Results 3,961-3,980 of 4,168 for speaker:Susan O'Keeffe

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: "Entertained" would be the wrong word to use to describe my reaction to the interest Fianna Fáil shows in the constitutional convention. I cannot quite remember for how many years Fianna Fáil was in government-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: -----but during that time the words "constitutional" and "convention" never passed the lips of any of its members. Fianna Fáil never showed any interest whatsoever in establishing a constitutional convention.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: All of a sudden those in Fianna Fáil are expressing shock at the amount of time allocated in respect of the motion relating to the establishment of the convention when their party, in the 50 to 70 years it was in government, never considered setting up such a body.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: The truth does sometimes offend. I welcome last night's statement from the Orange Order. I understand it is seeking a way to ensure that today's 12 July parade in Ardoyne will be held. I trust the day will pass in peace, especially in light of the historic visit to the Seanad by Mr. Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Order of Ireland, two weeks ago. Mr. Nelson came in peace...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: That is a preposterous suggestion.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I object to that.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: The Senator talks about procedures but he is breaking them himself.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I share some of the sentiments expressed by Senator Mooney in regard to employment and the IDA and, as mentioned by others, its regional policy. However, I suggest to the Senator that there is, perhaps, a bit of rewriting of history going on in that while this Government did come into office with a pledge for jobs, that pledge is subject to the mess left behind when it took office. One...

Seanad: Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012: Second Stage (4 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: It is good to have the Minister back in the House. I am not sure I can extend my creativity, as other Senators have, to include William Butler Yeats, yet again. I do not believe beehives qualify under the Wildlife Act. Like others, I welcome this Bill. I am not somebody who shoots, I am not a member of a gun club and I have never engaged in that activity, but I understand its importance in...

Seanad: Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: As other Senators have done I thank the Minister and look forward to a debate on biodiversity. I share Senator Ó Clochartaigh's view in respect of wide consultation prior to the 2014 legislation. People have opinions about wildlife, the environment and biodiversity. The Minister was correct to praise the farmers as the custodians but many others want to have a share in that. An...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Given Senator Ó Murchú's comments regarding the handshake and the relevant difficulties, I am looking forward to next Tuesday's address by Mr. Drew Nelson, the grand secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, in pursuit of the idea that we listen to and communicate with one another. It is a slow, gradual process and progress is clearly being made. I add my voice to the calls for a...

Seanad: National Cultural Institutions: Motion (27 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Steady on.

Seanad: National Cultural Institutions: Motion (27 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: The Minister is welcome to the House. I am delighted to be able to take part in the debate. It is always good to have a debate, although there are serious issues at stake. It is worth saying, if I might shamelessly talk about Yeats Day for a moment – the Minister and I had the pleasure of being part of the inaugural launch of Yeats Day in Sligo two weeks ago - that in the current times...

Seanad: National Cultural Institutions: Motion (27 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I believe the Government is as committed as the Minister to the ongoing independence of these institutions. From conversations I have had, that is what I understand. Independence does not have to be the sacrificial lamb of reform, nor should it be. The public service reform plan is one of the planks of reform that will continue over a period of time. It is part of the jigsaw puzzle of...

Seanad: Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration: Statements (27 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I welcome the Minister. I commend the committee and its report. I am not a member of the committee but particularly welcome the clarity of the recommendations, the manner in which they are laid out and the work members have done to achieve this. I am interested in hearing the Minister's view on a couple of the observations of the committee, particularly on the consultation process involving...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I ask that the House extend sympathy to the family and friends of Eugene Moloney, a journalist who was murdered at the weekend. Mr. Moloney worked hard throughout his life and had just finished working when he was murdered. On behalf of the House, I extend sympathy to his family and friends. I offer some reassurance to Senator Darragh O'Brien who became excited about the issue of personal...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: The Fianna Fáil Party is not the only party prepared to sit later or longer.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: That is a matter for the Leader to decide.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I ask the Leader to request that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to consider reconvening the NGO liaison group. Particular concern has arisen over the rights of older people, an issue discussed by the House at the most recent meeting of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. The loss or absence of the liaison group at this time will make this...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jun 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I welcome this morning's report from the Irish universities' nutrition alliance. This week we had hearings by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee on cancer and heard calls for changes in our lifestyles, including the way we eat and drink. The IUNA report found that 23% of children aged two to four years, are now obese. This is a serious problem. While we have started this good work...