Results 3,101-3,120 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I just want to bring balance to the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Taoiseach's constituency overwhelmingly voted "Yes" while Mayo overwhelmingly voted "No". Other areas had larger "No" votes.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: In my area, we had a substantial turnout and I am waiting to hear what the vote truthfully was——

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: ——because, as Senators know, I am a Westmeath man bred, born and reared, but our count was at the Royals in Meath. I am waiting to hear——

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Hannigan might help me by letting me know tomorrow morning.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Fianna Fáil has two TDs out of three there.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Experience is a wonderful thing.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Experience is a wonderful asset in life. Having listened to all the comments here this morning, my opinion is that the father of the House, Senator Ross, has given us the benefit of his enormous experience. I agree with much of his contribution and I will listen attentively later to all the contributions on this very urgent matter. I thank the leaders for their co-operation with regard to...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Perhaps the Senator can remember even further back.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Very many Senators——

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Many Senators, including the experienced Senator Coghlan, have quite correctly called for a full debate on the economy. The major challenges that now face our economy——

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I gave my word to the House that we would have this debate before the summer recess. This is particularly needed now, as Senator John Paul Phelan correctly pointed out, since we have had changes in the Cabinet and a new Taoiseach. As Senator MacSharry reminded me, we had a full and lengthy debate on the economy in this session. However, the challenges facing our country due to the global...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I look forward to playing my part in achieving this again in the next local election for the political party in the Midlands. Senator Bacik called for a debate on women in politics. I have no difficulty in arranging this and I applaud anyone who encourages women, and young women in particular, to get involved in public life. It is a difficult life but it is rewarding to serve one's...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: It is Lisbon. Senator Hannigan mentioned Seanad reform. Many Senators opposite will not be interested in this, but the Seanad reform committee is having a meeting with the Minister at 4 p.m. today. I assure the House that real Seanad reform will take place under my leadership. We can update the Seanad on this, particularly as most leaders are represented on the committee. I hope we will...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Leader's position, as provided for in Standing Orders, is to propose the business of the Seanad on sitting days and to propose when the House will sit. As the Senator is aware, on matters such as this, she has possibly the same opportunity and avenue open to her as I have, but I will endeavour——

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: My response is that I will endeavour in this regard, but the meeting will be held on Friday. I will contact the Minister's office and I will do everything I possibly can, but I cannot give the Senator the assurance that I will have the information by Friday.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: All matters in regard to the economy will be included in the economic debate.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I will consider that and come back to the Senator later on today.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I cannot take that matter today, but I can review the request for a later date. I cannot take the matter today because we have agreed the business and the schedule is very tight. Committee Stage of the Broadcasting Bill must be taken today. It is important we discuss the Lisbon reform treaty today because the Taoiseach is going to Europe tomorrow morning. In view of the serious challenge...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, I propose item 1 as stated.