Results 3,961-3,980 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (13 Sep 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I echo the Cathaoirleach's sentiments in congratulating former Senator Rory Kiely on his stewardship and membership of the Seanad. He was a respected Member for 30 years, Cathaoirleach for the past five and we always knew we had a friend in him. We wish the new Cathaoirleach well and look forward to working under his stewardship over the next five years. At the end of that term I hope we...

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (13 Sep 2007)

Donie Cassidy: He is the Senator's local Deputy.

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (13 Sep 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I thought I was in the Seanad because I was elected.

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (13 Sep 2007)

Donie Cassidy: That is rubbish. I got 34% of the votes.

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (13 Sep 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I thank Senator Ross, although I do not agree with many of the sentiments he expressed. Every man and woman appointed, selected or elected to the House had something to offer and made a marvellous contribution to the political system during the years. That includes the four colleagues of mine recently appointed to the House by the Taoiseach for a short period. One of them, the General...

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (13 Sep 2007)

Donie Cassidy: ——particularly reform of the university panel. I congratulate the voters of the five panels who had a 99.7% turnout in the election, unlike the university panel voters where the turnout was 34% or 35%. How undemocratic is that panel? As Leader of the Fianna Fáil group in the 23rd Seanad, it gives me great pleasure to propose Senator Pat Moylan as Cathaoirleach. Senator Moylan will...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I join with other speakers in congratulating the Leas-Chathaoirleach on a job well done in the past ten years. I commend him on his kindness, help, his easy approach and lovely style of conducting business. On this sensitive day, he allowed Members to express their wishes without observing time. It is a sign of his understanding of the occasion. I want to be associated with the remarks on...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I believe the two of us could have made it on that panel. I wish Senator Daly well in his new career and I hope he will give the country the benefit of his expertise and experience. I look forward to him serving the nation in another forum in the not-too-distant future. I thank our colleagues in the Progressive Democrats for their kindness and working relationship in the past ten years,...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: When we were elected in 2002, the challenge then was the high cost of insurance for small and family-run businesses, private and commercial motorists etc., but now it has moved to energy costs. Whether it is gas, electricity or whatever, this is now an enormous challenge, especially for small and family businesses. I certainly will take an active role on this if re-elected. Senators Ryan,...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: ——and I know that the Independent Senators have a group leader, as do Members on this side of the House. Given the day that it is, I ask the Senator for his understanding. He might——

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: ——consider that in the meantime.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I did not indicate a speaking time for No. 2, and I suggest five minutes per Senator if that is agreeable to the House. Senator O'Meara, in her contribution, asked the Seanad to continue to include in its deliberations issues affecting children. I am sure we can all agree with that. Senators White and Quinn highlighted the fact of 8 July being a seminal date. It is the very famous date on...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I hope I will be canvassing in Donegal on that day. Senators Hayes, Cummins and Glynn drew attention to the terrible problem of suicide in this country and referred to the 450 people who die in this way every year. Senator Cummins told me before the Order of Business that he would bring this to the attention of the House this morning. I thank Senators Cummins and Glynn for calling on the...

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: He has eight minutes. I beg the Acting Chairman's pardon. For the information of the House——

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I discussed No. 1 with the Clerk prior to the Order of Business and agreed to debate it until 1 p.m. with eight minutes' speaking time to allow new Members make their maiden speeches.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: It is clear that what we agreed on the Order of Business was eight minutes' speaking time on No. 1.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I thank the Acting Chairman.

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: We can extend it.

Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I thank the Minister for coming in over the two days, giving us of his time and making the Seanad well aware of the legislation that was being discussed. He made an outstanding contribution for something approaching 40 minutes yesterday and it was a pleasure to be here. I want to wish him well in the next five years and congratulate him again on his appointment as Tánaiste and Minister for...

Seanad: Ethics In Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I wish health and happiness to Senator Cox for many years to come. Perhaps she will be back in the House again some day.