Results 2,681-2,700 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Those of us who were Oireachtas Members in the 1980s can recall when times were truly bad.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I will give the House the benefit of my experience by saying the key is to look after the small and medium enterprises which employ some 880,000 people.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Minister for Finance gave the banks ten days to come up with proposals. The Government will work to ensure the banks play their part in providing funds for small and medium enterprises and others providing employment.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: These businesses are the backbone of the economy. The Government will provide them with the necessary support to ensure we can have hope and confidence in the future.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I was uplifted by the address to the nation by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on "Morning Ireland".

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I was very impressed by his determination. The experience I have gained through the years tells me he is a person who is determined to listen to all sides and to take advice.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I know Senator Coffey is overjoyed by De La Salle's victory last Sunday in the Munster senior hurling club championship.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: However, it is only a matter of time before Ballyhale Shamrocks or Portumna get at them.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: There will be an all-day debate on the economy on Friday. I have no difficulty in allowing sufficient time for all Members to make a contribution. It will be an open-ended debate and the Minister will be in the Chamber for most of the day. I urge all Members to make a contribution to this important debate. The least we can do, having seen the significant changes that have taken place, is...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: ——but thanked the Government on behalf of the people of Valentia.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I know Senator O'Toole is also good for the humble pie.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senators O'Toole, Keaveney, Healy Eames and Buttimer called for a debate on education. I have agreed to set aside time for this before Christmas, on a Saturday if necessary.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: It is a serious matter. I listened with great interest to the Minister's comments on "Questions and Answers" last Monday. We all heard the other side of the story. The Government has allocated an additional 3% to the education budget. As I said yesterday, we know what our opponents on the other side of the House intend to do in this area. There is no greater supporter of the Irish...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I do not have to tell colleagues on the other side of the House that the Irish language is in the Minister's genes. He was born with a love of Irish. His grandfather, Eamon de Valera was the greatest public representative and friend the Irish language ever had. I have every confidence in the Minister. I congratulate Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann on its allocation of €3 million.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Innovators and creators in the arts are often unappreciated and the gift of being able to play music often goes unacknowledged. Senator Keaveney, a noted musician in her own right apart from all her other great talents, pointed out that it is a gift with which one is born. People should appreciate what it means.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: One need only consider the wonderful role our artists have played as ambassadors throughout the world. They include U2 and the Cranberries.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: They have presented a new image of Ireland. "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance" also come to mind. Need I say more?

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Is it any wonder that we are the envy of the world in terms of our artists and the creativity of our young people? I will endeavour to have this debate take place before the Christmas recess. Senator O'Toole knows I am doing my best in this regard. I join with Senator Hannigan in welcoming the signing by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of the convention banning cluster...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Portlaoise to Cashel road is opening this week. The Government is investing 5% of GDP in the capital programme next year, which is a very serious investment in such a difficult economic time. Senator Alan Kelly expressed his views on the "Prime Time Investigates" programme on RTE last Monday which dealt with the underpayment of wages to non-national workers. Everybody abhors that. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I can convey Senator Norris's views to the taxi regulator. One's heart goes out to the person in the example offered by the Senator with regard to how difficult it is for taxi drivers in some areas to make a living. Some of them are struggling to survive. The Senator also made a strong case for sheep farmers. I heard the interview with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on...