Results 3,001-3,020 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Statements. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: On Tuesday, 11 October, at 2.30 p.m.

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Statements. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I join with Senator Brian Hayes in thanking the Taoiseach for attending the House at a very important time in our history. In the years to come, we will hopefully look back to read this debate and reflect upon the pivotal period of Irish history in which it happened. We must look forward as well as back. I compliment the Taoiseach on his qualities of patience, perseverance and, above all,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I neglected to say that Members can share their time during the debate in the early afternoon. Senator Brian Hayes raised the issue of tribunals. I know he raised the legislation on tribunals as a lead-in to his major point but I have the information about legislation on tribunals of inquiry with me. It will be published during this session by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: We will invite the Minister of State to attend the House because the Senator wanted to raise other matters with him. The Senator also mentioned the issue of Irish Ferries. Senator Finucane spoke about consultants. I recognise that he raised the matter last week as acting leader of the Opposition, before it had reached its present crescendo. He called into question the comments made by the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I will not be provoked. Senator Henry asked about the medical practitioners Bill. The urgent date now mooted seems to be mid-2006, which is not much comfort to the Senator. Senator Mansergh requested a debate on the competency within the public service and the use of outside consultancies. I do not know how all of that could be managed in a debate but it is a useful suggestion which was also...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: We are not allowed to talk about Senator Leyden's suggestion. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges decides who we invite to the House but we will bear the Senator's suggestion in mind. Are they going to sing or just come along?

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Bannon mentioned the price of fuel in the economy. I am equally concerned about the price of fuel for elderly people. Their fuel allowance is a fixed sum that does not even approach the price of a bag of coal. The Department of Social and Family Affairs must consider this in the context of the budget. Senator Bannon suggests dropping the tax take on fuel but that would simply be an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Following on Senator Mansergh's point, Senator Maurice Hayes made a thoughtful contribution about building up capacity in the Civil Service. He suggested buying the competency into a Department, even if only on a contract basis. He also said there are computer glitches around the world. I had a feeling computers were not everything they were made out to be. Like Senator Terry, I was alarmed...

Seanad: Treaty of Amsterdam: Motion. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves, in accordance with Article 29.4.6° of Bunreacht na hÉireann, the exercise by the State of the option, provided by Article 3 of the fourth Protocol set out in the Treaty of Amsterdam, to notify the President of the Council of the European Union that it wishes to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: proposal for a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Before outlining the Order of Business, I wish to comment on the arrangements for this afternoon. The Taoiseach will be here from 12.45 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. and the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Tom Kitt, will be here from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. I am anxious that the spokesperson of each group has a chance to speak when the Taoiseach is present so that he can hear...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: There is no such thing.

Seanad: Tax Evasion: Motion. (5 Oct 2005)

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

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: We could buy it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator's own remarks are not very bright.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes raised the matter of domestic violence and Women's Aid. I accept there is a need for a debate on the issue. I was at the press conference and heard the speech by the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Fahey. Senator Mary White was also present. The Minister of State told Women's Aid that it was getting its increase. I heard him...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: No, the Senators cannot hear the arguments now.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment will be making his position on the order clear very soon. Senator Joe O'Toole raised the matter of auctioneers. I have noticed that every time Senator Ross is on the radio discussing the matter, he says that both Senator Joe O'Toole and himself raised it in this House, which they did. I think Senator Ross is under orders to enjoin himself with...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Sorry, I did not hear the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Oct 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: No, we do not operate like that.