Results 2,921-2,940 of 3,476 for speaker:Charlie O'Connor

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Hear, hear.

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I appreciate Deputy Wilkinson's courtesy in agreeing to share his time with me. I welcome the opportunity to comment on this legislation and compliment and congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, for his work in this area. I will not rise to the lecture we got this morning about the motives of those of us who wish to speak on this legislation who do not live by the sea or who...

Written Answers — Ground Rents Abolition: Ground Rents Abolition (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 187: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the abolition of ground rents; the Government's plan to deal with issues of expired leases on dwelling houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35879/05]

European Union: Statements (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I welcome this opportunity to make a brief contribution to this debate. I am glad such prominent Opposition members are present to hear me speak. I am always happy to welcome such support.

European Union: Statements (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I am glad the mood in the House is much quieter than it was this time yesterday, and I am sure the Ceann Comhairle is also pleased about this. When I was elected to this House three and a half years ago, I took the view, and I ask Members not to hold this against me, that I would probably have a parochial enough view of politics and I would do little other than represent my constituency and...

European Union: Statements (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I am often accused of mentioning Tallaght every chance I get. One of the benefits of being a Member, and I say this genuinely, is the opportunity to mix with colleagues from all parties as a result of which one discovers, as I already knew, that there is a big wide world out there.

European Union: Statements (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Such exchanges help to formulate one's views and it makes for good politics. I have also particularly enjoyed meeting politicians from other jurisdictions during the past three years. We had the opportunity to meet politicians from Switzerland today. All Members have taken the odd opportunity to travel to other countries, observe the way in which other parliaments work and listen to what...

European Union: Statements (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I am following the example of others. I listened to the Deputy's contribution and I am following his example. If I was out of line, the Ceann Comhairle would tell me very quickly.

European Union: Statements (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I know that is true. Colleagues have praised the work of the Minister and he has a broad remit. He made a fine contribution on European issues in this debate. I want to make one parochial reference, if I may. One of the issues in which I have shown an interest in recent times, which is as much as European as a national issue, is the circumstances of Irish prisoners aboard. I have raised this...

European Union: Statements (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: His speech not only referred to Tallaght but it also referred to the European Union and the European constitution.

European Union: Statements (Resumed). (23 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: It was late on a Friday evening and even though people invariably wanted to get on with their dinner, dancing and singing — as people do on these occasions, and Tallaght is no different to anywhere else in the country — Deputy Eoin Ryan got a very positive and warm response from the ordinary people of Tallaght, including community leaders, to his message about the European constitution...

Estimates for Public Services 2006: Motion (Resumed). (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I thank Deputy Carey for his speech, which was interesting. I welcome the Book of Estimates and look forward to the budget in 15 days' time. I acknowledge the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley, whose work I admire. I am confident a Fianna Fáil-led administration, with our colleagues in the Progressive Democrats, will deliver what people want in...

Housing Developments: Motion. (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I am grateful for the opportunity to make a contribution to this debate. I compliment Deputy Gilmore——

Housing Developments: Motion. (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: ——on giving us the opportunity to discuss the matter. As the Minister said, it is important business, and I compliment him on the manner in which he has tackled this business.

Housing Developments: Motion. (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I will take my few minutes and perhaps the Acting Chairman will protect me. I am an admirer of the work of this Minister, not only because he cut his political teeth in Tallaght many years ago, but he has shown all of us in his work, particularly since he became Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, that he is interested in listening to what Deputies on all sides have...

Housing Developments: Motion. (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I have had a particular interest in these issues for some time, representing as I do a major population centre in Dublin South West, dominated by Tallaght, which is the third largest population centre in the country. Over the years we have faced challenges as far as taking in charge of estates is concerned. In recent times there has been much highlighting in Tallaght of the fact that the...

Housing Developments: Motion. (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: It is not just about Tallaght, I am trying to take a national perspective. However, Tallaght will always show the way. I am always happy to show Tallaght as a good example. What is achieved in Tallaght can be achieved in the rest of the country, and that would make us all happy. I am not afraid to say there are difficulties. Sitting on these benches does not silence me. I am quite happy to...

Housing Developments: Motion. (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: The Minister listens to what I say.

Housing Developments: Motion. (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I am a bit long in the tooth to be ambushed by this kind of thing.

Housing Developments: Motion. (22 Nov 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I will. I was hoping the Chair would protect me. More experienced colleagues than me are not waiting to tell me how Private Members' business operates. I was often in the Chamber when Deputy Gilmore was on these benches. He knows the system better than I do and he should not be trying to con me at this hour of the night. The fact is there are issues and I want the Minister to deal with them,...