Results 3,161-3,180 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report Stage. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome Senator Higgins back to the House. When I was in my office, I heard the word "guillotine" being used. The word "guillotine" was never mentioned in regard to this House. The matter was raised this morning on the Order of Business, when the Senator was not present. I said there would be seven and a half hours of debate and that we would sit Thursday night, Friday night and all next...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report Stage. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator used the word himself.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, Leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of the Garda Síochána Bill and asked for a commitment that the debate on it would not be truncated.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I could equally seek a commitment that there be no filibustering but then I would be told I was being pejorative. We have allocated seven and a half hours on Report and Final Stages. It is a fair amount of time. There was a lengthy debate on the Bill when it was before the House during which many amendments were made. Arising from the debate in the Dáil there have been a considerable number...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Two people cannot stand together so I will let the Senator speak.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: That is a good suggestion as it would allow Members to plan their time. I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Clerk for facilitating it. If it is used properly, an allocation of seven and a half hours is fair. With no disrespect to the other House, much of the debate on the Bill was hot air. Senator Brian Hayes also asked for a debate on risk equalisation. Can he manage a debate on two sheets of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I went to see the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and he did not have a member of another party with him so I took it to be a document of the Progressive Democrats. He is fully entitled to launch it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: How could one have a crack about child care?

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Norris said the Taoiseach was his constituency Deputy and that the other side of his amenability and agreeableness was his glad-handling, with which the Senator does not agree. That is Senator Norris's opinion and he is entitled to say it. I am sorry if his luncheon appointment clashed with our 1.30 p.m. start, but today's schedule is very full.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I never interrupted Senator Norris, although many a time I have felt like saying "tosh".

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator should be willing to give up his lunch an odd time. He could have a dinner, which ——

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I said I was terribly sorry about the Senator's luncheon appointment and that perhaps he could have it on another day.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank Senator Norris for his congratulations to Senator Leyden on the introduction of the Registration of Wills Bill. Levity aside, it is good that a Senator is introducing a Private Members' Bill. Senator Ross introduced one previously, as did Senators Norris, Daly, Quinn and Cummins. It is good that legislators introduce such Bills. I congratulate Senator Leyden. He has asked if his Bill...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Norris also raised the matter of flights in and out of Shannon Airport, a matter to which he has devoted some time. Senator Ryan congratulated the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the excellent way the amendments to the Maritime Safety Bill have been put forward and explained. He expressed a wish that the same would happen with the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I understand from two young members of my family who were there that a distinct section of the audience was revved up to boo.

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I agree. I am sorry, but I was provoked and am equally provocative. I will stop. Senator Dooley is young, as are my two sons, so I go by what those nice young people say. Senator Ryan said that Fianna Fáil does not understand the meaning of a promise. We do. The Senator also wants a debate on risk equalisation, as does Senator Ulick Burke. It is a difficult matter. I do not know if we will...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Paddy Burke said he has met many councillors — I wish him good luck on his odyssey — and that they are expressing concern about the development of water and sewerage schemes. I agree with the Senator that it is a huge issue. It was also raised by Senator Dooley. Difficulties and delays are being caused by the requirement for local authorities to make contributions for water and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I am suitably reprimanded.

Seanad: Maritime Safety Bill 2004 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senators expressed much admiration on the Order of Business today for the way in which the Minister of State grouped the amendments and the accompanying explanations. The wish was expressed that all Ministers would do the same.

Seanad: Maritime Safety Bill 2004 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (28 Jun 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I have sought clarification on the issue of jet skis at various times during the debate on this legislation. Does the Bill allow for regulation in regard to age and licensing requirements for those participating in jet skiing? Alternatively, is it the case that any person of whatever age can simply decide to attach jet skis to a boat and proceed to froth the waters and cause disturbance? I...