Results 381-400 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I would be pleased if we did not have to go down that route. We must have a debate on the matter rather than shouting down each other in a most unprofessional behaviour.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I am sick of it. I hope we can have an at-ease discussion with the two Ministers——

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: ——and not these awful interruptions and ugliness that is happening in the Chamber. It is getting very ugly which I do not like.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: It is resolved; come on.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I would be delighted to have this debate and would welcome the Minister here for a full debate so all these problems can be teased out. I welcome the Taoiseach's decision and statement this morning that 95% of over 70s holding a medical card will keep it. People in the 5% will be able to apply to the Health Service Executive for concessions in certain areas. These people are in the higher...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I am listening to the points raised in the debate and it is so media driven that we do not stand a chance because we are not getting accurate information.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: That is our problem. The information is being driven through the media. We do not stand a chance.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: We are not allowed to finish any statement we make.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: The Taoiseach should be given a chance to clarify the situation but every time he opens his mouth, he is interrupted. We will get it right. The debate is necessary and I look forward to it. It will be a big debate in this House and the sooner we get it, the better.

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008: Motion (17 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I also listened to earlier speakers. I will refer to the recapitalisation of the banks but will speak generally about the scheme and the current position. I acknowledge the swift response of the Government to intervene to protect our economy and the stability of our financial institutions. I also acknowledge we are the victims of the global...

Seanad: Unemployment Levels: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State and wish him well now, more so than ever, in these challenging times. We are discussing the increase in unemployment as a result of the downturn in the economy. Yesterday, we spoke at length on the budget and we will have an opportunity this afternoon to discuss aspects of the budget relevant to this subject. I am not here to do a bashing exercise, so to...

Seanad: Unemployment Levels: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: Senator Buttimer should not look at me.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I am delighted to have the Minister in the House to listen to the debate and I wish him well. He has come into office at a bad time and has a huge challenge ahead. With his educational background and being a good listener, he has taken on board the points made and I know we can look forward to a very good future for education with him monitoring this area. I must recognise the Government's...

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I did not interrupt. That is the one thing with which I have difficulty when I speak.

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: In addition to these projects, since 2004 over 3,000 projects costing in excess of €300 million have been completed under the summer works scheme. The Minister has already stated he intends to have a summer works scheme in 2009, which I welcome. It is good to know the Minister's heart is in the right place and he understands these summer projects are important. While it is a pity this is...

Seanad: Primary School Funding: Motion (8 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I wish to take up the point made by Senator O'Toole with regard to the lack of transparency, which I agree exists. I have difficulty explaining to school principals how the criteria are assessed with regard to what schools should be listed and so on. I do not understand the process but, having done some research on the issue, I am pleased to note the Minister is upgrading the Department's...

Seanad: Orders of Reference of Select Committee: Motion (7 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I move: That the Orders of Reference of the Select Committee on European Affairs be amended in paragraph (1)(a) by the deletion of '6 members' and the substitution therefor of '9 members'.".

Seanad: Orders of Reference of Select Committee: Motion (7 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Roche. The purpose of his visit is to establish the sub-committee which will analyse the issues arising from the failure to ratify the Lisbon treaty. We have reflected on this matter in recent months and I am weary from the many discussions with many people on the reasons for this failure. I am pleased the research body was established to examine the...

Seanad: Hunger Task Force Report: Statements (7 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Michael P. Kitt, and acknowledge he became aware of his new role last year. I wish him well in that new role. I acknowledge the role of our former colleague, Mr. Joe Walsh, who oversaw the production of this report and analysed the reasons why we have such mass global hunger. I commend him and his team on producing this report for discussion and for...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Oct 2008)

Ann Ormonde: Many speakers raised the issue of competitiveness in the economy and the role of FÁS in the world of work. As someone who has considerable experience of dealing with FÁS, it must refocus to address its lack of co-ordination with the vocational education committees. FÁS should focus on students who are not academically orientated and wish to pursue a technological course. The...