Results 441-460 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Gay Mitchell, MEP (24 Jan 2013)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Cuirim fíorchaoin fáilte roimh Gay Mitchell anseo inniu. Níl aon amhras faoi ná go raibh sé thar a bheith éifeachtach agus misniúil i gcónaí mar ionadaí na hÉireann san Eoraip. Thug mé faoi deara gur sheas sé an fód go minic ar ár son. Is mór an phribhléid dúinn í go bhfuil sé in éineacht linn anseo inniu. I would sincerely like to welcome Mr. Gay Mitchell, MEP. He...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Gay Mitchell, MEP (24 Jan 2013)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is a sad situation. This leads me to the question I have for Mr. Gay Mitchell, MEP. Was he disappointed that the suggestion was even made that a referendum should take place on such an issue? We must bear in mind that a referendum very often only reflects the mood of a given time. If we look at the bigger picture, we know we will be dependent in some ways on our interaction and...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jan 2013)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: One of the most important challenges facing us, as legislators, and all people is to create an environment where armed hostility is not seen as a solution to any problem. When we have to reflect on armed hostility in any part of the world we realise how difficult it is to stop once it has started. With that in mind we sometimes forget what the European project was all about. Of course, it...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2013)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Each day on the Order of Business the House receives a great deal of bad news. Personally, I find bad news very debilitating. Will the Leader consider setting aside half an hour on the Order of Business for the giving of good news? There is a very significant amount of good news. To give an example Senator Jim D'Arcy touched on Showcase 2013. It would be well worth everybody's while...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children: Implementation of Government Decision Following Expert Group Report into Matters Relating to A, B and C v. Ireland (9 Jan 2013)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I also welcome the representatives of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and thank them for the manner in which they have engaged with the committee in order to help to inform us and, by extension, perhaps the general public also. My question also comes back to the rights of the unborn. To what extent has the council considered this in its deliberations? Does it have a specific policy...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children: Implementation of Government Decision Following Expert Group Report into Matters Relating to A, B and C v. Ireland (8 Jan 2013)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I, too, welcome the representatives of the Irish Medical Council and thank them for their submission. As clarity is central to our deliberations, I would like to revisit that issue. I have a question for Professor Murphy who I understand is on record as saying the guidelines were awarded a stamp of approval by the National Adult Literacy Agency for the use of plain English. In view of...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is right and proper for us, as Members of the Seanad, to stand up for the most vulnerable and the most courageous section of our society. To suggest that in some way that is hyperbole is difficult to accept and very disappointing because it is evident that that is used as an evasion in this debate. I was very taken by the contributions of the Independent Senators. In many ways they have...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: -----for people who need them to do it. They will not find the carers in large numbers out on the streets. Why? They cannot leave their homes; they must stay at home and look after their loved ones. Very often the numerical strength can give focus to budgets but people like the carers seem to have been made cannon fodder of on this occasion. I fully agree with the compliments paid to the...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Would it not be wonderful for us not to guarantee the future of the Seanad or try to prove ourselves but to show that humanity does not recognise political demarcation? That is what we have to show. This is one case in which we should do that. It is notable that out of all the austere elements in the budget one rises to the top, lifted by humanity throughout the entire country. Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: On the prospect of abortion being introduced in Ireland, the contributions of Members in the House have been relatively calm. People have expressed their views, based on their own conscience or values. This is important because this is not a matter to be decided by means of a shouting or heckling match. In the coming months there will be a great deal of reflection on the part of Deputies...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I firmly believe there will be a public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Pat Finucane. This is because of the tenacity of the Finucane family and because the Pandora's box has been opened and the British State admits there was collusion in his murder. I find there is great generosity in the British media on this question. I also believe the Government is committed to pursuing the matter...

Seanad: Youth Work: Motion (12 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I compliment Senator van Turnhout and those who have supported her motion. The Senator has played a significant role in the Seanad on behalf of young people. We all have different specialties but I can see that where the Senator is concerned. As a result, we are getting opportunities to speak on issues which might not arise in the Seanad. I welcome the Minister. I also listened to her...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We played a significant role in the Good Friday Agreement as well as in underpinning it.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: To remain on the sidelines because it might be politically correct or for any other reason will not help the peace process or cohesion among traditions on the island. We will be seen as being somewhat hypocritical at a time when we should be steadfast. I appeal to the Deputy Leader. The Government is focused on this issue, but more needs to be done. We will know the full story this...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Today the family of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane is in England. They will be made aware of the findings of the inquiry into his murder. It is important that they should not feel they are alone. Previously, the British Prime Minister has admitted that there was collusion by state security forces in this murder. The extent of that collusion will be evident today. It is important, as a...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: To remain on the sidelines because it might be politically correct or for any other reason will not help the peace process or cohesion among traditions on the island. We will be seen as being somewhat hypocritical at a time when we should be steadfast. I appeal to the Deputy Leader. The Government is focused on this issue, but more needs to be done. We will know the full story this...

Seanad: Personal Insolvency Bill 2012: Report and Final Stages (11 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I join in complimenting the Minister and his officials on completing this important and comprehensive legislation. This has been a lengthy but worthwhile process and the Minister has been especially helpful on all occasions, listening carefully and responding methodically and meticulously during many hours of debate. The Bill is a timely response to the position in which we find ourselves....

Seanad: Personal Insolvency Bill 2012: Report and Final Stages (11 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I join in complimenting the Minister and his officials on completing this important and comprehensive legislation. This has been a lengthy but worthwhile process and the Minister has been especially helpful on all occasions, listening carefully and responding methodically and meticulously during many hours of debate. The Bill is a timely response to the position in which we find ourselves....

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: First, I wish to take this opportunity to compliment Archbishop Diarmuid Martin on his contribution on "The Frontline" television programme last night, which I thought was very reasoned and compassionate. This was evident from the atmosphere in the audience and the decorum that existed. I also compliment Pat Kenny on the manner in which he handled it, because there were lessons to be...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2012)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We all notice today a sense of calm before the storm of tomorrow's budget. I do not believe it is a question of calm because hundreds of thousands of people are frozen by fear and hopelessness. They have no idea what they can do for the future. The more I listen to discussions on radio, as I did on my way to the House, the more I hear people saying they do not even have the will to get out...