Results 3,661-3,680 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Small and Medium Enterprises: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I have always asked whether there is a paper that will give us half a page of good news per day or a radio station that will give 15 minutes, or a television channel, with the exception of the programme "Nationwide", which we see on our screens three times a week, to tell the success story of the real Ireland and the transformation that has come about. The Taoiseach, when he leaves Ireland,...

Seanad: Small and Medium Enterprises: Statements (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Twomey and many other Senators again expressed their concerns about the abuse of cocaine. As I said yesterday, this issue will be debated in Fianna Fáil Private Members' time next Wednesday. I invite those Members from the legal profession and with health expertise to a meeting in my office at 2.30 p.m. today to assist in framing next Wednesday's motion. It is an unusual departure...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: The Government must be commended on the amount of money being spent on roads. Those who use the M50 every day know exactly what is taking place. We are victims of our own success. In 2000, there were 1.4 million vehicles on our roads while there are now 2.1 million vehicles, an increase of 700,000.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: As I was saying before the point of order, which was not one, at the turn of the century, there were 1.4 million vehicles on our roads while today there are 2.1 million, which is 700,000 more vehicles. We must be realistic. The Celtic tiger part 1 and part 2 will present challenges for us all. We will have the Celtic tiger part 3 during the lifetime of this Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: The younger Members will realise that in time. Having said that, I have no difficulty leaving time aside for a debate on progress on the M50. What is needed is another ring-road to Kilcock and Navan. If one goes to Beijing or Shanghai, one sees all the activity as a result of a buoyant economy like Ireland's. We must take examples from how they deal with this. Senators Paschal Donohoe,...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: In respect of the matter raised by Senator Boyle, we can set aside time for the debate for which he called. He also raised the issue of the policy document on the islands and called for the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to come to the House for a debate. I have no difficulty in setting aside time for this. Senators Regan and Callely called for a debate on the budget....

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I am trying to allow Senators to be able to ask Ministers questions in respect of this.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Norris called for a debate on rendition. I gave a commitment in respect of this yesterday and have no problem setting aside time for this. He also raised the issue of a person who dealt with refugee appeals and who gave considered opinions in respect of the refugee problem. I have no difficulty in setting aside time for this. I will also pass on the Senator's strong views to the...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the reform treaty and referendum campaign, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, those of all other Senators not to exceed eight minutes, and the Minister to be called upon ten minutes from the...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I wish to make a proposal to the House to change the Order of Business. I move that we extend whatever time is necessary to conclude the Committee Stage of this Bill.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Twenty-one Senators raised the issue of the "Prime Time Investigates" programme. I also compliment RTE on the professionalism it displayed last night in bringing the scourge of cocaine abuse to the attention of the nation. We all await with bated breath the second part of the programme tonight. As a national broadcaster, RTE must be commended. It was said that we are often dissatisfied,...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I am prepared to forgo Private Members' business on behalf of the Government side to give Senators as much time as possible to make their contributions on this issue, starting at 5 p.m. next Wednesday. I will discuss with the Leaders after the Order of Business on Thursday morning how to prepare and make proposals to address the concerns of the House in respect of that matter. We had a...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Everyone, not just those in the political system but the entire country, must come on side in respect of this challenge. Many good proposals have been made. The Garda Commissioner said today that he needs the total co-operation of everyone in the State. Thank God for closed circuit television systems and for private enterprise which is making CCTV systems available to gardaí to assist...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: The people gave their response last May. They were happy.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Walking is the cheapest and the best form of exercise. He should ready his colleagues in the Labour Party to go walking again.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Members on this side of the House have proved they are champions at walking. I am not trivialising the matter, it is a worthwhile subject of debate. Senators O'Donovan and Buttimer highlighted the serious challenge to the Cork-Swansea ferry. After the Order of Business I will see what I can do by contacting the Minister's office to assist this serious situation. Senator Kelly called for a...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: It will be an historic occasion and it is incredible that our Taoiseach is acknowledged and recognised outside the country.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Some within the country may not acknowledge what he has done but we must give credit where it is due. The Taoiseach gave a commitment at the weekend to continue to treat the question of the undocumented Irish as a top priority. He will deal with the matter during his address to the joint sitting of the United States Congress. Senator McFadden requested a debate on transport, especially in...

Seanad: Fisheries Orders: Motions (11 Dec 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following order in draft: Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2007, copies of which were laid before Seanad Éireann on 8 November 2007.