Results 5,041-5,060 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Fitzgerald welcomed the evaluation of schools and he is right. I am very pleased to be participating in a rethink on this important topic. Senator Tuffy said it was important to consider suicide bombings and the ten Israelis who were killed last week also. That is true but the horrendous nature of yesterday's killing has felled us all. Senator Dooley said it is important that the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: In terms of events and hours, he has come here more often than any other Minister and this should be recognised. There is a strong legislative programme before the House this week and next week and it will be difficult to find free time for debates. I have constantly asked the Minister about this matter. However, how many gardaí or Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform could control...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Henry raised the issue of the readiness of accident and emergency departments to respond to a major emergency. She asked that the Minister for Health and Children come to the House to discuss the matter. She also raised the issue of American companies. Senator Cummins referred to social welfare. He also spoke about delays of up to 60 weeks experienced by people awaiting driving tests....

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Feighan spoke about what happened in the Middle East. He looks quite young and I did not know that he had spent many years in Israel.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: It would be difficult to embarrass him. Senator Feighan also spoke of what he observed in New York. We will endeavour to meet with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to debate the issue.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2004 — Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude not later than 6 p.m., with contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes, those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes, Members may share time and the Minister to be called upon to reply not later than ten...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes referred to the Madrid atrocity. It was a grievous crime and we have learned that over 130 people have died. I understand that the death toll may rise even further. It would be a matter for the Cathaoirleach but I ask on behalf of all the parties that there be a minute's silence at the end of the Order of Business. That would be very appropriate.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank the Cathaoirleach. We are comrades in Europe with the Spanish and we have, in historical terms, been comrades with them for many years. We are also comrades with them in peace. This was a terrible atrocity. Senator Brian Hayes also referred to ETA and the visitors rights accorded to its representatives when they attend the Ard-Fheis of a particular party. That is very wrong. This...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I am aware of that. Senator Norris raised the issue of asylum seekers and the issue of Guantanamo Bay. I am sure Senator Glynn suffered personal anguish this morning until he got in contact with his son in Madrid because one would immediately think of one's son or daughter being on that train. There must have been a series of bombs since the House began in session. Senator O'Meara spoke on...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Fine Gael has to get itself a candidate. We have a candidate and she is there already.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Feighan raised the issue of the threats to the Craigavon police board. That is just awful, there are threats everywhere these days. Senator Paddy Burke wished to have a debate on the reports by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board and the Regional Fisheries Board.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I wish to bring to the attention of Members that the week after next the Finance Bill and the Social Welfare (No. 2) Bill will be coming before the House.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: It is difficult to return to a debate when so much has happened in the interim. Last week I commended the Minister on his handling of the Bill. There has been a growing acceptance of many of the points which he put forward in it. There has been much comment this morning on the proposed constitutional amendment in relation to asylum seekers. However, that is a another day's debate. The Bill...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I understand the Minister will be taking the next Bill in the House and it is proposed to extend this debate by 15 minutes, if that is in order, which means the Minister will be called on to reply at 12.05 p.m. rather than 11.50 a.m. That should give sufficient time to allow other speakers contribute.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion concerning the referral to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service of the subject matter of No. 19 on today's Order Paper. It concerns data protection regulations. Sometimes I do no know whether I should read the accompanying explanation and be accused that it is on the Order Paper or not read it and be accused of being sparse. The item...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: That is true. No. 2 is the Garda Síochána Bill 2004 — Second Stage (resumed) to conclude not later than 12 noon, with the contributions of Members not to exceed ten minutes, Members may share time and the Minister to be called upon to reply not later than ten minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage; and No. 3, the Civil Liability and Courts Bill 2004 — Order for Second Stage and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I point out to the Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, that we have always been careful in this House to use a person's title when speaking of them. This is a matter of Members of a House of Parliament giving the proper respect to a person who has a title. I do not mean to lecture anybody but state this as a matter of fact. It is something of which I have always been conscious...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: He is Minister Séamus Brennan. I did not call him by a name such as the one Senator Brian Hayes called Minister Cullen. It ill behoves the Senator——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: Titles are hard earned. Senator Hayes asked for the Minister for Transport to come to the House to discuss the proposed public transport strike. In anticipation of such a request, I made an inquiry this morning. The Minister is in Brussels and is expected to return tonight or tomorrow. Senator O'Toole praised the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights for its work on...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2004)

Mary O'Rourke: I want to make this clear. I come here on a Monday and go home on a Friday and spend the week at my business as Leader. Some of those who speak here are better than others and fair dues to them, they have the gift or they learned it. On behalf of all Senators, we cannot call anybody who contributes to a debate a waffler. They may not be as good as Senator Ryan at talking but they are entitled...