Results 3,341-3,360 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business today is No. 1, motion re address to the Seanad by distinguished persons, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2008 — Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Fitzgerald, Boyle, Kelly, Walsh, O'Reilly, Keaveney, Callely, Butler, Harris and Hanafin all called for an urgent debate on the state of the economy after the Easter recess. I fully agree with the sentiments expressed and there is no difficulty in having the debate. Senator Keaveney also asked that the Minister of State with responsibility for innovation, Deputy Michael Ahern, be...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: On the discussion of the Lisbon treaty, the format I have already discussed with the various leaders of the groups in the House is that the visiting dignitary will address the House first. The leaders of the various groups will make a contribution for ten minutes and we have agreement on this side of the House that spokespersons will then ask a question of the visiting guest at the end, and...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: If the proceedings of this House were broadcast live, as they are in the European Parliament and the US Congress, but Members only had one minute to make their proposals to the Leader of the House, the affairs of this House would be enhanced. As one of the two Houses of Parliament, that is the direction in which we should go. I have always been proud of the proceedings of this House, but...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Mullen made his views known on education. I will pass his views on to the Minister. I welcome yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Education and Science of €58 million in funding for the refurbishment of research facilities at various universities and institutes of technology. This is money well spent. The secret of our success and the Celtic tiger is that the ITs have...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: As I said yesterday — I do not know whether Senator Kelly was present — I fully support——

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: While we on this side of the House have been in Government, 45,000 or 50,000 people have returned to Ireland from all over the world, but during the Opposition's time in office from 1982 to 1987——

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: These are facts. The Senator made an allegation in the House. The fact is that the Senator's party ran 50,000 people out of Ireland——

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: That is a fact.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Senator cannot stand up here and hope to get away with this. The facts are they are must be addressed by the House. We all want to see——

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: No Senator has anything other than full support for looking after——

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Yes. The creation of 40,000 to 50,000 new jobs a year in this country is encouraging the undocumented Irish to return home, an achievement of which I am proud, even if Senator Kelly is not.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Boyle spoke about the community support programme. I will allow time for a debate on the matter. I apologise to Senator Boyle that the House did not have time yesterday to address this matter. On Senator Coghlan's query yesterday in respect of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, it is intended the House will deal with this Bill following the Easter recess. A section...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Coghlan told no one his good news.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: We should have a cup of tea together later to celebrate his appointment. Senators Leyden and Keaveney called for a debate on the Flood report. As stated by Senator Mary White yesterday, I have given a commitment to the House that time will be provided for such a debate following the Easter recess. I will communicate later today with Senator Donohoe in respect of his request. I also will...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I thank the Cathaoirleach for his assistance during this session and wish him and his family a happy Easter. I wish Deirdre Lane, Jody Blake, the Captain of the Guard, ushers and staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas a happy Easter. I thank John Flaherty for his co-operation and assistance in meeting Members' needs and requests. I thank the Superintendent who looks after our requirements...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I thank Jimmy Walsh of The Irish Times and express to him our appreciation of his coverage of Seanad affairs. I thank also the producers of "Oireachtas Report" for their bringing to the people of Ireland the message in respect of what takes place in Seanad Eireann. I thank Members' staff who work hard in ensuring we receive the best service possible. I also thank the leaders of the group...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: He does a great deal, chairs Whips' meetings and keeps the Whips together.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I wish all Senators in the House today a happy and holy Easter and I look forward to working with them again when we return on 8 April for the next session.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by the President of the European Parliament: Motion (20 Mar 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That Seanad Éireann agrees with the recommendation of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges that, in accordance with the provisions for the address to Seanad Éireann by Distinguished Persons, Mr. Hans Gert Pottering, President of the European Parliament be invited to address Seanad Éireann on 8 April, 2008 and the following arrangements shall apply in relation to that day. The...