would be welcome. I never refused a debate with Senator O'Toole.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Ministers of all persuasions have agreed to contribute to radio shows on the condition that Senator O'Toole is not contributing. I refer not only to Senator O'Toole but am using him as an example of people like him, who bring so much colour to RTE.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator O'Toole also raised the matter of freight transport. Senator Mansergh pointed out that freight transport is very expensive and if its provision is to be considered by Government a major subsidy would be required. I recall having this debate with the Department of Finance and others and it could never be justified as those who were sending the goods would not pay increased rates....

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: CIE and the Department of Finance agreed on this matter. Neither wanted freight rail transport and they would have returned to the days of barges on the River Shannon if possible.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Rail freight transport merits a debate and we will invite the Minister for Transport to the House. I was not aware of the announcement by Guinness, which is retrograde. Senator Ryan referred to the RTE interview but I do not think Deputy McDowell is running from Deputy Rabbitte. Perhaps the poor dears will have more sleepless nights. It is very sad that they cannot sleep.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I advise them to put their heads on the pillow and get on with it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator asked for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to attend this House. The voices urging him to attend the House are overwhelming and I am sure he will. Senator Ryan also claimed the Department of Finance wanted to close down railways and he is quite right. It also wishes to close down CIE. From my time as a novice Cabinet member I remember a proposal that all trains...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Mar 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: One could only travel from Dublin to the bridge of Athlone. Where one went after that was one's own business. Senator Dardis is very frisky today.