Results 3,561-3,580 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Doherty spoke about a debate which is taking place this evening during Private Members' Business. We all support the call for the marine rescue co-ordination centres in Malin Head and Valentia to be left where they are and for their facilities to be improved. The Senator also called for the Minister for State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Noel Ahern, to...

Seanad: Order of Business: Motion (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That the practice of calling the Leader of the House to reply to the Order of Business no later than 40 minutes after the proposal of the Order of Business shall be continued until the Easter recess."

Seanad: Custodial Sentences: Motion (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion provided by Article 1.11 of the Treaty of Amsterdam to take part in the adoption of the following proposed measure: a proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to judgments in criminal matters imposing custodial sentences or...

Seanad: The 70th Anniversary of the Constitution: Statements (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I propose that Senators' contributions be limited to ten minutes.

Seanad: The 70th Anniversary of the Constitution: Statements (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Constitution, which was 70 years old on 29 December last, is one of the oldest written constitutions in Europe. "Few things have shaped and controlled Irish political and legal culture as decisively as the Constitution of Ireland." So writes the eminent Professor Gerard Hogan in the foreword to a remarkable, new documentary study on the Constitution by Dermot Keogh and Andrew McCarthy....

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I begin by noting the sad passing of a great friend and colleague, the late, great Joe Dolan. Joe was a lifelong family friend. Like many people in Westmeath and throughout the midlands, our Christmas finished at 3.15 p.m. on St. Stephen's Day. Joe was a person who uplifted people in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and into the 21st century. He was the greatest Irish entertainer of his...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I also congratulate Senator Bacik on the birth of her baby.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Many events take place during recesses, some joyous and others sad. I often wonder what we may face when we return or what joyous events there may be to celebrate. Senators O'Toole, Fitzgerald and Alex White have all expressed concerns about particular issues of importance. Senator Fitzgerald correctly pointed to difficulties in the health service and I agree with her on many of these...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: It is a fact. The Senator was not a Member of the House at the time, so I understand why she does not know what is going on. Ministers must be available to listen to statements and the concerns of Senators. Between today and tomorrow, three Ministers will be present in the House. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is available to come to the House at 3.50 p.m. today while...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: I am briefing Members on what is happening in the House. The father of the House proposed an amendment to the Order of Business to debate an urgent matter and I have to take his request seriously. However, one cannot arrange a Minister to be present at five or ten minutes' notice. My telephone number is known to all Senators and if they telephone me three or four days in advance, I will do...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Leader is not interrupted when speaking, as the Cathaoirleach will tell the Senator. Senators Joe O'Toole, Déirdre de Búrca, Fidelma Healy Eames, David Norris, Shane Ross and many other Senators expressed their great concern about yesterday's High Court ruling. Given the separation of powers and the fact this case may be appealed to the Supreme Court, we should stand back. I will be...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: We will certainly not miss that historic occasion. Senator Phil Prendergast called for a debate on health issues and Dublin maternity services and I will arrange for the Minister to come to the House. Senators Denis O'Donovan and Jerry Buttimer called for an urgent update on the Cork-Swansea ferry service. Perhaps we will ask the Minister to come to the House to outline the up-to-date...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: Sometimes I am delighted to be as old as I am, because these unfortunate happenings never occurred when we were being entertained years ago. The lap dancing club issue should be discussed in the House. It is related to planning issues for local authorities. We wish to see how we can strengthen this to have these events discontinued. The Senator's call on me requires strong words.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jan 2008)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re time limit for the Order of Business, to be taken without debate; No. 2, motion re custodial sentences, referral to committee, to be taken without debate; No. 3, statements on the 70th anniversary of the Constitution; and No. 4, Private Members' business, an all-party motion recognising the epidemic in our society of alcohol misuse and illegal drug...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: There was a clear understanding among the leaders that the Minister of State would be here to take the first Bill at 11.15 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: On a point of information, does the 40-minute time limit apply from the time the Leader concludes introducing the Order of Business?

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Fitzgerald and Norris expressed their gratitude on my responding to their request for an all-party motion regarding Ingrid Betancourt, a former member of the National Senate of Colombia and a candidate for that country's Presidency. I thank the other leaders and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his Department for their co-operation in respect of this matter. Senators Fitzgerald...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I will have to bear that in mind in the future. I await forthcoming local dispatches with baited breath.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Kelly, O'Reilly and Callely referred to supports for older people, particularly in the context of the festive season. Senator Callely has a great deal of experience in this area and I compliment him on raising the matter. Senator Norris referred to No. 8 on the Order Paper. I will examine the matter and bring it to the attention of the other leaders at our next meeting. Senators...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I have some experience of problems in this regard next door to my home. Yesterday, a court in the midlands gave a lengthy and heavy sentence to a person who committed an offence. It is a difficult situation. We will do whatever we can. We will set time aside for a debate. Senator Doherty called for a discussion on the Irish language. In fairness, I have already agreed to a request made...