Results 3,861-3,880 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: That is a separate issue which is a Government taxation policy. To say that the Tánaiste would treat one group one way and another group in a different fashion when dealing with the same issue is certainly not correct. She has a strong sense of duty to the public. I am sure the mess she now has to deal with will require great stamina and resilience to resolve. Sometimes one can say things...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No 1, statements on the Mental Health Commission Annual Report 2003, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 1.30 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes, Senators may share time and the Minister shall be called upon to reply not...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator is a very focused man.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I am sure the Senator would.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Is that a crime?

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: As he rolled around.

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I too wish to join in the praise to Senator Norris for his courage which he has displayed in spades for many years in the way he has addressed issues. Before speaking on the Bill I thank the Senator for bringing it before the House where we had an acrimonious mini debate this morning in which, across the House, various insults were heard.

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes. We sound like a bad opera, "oh no, oh yes". He is behind one or in front of one or whatever.

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I did not, I said a bad opera.

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: No, we are not singing. I wish to echo something the Minister said, namely that it was never the Government's wish to vote down the Bill. I was involved for weeks in seeking to bring about some agreement. Senator Norris will be aware of that.

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I have spoken with him on a dozen occasions in person and on telephone about his Bill. I have been aware of the Bill from its gestation. I took the trouble to go to see the Taoiseach last Wednesday night on some matters but mostly on this matter and we had quite a thorough discussion on it. I take my duties as Leader seriously so what I am saying is the truth. There was never an intention on...

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: Not really. I regret very much that the word "homophobia" came into the debate. I am not castigating Senator Terry because I have found her to be extraordinarily open and transparent. I regret that the word "homophobia" was heard on this side of the House. Homophobia is a strong, ugly word which I have grave reservations about ever pinning on a person. In its way, it is a form of complete...

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: We are thinking of making him an honorary Senator because he comes here so often and stays for debates on his Bills. We are grateful to him for giving a commitment on this issue. Senator Tuffy raised a point which was echoed by Senator Quinn that stable relationships are the glue in society and I agree. They may be the words used by Senator Quinn. In my view, a couple who love one another,...

Seanad: Civil Partnership Bill 2004: Second Stage. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: On a point of order, the Minister is willing to remain in the House for a short time. I propose to change the Order of Business to extend the debate by approximately 20 minutes to accommodate several Senators who wish to speak.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I wish to speak in general terms about the mini-debate the Leas-Chathaoirleach was kind enough to allow. Senator Norris and I have discussed this matter on numerous occasions. We did not reach any conclusion but the Senator certainly knows the lie of the land from my point of view and I am very clear on his position. I am aware of this issue since he spoke to me well before Christmas. Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: I am aware the Senator understands my position. Many Members on this side of the House were looking forward to the debate in which we could express our views. It was agreed at our party meeting this morning who would speak in the debate. I was looking forward very much to putting my views on the record of the House on the matter, which I regard as a human rights issue. I am disappointed and I...

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: The House has received the consultative document from the Law Reform Commission but not the full report which is due some time in the future. Many valid points were made but I wish to point out to the House that the three points made are correct and are not bogus, shabby, lies or anything like that.

Seanad: Order of Business. (16 Feb 2005)

Mary O'Rourke: They are actually quite correct.