Results 4,321-4,340 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator asked that the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, come to the House to discuss the means test for carers. The Senator's point was well made but it would be neither possible nor correct to have that discussion with the Minister in a pre-budget situation. Senator Bannon also referred to the matter involving the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on competitiveness and consumer protection, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 1.30 p.m. Spokespersons may speak for 15 minutes and other Senators for ten minutes and the Minister will be called upon to reply no later than five minutes before the conclusion of the statements; No. 2, Health and Social Care Professionals Bill...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: What was the first issue?

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: That was certainly a robust exchange.

Seanad: Public Transport in the Greater Dublin Area: Statements. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: It is in Senator Ross's constituency.

Seanad: Public Transport in the Greater Dublin Area: Statements. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: And cheaper.

Seanad: Public Transport in the Greater Dublin Area: Statements. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I am glad to contribute to the debate. I thank the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, and his Minister of State, Deputy Callely, for attending the debate. I also thank Mr. Maurice Treacy, an official of the Department, for his attendance. We sometimes forget the civil servants who accompany Ministers to the House. They do the hard work and have great experience. Apart from my strong...

Seanad: Public Transport in the Greater Dublin Area: Statements. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I propose that we extend the debate until 6.45 p.m. to accommodate the Senators.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Department of Transport has informed me that the Minister has been delayed by ten minutes. I propose that the sitting be suspended until he arrives to take statements on public transport in Dublin.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I am breathless.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Finucane, the deputy leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of the pupil-teacher ratio and the statement on this issue by the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin. The words "noble aspiration" were good ones to use. The Senator wants the Minister to come to the House to talk about the pupil-teacher ratio and the shortage of teachers. I will endeavour to ensure that...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: It is the website to which he objects, which is fair enough. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, is blaming the website for giving us that reputation in other countries. Senator Coghlan spoke about IKEA and claimed there was no need for big stores. I do not know the population of Majorca and I am not proposing that he and I go there.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I will inquire about it. Senator MacSharry wants a debate on the fishing industry. Such a debate is overdue and we will arrange it. Senator Henry spoke about the Law of the Sea (Repression of Piracy) Bill 2001, which must now be well out of date. Senator Fitzgerald was right when he said the Minister for Education and Science will reach her target, but has started with easing disadvantage....

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Terry spoke about the delays in the adoption process. I received a call from a woman who is waiting for four years to have an assessment to allow her to adopt. This is very traumatic for people. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, who is preparing adoption legislation to come to the House to talk about the matter.

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Order for Second Stage. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: "That Second Stage be taken today."

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Second Stage. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: They were good today.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 4.30 p.m., on which spokespersons may speak for 15 minutes and other Senators ten minutes and of which the Second Stage debate shall continue tomorrow; and No. 2, statements on present public transport...

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Not before next Tuesday, 9 November 2004.

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: At 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 9 November 2004.

Seanad: Matter raised under Standing Order 30. (4 Nov 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: In accordance with the procedures laid down, I thank the Senator for raising this matter. I will relay what he said to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, whose Department has responsibility in this area. It is a fair point as this is an EU-wide debate. Referendums will be held in all but four countries. The matter is worth raising.