Results 421-440 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Value-Added Tax Consolidation Bill 2010, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, motion re reports on macroeconomic and fiscal policy, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of No. 1; and No. 3, motion re fifth report of the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security entitled, Second Report on...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: As was Deputy Kenny's.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: That is unfair and untrue.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: That is unfair and untrue.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: That is unfair and untrue.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Ag 10.30 maidin amárach.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: I want to inject balance into this debate because there seem to be a few inaccuracies. I have had the unique distinction of serving in both Houses. It is a marvellous experience and a wonderful privilege.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: I do not see anything wrong with colleagues serving in either House and going on to become a member of the Cabinet or the President of Ireland as has happened.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: People have moved on from this House to become Taoiseach, the first lady Tánaiste and the first lady leader of a party. There are members of the Cabinet who served in this House where they gained tremendous experience. Being a member of the Upper House is a privilege and gives one experience such that when one serves in the Dáil one is at a distinct advantage on one's first day in office...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Of Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, of course. It was in 1977 and the Taoiseach of the day was Jack Lynch.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: She was party leader of the Progressive Democrats. I have checked all my facts. I have been here a long time, for longer than most; only one other person has been here longer than me. To put the record straight, when I became a Member of the House in 1982, the Seanad sat for about half a day every week. The situation changed and colleagues now on the Independent benches should know that...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: ------of the Legislature, the Constitution and the taxpayer, for which we make no apologies to anybody. It was said in this House that Fianna Fáil was holding up the review of the reform of the Seanad. That is not true. I am holding the Fianna Fáil submission made, with those of other colleagues, parties and groups, and it is now with the Minister who has given due consideration to it....

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: A turnout of 98.5% is the highest, not just in this country but in most other European countries. It is an incredible figure. It has been estimated that every county councillor represents 1,000 people.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: It was said some colleagues on the university panels were promoting themselves with a vote of 2,500. I received 7,500 votes but did not win a Dáil seat. Let us put everything into proper perspective. The people we represent are the most hard-working and decent of people, each of whom represents, on average, 1,000 people. We are democratically elected. If there was to be a change, I...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: The Minister is speaking in the Dáil.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: It is completely true.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: It is an elitist borough.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed) (3 Nov 2010)

Donie Cassidy: The Bill before the House is extremely important. It is our job to represent the local authority members who have placed their trust in us for many years. It is an honour and a privilege to be elected to the Seanad. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, for coming before the House and, as on many previous occasions, giving of his time. He is fully supportive of the local...