Results 2,801-2,820 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I sit here like a demure woman while other Senators talk, but the minute I open my mouth they all leap up.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Thank you, a Chathaoirligh. I hope to be able to schedule a debate on that matter next week, but I cannot race out and get a Minister today. The Senator also sought a debate concerning the Government's scientific advisor, Mr. McSweeney. It would be a good issue for an Adjournment debate because it is about one focused point. I understand that Mr. McSweeney's primary degrees are excellent...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The remark was made in the context of the many coastal developments that have occurred as a result of tax breaks. Senator Brady spoke about the turf war over drugs, which is what this upsurge in violence is about. He sought a debate on the drugs trade in general. I agree with what Senator Ulick Burke said about the terms "rolling out" and "going forward" because they do not mean anything.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: It is better not to do so.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: There are 1,633 schools without access to psychological services. The Senator wants the Minister for Education and Science to come to the House for a debate on services for those with special needs. Senator Callanan wants a debate on the World Trade Organisation and a general debate on agriculture. He had a word of praise too for the Minister for Agriculture and Food. Senator Henry protested...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Mansergh wants a debate on affordable housing. He asked whether the capital gains tax division between the partners in the rainbow coalition has been sorted out. I do not think so.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Any matter raised by any Member is relevant. It is quite elitist to say that one Senator's matter is more important than another's. I hate the attitude that one person's point is more important than that of someone else. Senator John Paul Phelan has sought a debate on agriculture and the World Trade Organisation for some time. We will try to arrange that for next week. Senator Mooney...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: There are so many potential couplings arranged now that one does not know where one is. It is very amorous.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Potential couplings are very exciting. Senator Coghlan mentioned the status of the new offence proposed by Senator Brian Hayes. There he is — I thought he had gone, excuse me.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I know the Senator would not. He asked about the status of Operation Anvil. I asked that question yesterday. It is alive and working. Senator O'Meara asked for a debate on the World Trade Organisation. She also mentioned class sizes. Hopefully, the coming budget will underline the commitment to a class of 20 for children under the age of nine. That is in the joint Government statement....

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is Nos. 1, 2 and 19, motion 25. No. 1, Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005 — Report and Final Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1 p.m.; No. 2, Railway Safety Bill 2001 — Committee Stage, to be taken at 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.; and No. 19, motion 25, to be taken at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. There will be a sos from...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: And in Longford.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The constituent will not be able to vote for Senator Bannon over there. Senator Finucane, the deputy leader of the Opposition, spoke about Operation Anvil, which was introduced to combat urban crime. He asked for a debate about criminal activity in Dublin and in urban areas generally, noting that there were four gangland deaths in 2004 and 17 so far in 2005. On the question of resources the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Such a service is needed because patients who are already ill and broken down in mind and body ought not be subjected to the vagaries of travel. This issue should be discussed if a full oncology debate is held next week. Senator Callanan, whose own recovery is a credit to all, raised issues of men's health. We will endeavour to include those issues in next week's debate on cancer. Senator...

Seanad: Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005: Motion. (15 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, the Order of the House of 10 November 2005 in the case of the Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005 be discharged and: (a) That the Bill be set down for Report Stage in accordance with Standing Order 133 and (b) Fifth Stage shall be taken immediately after the conclusion of the proceedings on Report Stage.

Seanad: Treaty of Amsterdam: Motion. (15 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion, provided by Article 1.11 of the Treaty of Amsterdam, to take part in the adoption of the following proposed measure: a proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the European Evidence Warrant for obtaining objects, documents and data for use in proceedings in criminal matters, a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is Nos. 1, 2 and 3. No. 1 is a procedural motion to discharge an order of the House of 10 November 2005 in respect of the Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005 and will be taken without debate; No. 2 is a referral motion whereby the subject matter of No. 8 on today's Order Paper is being referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: We knew that.

Seanad: Ferns Report: Statements. (10 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: We normally say we are glad to be hear to speak on a particular motion but I am not glad to be here. I thank the Minister of State and his officials for coming to the House but this is a dreadful day for Ireland. This is an issue we must face up to but the ritualistic comments we make do not have any meaning in a debate such as this. The Minister of State, in his submission, outlined clearly...

Seanad: Ferns Report: Statements. (10 Nov 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: It was a significant breakthrough. One is pleased to see little girls serving at the altar. I hope they have always been safe. One wonders about chastity. I am aware of studies that say that celibacy is not a factor in child molestation by the clergy but I wonder about that. I do not offer any excuse for such behaviour but I wonder whether it would be better to have married clergy. One must...