Results 4,421-4,440 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I know, but many amendments have been tabled for Committee Stage and they are being processed.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I understand amendments have been tabled all round. There is a delay but it is expected the amendments will be ready by the end of this term, which is fair enough. We should have the Bill before us this term and we will press to ensure that is the case. Senator O'Toole raised the matter of an interim report by the committee set up by both Houses to look into the Judge Curtin case. The Deputy...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I thought the Minister made herself clear this morning when she replied on radio. The case which gave rise to the interview was the one where it appeared the Department would not underwrite the costs which were quite hefty. Senator Ryan brought up the matter of Sinn Féin. As stated by Senator Mansergh, Sinn Féin has a democratic mandate but it cannot fulfil it until it gives an absolute...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ryan also brought up the matter of overseas development aid and the 0.7% of GNP promised by the Taoiseach at the United Nations. He asked that we get a proper commitment on that matter. I do not mind — I do not think any of us would — what appellation he gives the Minister of State. The Senator could be called "venerable" which would be another appellation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: To be venerable is very good. Senator Ormonde raised the new framework of qualifications and a seeming dispute between the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Education and Science. We understand a European framework of qualifications is to be adopted by all colleges, including apprenticeships and all such gradings. The sooner that comes out, the better. Senator Finucane asked...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I cannot get out to chase up anyone. Senator McCarthy also inquired when the 2,000 gardaí promised in the Fianna Fáil manifesto would be provided. As I understand it, that measure will be put forward by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the Estimates procedure. Senator Maurice Hayes supported the call for debates on Northern Ireland and the road at Tara. He quoted what...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004 — all Stages to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 2 p.m, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes. This Bill on passing also requires an early signature motion which will be introduced by way of a...

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: On Tuesday, 12 October. Committee Stage ordered for Tuesday, 12 October 2004.

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: At 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 13 October 2004.

Seanad: Public Transport. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We welcome Deputy Cowen to the House as Minister for Finance and congratulate him on his appointment. He will look after all of the nation but those of us from the midlands are particularly proud of him.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Norris is special. Senator Brian Hayes as Leader of the Opposition asked when we would take Committee Stage of the Garda Síochána Bill 2004. That legislation was debated with great vigour and interest on Second Stage. I do not know the answer to that question but I will make a telephone call later to find out the up to date position. Senator Hayes also made the point, which was...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We will certainly have a debate and I look forward to hearing what the Senator has to say on the matter. Senator Coghlan asked about the infrastructure Bill and who will decide what routes will receive priority and be raised to accelerated status. I will find out about that for him. I still have the report Senator Norris gave me. This morning another supposedly definitive report states there...

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Order for Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

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

Seanad: Land Bill 2004: Second Stage. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: On behalf of everyone in the House, I welcome the new Minister for Agriculture and Food. I know her personality and intelligence will be brought to bear on the changing face of agriculture.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Land Bill 2004 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 2 p.m, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes, those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than five minutes before the conclusion of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator should not refer to absentees.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I was home late last night and watched "Oireachtas Report" which reported that the Seanad returned this week. That is not true. Perhaps whoever was responsible for that might correct it. The Seanad resumed business last week on the same day as the Dáil.

Seanad: Educational Facilities: Motion. (6 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The woman is only three days in the job; will the Senator whisht until she gets to grips with it? It is some Department to get to grips with.

Seanad: Educational Facilities: Motion. (6 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome the Minister to the House. I have no doubt that her style, acumen and manner of dealing with people will stand her in good stead. Speaking from five years' experience in that Department, I know it requires partnership with people. It is apparent in every line of the Minister's script that that is the way she is setting out her agenda for her tenure in the Department of Education and...

Seanad: Educational Facilities: Motion. (6 Oct 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The numbers enrolling are small and the curriculum is being broadened to include nutrition, obesity, anorexia, bulimia and the other ills of modern Ireland that will be part of a comprehensive curriculum advance in the home economics debate. I remember having an interesting 8.30 a.m. meeting with the board and the then principal of St. Catherine's when those ideas were beginning to flower....