Results 2,541-2,560 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: We must watch our Ps and Qs.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It is difficult to explain it.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

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

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and pay tribute to the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach. The non-review of social partnership was one of the issues that arose when we conducted a review of the Seanad last year. Many other speakers have noted, and my experience in Government has shown me, that those responsible for social partnership agreements negotiate in...

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It is the truth. I once looked up an answer to an oral parliamentary question from Deputy Stagg to which I replied in the Dáil and I stated I was a socialist, and was proud to be one.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I am the second one. When I was involved in the teaching union, it was quite strong as many difficult cases were arising for teachers' unions. I remember talking to former Taoiseach Charles Haughey about the matter of social partnership. He stated that if it worked it would be beneficial but if it did not at least an attempt would have been made at it. There were many unpalatable issues. In...

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I believe Senator Burke is also a socialist.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It is a beginning.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: They have all the top jobs.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: A eunuch he is not.

Seanad: Social Partnership: Statements. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: He means ten more years of social partnership.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator Finucane, referred to the reports over the weekend concerning the cartoons which caused such offence to Muslims and the resultant spate of violence towards Danish embassies and their staff. The cartoons were injurious to people as was the action that was taken in response. A balanced debate is required and the Islamic community here has displayed...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator McDowell urged solidarity with the people of Denmark. It is difficult, as he said, to take lectures from Tehran but wise and cool heads are needed, as is frankness. He also asked for a debate on the three reports on the tax reliefs that have been in place for a number of years. The Minister for Finance is to be commended because he said he would undertake a study into the reliefs and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not know what else they can do but I hope the controversy dies down. Senator Coghlan agreed with his acting leader that a balanced understanding of the Muslim community here was necessary. He also criticised Dr. Paisley. Senator Ó Murchú was a well of common sense, as always. He asked what the media means by freedom of expression and said we often have to engage and then pull back from...

Seanad: Official Languages Act 2003 (Public Bodies) Regulations 2006: Motion. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following regulations in draft: Official Languages Act 2003 (Public Bodies) Regulations 2006 copies of which regulations in draft were laid before Seanad Éireann on 27 January 2006.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is Nos. 1 and 2. No. 1 is a motion regarding the Official Languages Act 2003 (Public Bodies) Regulations 2006. The purpose of the regulations is to keep the First Schedule to the Official Languages Act 2003 up to date by deleting references to public bodies that have ceased to exist or have become defunct since the Act was passed and by bringing in new public bodies. In...

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Statements. (2 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: What is the Senator saying?

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Statements. (2 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I take it the Senator is referring to the overall debate.

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Statements. (2 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: At 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday, 9 February 2006.

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Statements. (2 Feb 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Chamber. Many Senators had requested this debate and at a chance meeting in Government Buildings the Minister immediately agreed. There was no pomp or ceremony in arranging this debate for which I thank him. This House endeavours to keep up to date on Northern Ireland matters. This Chamber was founded on the premise of keeping Northern Ireland...