Results 3,821-3,840 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: No.

Seanad: Nursing Home Charges: Statements. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I should think so.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Is the Senator referring to me?

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Norris suggested we spend 90 minutes on the Order of Business. I am not that keen on the idea.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I simply wanted to say that to the Senator. I am not against the idea in principle, but I would be exhausted if I had to face a vista of 90 minutes. We will see how it goes.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Is it?

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: That is okay. Senator Brian Hayes raised the issue of what happened in Spain regarding the referendum there on the EU Constitution. The Spanish Government was clever to hold an immediate referendum because the new Prime Minister wished to cash in on his current popularity. His government had a good result. I raised the matter of the European agenda in this House at a meeting of the Committee...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: We have been unable to find any coiste on which changes to the regulations governing Údarás na Gaeltachta elections were debated. I may be wrong but in that confined timeframe we have been unable to find where that occurred. Senator Ryan also agreed with what we have all said about republicanism. He also expressed his agreement with the views of President Bush on the proposed EU decision to...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: All right. Senator Ryan also raised the fact that the finance company which is at the centre of the current controversy is not regulated. It is, in fact, in an unregulated financial sector, which sounds extraordinary if it is the case. The Senator says it is and from what I have read I think it is. Senator Minihan said the Seanad should facilitate a day-long debate on EU matters, including...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I agree fully with the Senator. The EU constitution is important and will bring about great changes. We should take that into account. Senator Minihan also said the ongoing debate on the North was bringing clarity to the issue of criminality. Senator Finucane said he would like to welcome the McCartney family to the House today, as we all would. The McCartney sisters are people of sterling...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: It will go before the committee. Senator Norris agreed with the arms embargo issue. He also said that the McCartney family members have such dignity in stating their case. I think so, too. They never shout or scream, they just state their point of view and have stuck to it. We will all welcome them to Leinster House today. There was an altercation between Senator Mansergh and the Opposition...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: However, the note is such an intrinsic part of our history that it should be purchased by the State. I will engage with the relevant Minister on that matter. Senator McCarthy referred to the 40 Polish workers on the Dublin Port tunnel project who were being paid approximately half the wages of their Irish counterparts. The employer said it was all a mistake.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: It was a mistake in the employer's favour. I met Polish workers at Leixlip railway station yesterday and two of them told me they were going to work on the Dublin Port tunnel. We should debate the issue of migrant workers, including their pay, rights and responsibilities.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The regulations are too hazy. Poland is a new accession state and we are all part of the EU, so this case involves abuse. I was asked when the Veterinary Practice Bill would return to the House. The Minister has had meetings with interested groups about their concerns and she hopes to take Committee Stage either next week or the following week. Senator Leyden sought a debate on food safety....

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I thought he was going to call for a ban on me but he did not go that far.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Senators need not snigger.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I am sorry, a Chathaoirligh.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I need a special clock to get up this early. A debate on food safety would be welcome. As Senator Coghlan said, over 400 items have been found to contain a harmful colorant. We could all be eating some of those items every day, not to mention drinking them. Senator Bannon sought a debate on waste management. Given the hilarity that emerged I do not know whether or not he wants an incinerator...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not know because the Senator was not very up front.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Very good. That has all been cleared up, a Chathaoirligh.