Results 4,621-4,640 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Exactly. I thank the Chair for standing up for me. Those type of questions upset me. Senator Bradford raised the undocumented Irish. I take his point. We all cherish and relish our relationship with the US but that does not stop one having one's criticisms.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Why should it? We are not all patsies. I take Senator Quinn's point about the agenda which was well raised by his colleague. The Senator thanked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for appointing three new High Court judges. As the Senator said, that was all he wanted for Christmas. Christmas has come early.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2003 — Report and Final Stages. We try as best we can to take Second, Committee and Report Stages separately. There are no Report Stage amendments to the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2003, but that is nobody's fault. I am just explaining why our stay here today will...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We stood by America too.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Finucane, the Acting Leader of the Opposition, requested a debate on airport policy, particularly in respect of the ongoing viability of Shannon and Cork Airports, for which he fears. He also referred to the congestion at Dublin Airport which I will address when I reply to Senator Tuffy's question on the matter. Senator Finucane also raised the Taoiseach's approach to EU foreign...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Is the Cathaoirleach aware that they have great regard for Senators in the US? They are mad about them.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Terry referred to the trafficking of eastern European children into Ireland. I did not see the television programme to which she referred but will ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for his views on the matter. Senator Mansergh also requested a debate on social partnership, bearing in mind the recent high inflation rate of almost 7%, which has recently fallen but is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I accept that neo-liberalism has been in the news recently. The Senator also asked that when we refer to undocumented Irish people in the US, we should examine the position in Ireland and address the need for a resolution of the issue of undocumented immigrants in Ireland. Senator Ross asked if I could find the Minister for Transport. That is quite impossible because, as the phrase goes,...

Seanad: Genetically Modified Foods: Motion. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Autism Services: Statements (Resumed). (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: There has been much talk of compassion which the Minister of State has demonstrated clearly since the beginning of the debate on autism. This is the third debate in the House on this issue; the first lasted three hours and the second some two and a half hours. Many Members still wished to speak and so we are concluding the discussion today. We are appreciative that the Minister of State has...

Seanad: Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003: Second Stage. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: On a point of information, this debate is not concluding at 1.30 p.m., although that may not have been clear from my statement on the Order of Business. This is a roll-over debate so whoever is in possession at 1.30 p.m. will also be in possession when the debate resumes.

Seanad: Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003: Second Stage. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator O'Toole is an attractive sceptic.

Seanad: Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003: Second Stage. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I am happy to speak on the Bill and outline what I see as its good characteristics as well as ways in which it could still be altered to meet many of our aspirations. I praise the change of Title. It was wonderful that the Minister and his advisers changed it to Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs. This was a good change which apparently took place during the consultation...

Seanad: Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003: Second Stage. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The effect of the provision will be to provide parents and others with a further mechanism to ensure resources are made available to implement the Bill, as a failure to make adequate resources available may result in grounds for a judicial review of the actions of the Ministers. The Bill allows for a judicial review, which is a strong provision. We can all express sympathy and concern but...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes, as Leader of the Opposition, raised an issue Senator Quinn referred to yesterday, namely, the vetting procedures for those caring for children at all levels. I understand this has proved a thorny issue. I discussed the matter with a member of the Government yesterday who informed me the Government is approaching a resolution, although I do not know what will be the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: It would be wrong if these decisions were arbitrary, even worse than not allowing anyone to enter the country. Senator O'Toole raised the extra costs arising from the privatisation of the NCT and the proposed privatisation of speed cameras. The latter proposal would be a serious development. We are grumbling about being penalised for travelling at 33 or 34 kph in a 30 kph zone but...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ryan also raised the issue of privatisation, citing a west Kerry guesthouse which did not receive approval because different people had different ideas and the privatised agency responsible for inspections does not operate a standard. I confess to a private interest in this issue as my second son was involved when Bord Fáilte inspected hotels and guesthouses. I used to receive...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We could ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come before the House to discuss the issue. Senator Morrissey called on the Minister for Health and Children to explain what is happening regarding the accident and emergency unit at Blanchardstown hospital. This is a free Chamber in which Members can raise issues and the Senator has raised this. Senator Finucane again raised...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Mostly it was not raised. If one is travelling at 80 mph in a 60 mph zone, one should be penalised, but if travelling at 52 mph in a 50 mph zone or 33 mph in a 30 mph, it is entirely silly to be penalised. I did not get my penalty point notification yet for being over the speed limit in a 50 mph zone but it is on the way. The Senator also referred to the people with whom he wished to deal....

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I hope the commitment will be implemented in the short term. The programme for Government stated the gardaí would be recruited over the five-year term. The Minister remains committed to this and there will be movement shortly. Senator Maurice Hayes referred to the visa system and highlighted his experience of the vetting of people in care. Senator Norris raised motion No. 18 tabled by the...