Results 3,241-3,260 of 3,476 for speaker:Charlie O'Connor

Cancer Screening Programme: Motion (Resumed). (13 Apr 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: This is a serious subject so Deputies should not be flippant. I represent the people of Firhouse, Tallaght, Templeogue, Greenhills and Brittas who sent me here to do my job and not to rise to heckles. Deputies should allow me to be serious. BreastCheck operates in the Tallaght area beside the district library and civic headquarters and has looked after more than 6,000 women. People say that...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (12 Apr 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 526: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans he has to further improve the entitlements of carers; the contacts he has had in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10417/05]

Death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II: Motion. (12 Apr 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I strongly support the motion and, like my colleagues, have personal memories of Pope John Paul II. I often think of the fateful autumn night in 1978, the year of three Popes, when the Polish Primate entered the Vatican. We could hear the bureaucrats in the Vatican say "enough" but the Pope proved that night and over the subsequent 26 years that he would not be dictated to and went about his...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: To be fair, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, on behalf of the Government, listened to what was said by Deputy Curran and other supporters of the student and a decision has been taken. On the business before the House, we should remind ourselves that the Garda Síochána Bill was presented to Seanad Éireann in February 2004 and passed by the Seanad, after much debate, on 17...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: The growth of Tallaght has put great pressure on such facilities, however. As one comes into Tallaght on the Luas, one can see the 25 cranes which are being operated in the town centre. I am arguing, in the context of this legislation, that Tallaght needs more gardaí because it has changed over the past 15 years. It was a different place two years ago and it will be different in five years....

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I am almost tempted to allow my good friend, Deputy McGrath, a few more minutes of my time. I will take a more laid-back approach to the issue. I welcome the Minister for Education and Science to the House. If the Chair will allow me, I would like to praise her work and thank her for her efforts in education.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: The Minister does a good job throughout the country and in my constituency we are beginning to see signs of her efforts, which I applaud.

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: On the business before the House, I am a member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights which, as the Chair is aware, is one of the busiest committees, working under the chairmanship of Deputy Ardagh. The business before the House today has been on our agenda for some time and we are working through it. Like other colleagues and my deputy leader, the Minister,...

Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed). (24 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: The decision has been made. As the Archbishop of Dublin said this morning, a decision would be welcome if a mistake was made. That indicates that the Government cares and that it listens, which is important.

Tribunals of Inquiry: Motion. (23 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: As a member of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion and to compliment the Minister. I have never disguised my admiration for the Minister's work. He is having a difficult week — even as we speak there is a crowd at the gates on Kildare Street chanting his name. He has been under pressure and, like Deputy...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. We care deeply about animal welfare in Ireland and this is a sensitive and topical subject. Ireland has been to the fore in promoting animal welfare within the European Union. As a nation, we can justifiably take pride in the advances that have been made in animal protection standards. I refer to a number of these...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Yes, there are farmers in Tallaght.

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: There is a small rural community in Bohernabreena, Tallaght. I would be happy to bring Deputy Naughten to meet the farmers there. I applaud the work of the Minister's predecessor, Deputy Walsh, whom even Fine Gael admitted was a great Minister. I am also happy to applaud the work of the Minister of State and I am always asking him to visit Tallaght to launch initiatives. Animal welfare...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: I read all my mail every day and when organisations, irrespective of whether they are based in my constituency, go to the trouble of bringing issues to my attention I am happy to examine them and I will continue to do so. We are privileged to be public representatives and we should look at the horizon a little beyond our own constituencies. I am happy to do so. I appreciate that organisations...

Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: It has helped me to focus on this issue. I am opposed to the mistreatment of animals and I expect the Minister and the Government will examine the legitimate concerns raised in the debate regarding animal welfare. The assurances given by the Minister of State are fair enough. I compliment Deputy Boyle on his work in this regard. It is important that pressure should be maintained to improve...

Written Answers — Health Services: Health Services (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 117: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding plans for a general practitioner service on the campus at Tallaght Hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the long established need for this service in the region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9118/05]

Written Answers — Unification of Cyprus: Unification of Cyprus (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 221: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his efforts to support the unification of Cyprus, particularly in the context of the application by Turkey for EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9127/05]

Written Answers — Garda Resources: Garda Resources (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 473: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will to provide additional resources to the Garda Síochána in Tallaght to facilitate an effective response to crime in Jobstown; the need to support the local community in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8814/05]

Written Answers — Closed Circuit Television Systems: Closed Circuit Television Systems (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 474: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to provide closed circuit television in Tallaght, Dublin 24; the potential for such a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8815/05]

Written Answers — Public Order Offences: Public Order Offences (22 Mar 2005)

Charlie O'Connor: Question 502: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on plans for the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders to deal with anti-social problems in communities; if his attention has been drawn to the strong community demand in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9129/05]