Results 4,641-4,660 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Feighan raised the proposed 3.8% VHI price increase. This is modest compared to other years but it will impose a burden. He also asked why President Bush would not meet us all but he will only be here for a short time. He would not have time to meet us all.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Quinn referred to the need to reform legislation relating to charities, collections and so on. Various Governments have talked about this and various documents have been published. There was an effort to reform this legislation in 1997 but it did not come to anything. It should be done because, while somebody may legitimately represent a charity and conduct collections, one wonders...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003 — Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 1.30 p.m. with contributions of spokespersons at 20 minutes and other Members at 15 minutes; No. 2, statements on autism (resumed), to be taken at 2.30 p.m. and to conclude at 4 p.m. with the contributions of Members at...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We are all getting those cases.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The congratulations to the Taoiseach, the Civil Service and the Government are well merited and I undertake to convey the congratulatory wishes to the Office of the Taoiseach. Every party and many other Members reflected on it. It was a wonderful achievement. The hard work paid off. The nature and character of the Taoiseach had a huge effect on it. He was supremely suited for the difficult...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I mean everybody, not just the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: It is childish capers.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: If it is being done as a smokescreen, it is not working. We should just get on with the business. Senator Brian Hayes raised the 75% reduction in the number of requests under the freedom of information legislation, a matter raised by the Ombudsman. This matter was debated at length in the Seanad and many Members fought the good fight. As I remember it, the Minister for Finance made a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes proposed, and Senator Ryan seconded the proposal, that we debate the change in the freedom of information regulations as the fee is inhibiting people from making requests under the FOI legislation. Senator Ryan questioned whether we were carrying our national enthusiasm for an Irish person too far in terms of whether we were prepared to propose somebody who was very much...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Bill will come before the Seanad before the recess. I understand operational control will not transfer until April 2005. The Bill, as published, is what was in the Fianna Fáil election manifesto. This was to give the three airports operational control, although they are still linked to the parent board. The second stage would be another step forward. Senator Coghlan must have experienced...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: It is free up to a point. Senator McHugh called for An Bord Pleanála to be dismantled. I imagine there is a particular point behind his case which was passionately argued and perhaps we could discuss this. An Bord Pleanála is an independent body but occasionally it issues odd decisions which have no bearing on the inspectors' reports. That is where the difficulty arises. The board employs...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I have received information which renders me quite speechless — which is very difficult to achieve — about a particular matter concerning that gentleman.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I mention no names. The matter should be carefully examined because it involves substantial donations. Senator Henry referred to the policy on visa applications. I have submitted two cases on that matter to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. She also spoke about President Bush coming to Ireland this week. People have a legitimate right to express their displeasure or distaste...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Bohan supported Senator Leyden who, he must be aware, was not speaking from the point of view of the publican. Senator Bohan spoke from the publican's point of view as he has every right to do. He also mentioned thepenalty points system, clamping and the NCT, as examples of over-regulation of citizens. He is right but people talk about the "nanny State". I do not know where the term...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: There must be legislation. We cannot make up our own rules. Senator Bannon wants a debate on the annual report of the IDA. I had the same thought when I received it last week. It would be a useful document for debate. Senator Quinn spoke about the benefit of the smoking ban to off-licences, about which he knows. I hope it has proven satisfactory for him. The Senator also sought a debate on...

Seanad: Treaty of Amsterdam: Motion. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approve the exercise by the State of the option, provided by Article 3 of the fourth Protocol set out in the Treaty of Amsterdam, to notify the President of the Council that it wishes to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: a proposal for a Council Directive on a specific procedure for admitting...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, a referral motion whereby the subject matter of motion No. 20 on today's Order Paper is being referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for discussion — the proposal is for a directive to create a specific procedure for admitting third country nationals for the purposes of carrying out scientific research — which...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes, he will.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: That is the Senator's lot.

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: We have not had wet weather.