Results 4,741-4,760 of 7,583 for speaker:Rónán Mullen

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Does the Minister of State have an opinion on the €4 million paid to Ernst & Young for branding? That is a simple question.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Is €4 million too much or too little?

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: On a point of order, would it be possible to extend the time for this debate in order to allow the Minister of State to answer the discrete and specific issues raised during the debate?

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Go raibh maith agat.

Seanad: Irish Water: Statements (22 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. There is a sense of outrage among the public in the wake of recent events, as articulated by colleagues. As I mentioned earlier, it is like those in power have learned nothing from all that has gone on in this country in recent years. In fact, the culture of excess and unnecessary spending apparently continues. It is almost as though people...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Senator Leyden has not ruled himself out.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I am still wrestling with the thought of Senator Bacik as our ambassador to the Holy See. I would enjoy seeing the reaction to that appointment. It would certainly make international headlines and one would have the dropping of mandibles all over the place.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: It is good for all of us to get out of our comfort zones and the Senator's appointment would certainly facilitate that. I note also that the previous ambassador to the Holy See was a Roscommon man, Mr. Noel Fahey, who did an excellent job. It would not be without precedent if Senator Leyden were to be appointed to the position. I am glad the House will debate Irish Water today. It is of...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I echo Senator Conway's remarks. Like other people, I found this morning's report chilling. That a senior citizen should find himself in a situation so terrifying that he had to leave his home in the dead of night is truly appalling. Senator Conway is correct that we need a strategy for supporting older persons in our communities. It is important they are given advice on issues such as...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I am delighted that what I am saying is resonating so strongly with the Government side. I will postpone any further comments until tomorrow.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jan 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I advise the Cathaoirleach that what I am about to say will not have any impact in terms of legalities. I wish to say a few words about Tom O'Gorman, whom I was privileged to know and be friends with for approximately 20 years and who was so brutally taken from us in the early hours of Sunday morning. I had the pleasure of being in his company on Friday evening and, like all his friends and...

Seanad: Pyrite Resolution Bill 2013: Second Stage (16 Dec 2013)

Rónán Mullen: I welcome the Minister to the House. Like my colleagues, I, too, welcome this legislation. I intend only to echo many of the points made, although not in detail. It is important that this step is being taken. As stated by other Senators, it is one of the early chapters of a story that will be ongoing. We are all aware of the significance of the home in the human consciousness and of the...

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Second Stage (16 Dec 2013)

Rónán Mullen: I will conclude. Everyone wishes the Government well in its efforts to save money. However, the overly simplistic mantra of "more money, fewer politicians" which we have been hearing is unworthy of our democratic system and does not reflect its needs. During the debate on the proposed abolition of the Seanad, the Taoiseach continually invoked Denmark as a democratic model. The truth is...

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Second Stage (16 Dec 2013)

Rónán Mullen: I am sure the Minister would like the European job if it was going.

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Second Stage (16 Dec 2013)

Rónán Mullen: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I was struck by the opening lines of his speech in which he spoke about the great reform Act of 1832. While he says this legislation might not rank with that, he sees it in historic terms. I do not wish to accuse the Minister of hubris, but there is a governmental hubris underlying that assertion, just as there was with the proposed referendum to abolish...

Seanad: Local Government Reform Bill 2013: Second Stage (16 Dec 2013)

Rónán Mullen: A few trips to Kerry might be welcome.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2013)

Rónán Mullen: I agree with my colleague, Senator Bacik, on the issue of direct provision. It is very important that we have a debate on matters relating to immigration and the relevant legislation, in particular about direct provision. Many people have a concern that the current system of direct provision and the way that people are being treated is an affront to human dignity. I would like to see it...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2013)

Rónán Mullen: I compliment Judge Smithwick on his fine work and echo the calls for a debate on the report. One often hears the phrase, "We can forgive, but we can never forget", but seeing the photographs of Chief Superintendent Breen and Superintendent Buchanan in the newspapers today is a reminder to us that it is important that we do not forget. Sometimes people think the requirement of a peace...

Seanad: Report on Grocery Goods Sector: Motion (20 Nov 2013)

Rónán Mullen: Some expert and informed Members have contributed, and I listened with particular interest to Senator Mary Ann O'Brien and my colleague, Senator Feargal Quinn. I should not name names but they have been in business and have a good deal to say to which we must listen carefully. I want to make three points, one of which is about profits. I support scrutiny of profits of multiples in...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Nov 2013)

Rónán Mullen: It is called public service.