Results 2,481-2,500 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Finucane the acting leader of the Fine Gael group raised the issue of nursing home charges. We have made a telephone call to the Tánaiste's office. The legislation is being drafted and will be published before the summer. That is the situation so there is no point saying it is not coming. It is.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I wanted to say that because people will continue to say it is not coming but in fact it is. The Senator also raised the larger issue that the computation of those owed money should be done in-house, in the Health Service Executive, so to speak. Senator O'Toole, however, correctly raised the issue of a strong move, involving I understand 90 cases submitted by one solicitor — I will not...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I said Senator O'Toole raised the point.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I said Senator O'Toole raised the matter and I am responding in a joint manner to the points raised.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Exactly. This point raises another grave issue which I do not impute to Senator Finucane. He mentioned nursing home charges. The other grave issue is "ambulance chasing" which is completely incorrect. The Tánaiste said that people owed money will receive their money but the Government refutes exemplary charges. To ask civil servants to engage in a forensic examination of that type——

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I am saying that is why they could not do it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Norris raised the matter of the establishment of a select committee. I wish to be perfectly accurate about this matter. It was raised here on the Order of Business before Christmas. I said it would be a good idea to look at the matter and asked the leaders of the groups to meet me in the ante-room which they did. Senators Bradford, Norris, Ryan — whom I could not contact this week,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The matter can appear on the Order Paper and it would then be a matter for a vote. A European investigation is under way by both the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. However, the investigation by the Council of Europe, chaired by Senator Dick Marty of Switzerland, seems to be the more pivotal one. I had hoped this House could contribute to that investigation and put forward...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I know the Senator did not say that but I wish to put it on the record of the House. I telephoned the Taoiseach before Christmas and again last weekend and he returned my call. We have quite a good telephone relationship. I wish to state clearly that he did not put any pressure or onus upon me to desist from my point of view. It is important to set the record straight on that matter. I acted...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Tuffy raised the matter of the Bill which is deemed unconstitutional. I remind the House that Ministers take legal advice before drafting a Bill. I agree with the Senator that elderly people should not be forced to sell their homes. Their circumstances may change and people may become well again and will need a roof over their heads. There is something very chilling in this proposal...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: He asked for a roll-over system to be introduced for the SSIAs. I will try to arrange a debate on the SSIAs. Senator Quinn asked for a debate on the Prisons Bill. He noted that two out of three prisoners reoffend. He said that if this was the situation in education or health there would be a furore. I will ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come back to the House....

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: My point is that Senator Norris is entitled to talk to his electorate. Senator Hanafin welcomed the reduction in mobile phone charges but stated that one firm did not oblige. He reminded the House that the United States is a friendly nation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on security of energy supply and the scope for developing renewable energy sources, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 2 p.m., with the contributions of spokesperson not to exceed 15 minutes and those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes. The Minister will be called on to reply not later than...

Seanad: Educational Services: Motion. (15 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Educational Services: Motion. (15 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It is a superb amendment.

Seanad: Educational Services: Motion. (15 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Good try.

Seanad: Educational Services: Motion. (15 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Just like that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the issue of the Stardust, which is on everyone's lips and in everyone's hearts over the past number of days, particularly since the weekend. It was heartbreaking to view the programmes on RTE and consider the young boys and girls who went out with their hair slicked back and full of life and joy to have a good night, but who never...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I will not say it. The Senator only wants to get me going. I will not succumb.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Am I not very good? The cost of the gowns was mentioned. While it is acceptable to say "gown", one may not use the other word. Senator Ulick Burke raised the ESRI's report on school leavers. Even in the most perfect of systems, there will always be students who drop out. There will always be those who hear the sound of distant drums and wish to escape the confines of a classroom. That is as...