Results 2,941-2,960 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The acting leader of the Opposition, Senator Finucane, paid tribute to Liam Lawlor, as he knew him over the years. He mentioned in particular his experience of Mr.Lawlor's personality and humour. The Senator stated that last weekend was a bad weekend for certain sections of the media but that RTE exhibited maturity in not entering the arena of scandal mongering. Even prior to this incident,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator should be commended on such a clear statement. The man was dead only a short time and printing such an article was an awful action. We expect more from newspapers. While we are criticising newspapers, one newspaper that we have often commented upon, Ireland on Sunday, had the correct story.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I am just stating what occurred on Sunday. The newspaper's report was absolutely accurate, down to describing the occupation of the woman in question as a legal secretary and her age. The report came from a Daily Mail correspondent in Moscow. The statement that the Lawlor family could not be contacted was untrue. The Taoiseach easily made direct contact with the widow of Mr. Lawlor. These...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I am entitled to state what I read, and we have already heard from Senator Norris. Senator Tuffy finished by stating the need for appropriate legislation as soon as possible. Senator Dardis expressed his sympathy to the Lawlor family. I could assume this sympathy from all Senators, but those who spoke made points in varying degrees of intensity and I wish to acknowledge this. Senator Dardis...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Our Army is not for war. The Constitution refers to Óglaigh na hÉireann, which is the properly constituted Army of the Republic of Ireland. It is incorrect to suggest that the Taoiseach would make this proposal for the sake of votes or that it would display military might as though it was ready to go off to fight. We have a peacekeeping Army. I am disappointed that the Senator took that...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I sit mute, listen to all Members and take my notes. I am entitled to reply.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I will reply on this issue. I am extremely disturbed that both Senators Norris and Quinn have taken the view that it will be a militaristic parade. It is a commemorative parade for people who died to establish this State.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I have summarised SenatorNorris's contribution. Senator Ó Murchú called for the resignation of the editor of The Sunday Independent. Senator Henry, along with all Members, had concerns for the woman in question who was earning her living as a professional woman and rearing her family. She has been called names. While Members do not know this young Ukrainian woman, we know enough to be sure...

Seanad: Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005: Motion. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders— (a) the Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005 be referred to the Standing Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills; (b) the first meeting of the Committee to consider the Bill to be held on Wednesday, 26 October, 2005; and (c) in the case of the Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005 — it shall be an instruction to the Committee...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, a motion, to be taken without debate, which refers the Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005 to the Standing Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills, and which also provides for the nomination of additional members, sets the date for the first meeting and allows for agreement on more than one section at a time; No. 2, statements on the report of the Joint...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: It relates to circulation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Neither am I.

Seanad: Home Help Service: Motion. (19 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Bannon is incorrect.

Seanad: Home Help Service: Motion. (19 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I thought this debate was about child care, or rather, home help.

Seanad: Home Help Service: Motion. (19 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow. The hour long debate on the sad death in Monaghan will be taken at 1.30 p.m. tomorrow following the conclusion of the agriculture debate.

Seanad: Salmon Fisheries Report: Statements. (19 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: There are many more eminent speakers who wish to contribute to this debate so we will not conclude it today. The Minister of State has kindly agreed not to conclude this afternoon and we will conclude the debate next week, if the Senators are agreeable. We will have Private Members' business at 5 p.m. today.

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of the very sad death of the man in Monaghan hospital. I speak for all of us on the Government side of the House when I say that, as others do, we feel deeply for his family. I heard his sister speak on "Five Seven Live". There is no greater love than that of a sibling, and she spoke so movingly and with feeling about her...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not agree that politicians should not have their say but this has nothing to do with the Mr. Walsh's untimely death. That should not have happened. As Senator Mansergh or some other Senator said, if one takes an oath to tend the sick or if one is at any level within the health service, one's endeavour is to save life and not wait for an order or a protocol about it. We cannot have a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Self-regulation does not work, and certainly not in the hands of people able to worm their way out of everything through legal routes. I regret any impression that I am criticising those of a legal background in the Chamber. I speak in a general sense, and legal people themselves have been discomfited by what has happened. Senator Finucane called for debates on the death of Mr. Walsh and the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (19 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I accept the Senator's point. He also asked why we have not ratified the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Regarding An Bord Pleanála, one cannot query its decision-making, which is semi-judicial. I have often felt frustrated at its decisions. I always tell clients not to go to An Bord Pleanála, since it is simply...