Results 521-540 of 1,158 for speaker:Fiona O'Malley

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Feb 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Andrews. I particularly welcome this long overdue Bill which introduces into Irish law the contents of the Hague Convention. That measure, which is long overdue, is one reason to welcome the introduction of this Bill. I want to make one or two other comments on this timely Bill. We need to update and modernise our legislation. Senator Quinn spoke...

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: I will continue from where my colleague, Senator MacSharry, concluded because I disagree with him. Other political parties have had ample opportunity to provide their solutions to this problem. I was expecting to hear Fine Gael Senators——

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: A debate is an opportunity to share ideas and I am in attendance to listen to those of the Fine Gael Party, but there is none. Unfortunately, we have been treated to constant whinging, questions about what went wrong and mumbling. There are no ideas on how to get away from the problem. I was impressed by the way in which Deputy Gilmore spoke in the Dáil last week. Part of his job is to...

Seanad: Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Statements (5 Feb 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: The Government's measures, which clearly comprise the beginning of the stabilisation programme, will amount to €2 billion this year, but it will not be long before we hear about the €4 billion that must be saved next year and so on. A responsibility of office is to make tough decisions. The Opposition is unfortunate in this regard. While I do not expect it to fall over and say the...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: Like others, I feel a debate on the economy is necessary. More than anything else, the attendance of a Minister during that debate would be necessary. I can understand why none might be available today, given that Ministers are reporting to the Dáil. I am delighted that a debate has been scheduled for later this week, as we must all take stock of where we are. Given that the Taoiseach has...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: As the unions believed they could carry the day, a deal could not be struck. I hope the Government reaches beyond union leaders and looks to the people. I agree with Senator Fitzgerald to the effect that Members on all sides of the Houses should work together to do what is necessary. There is no doubt we should be concerned about the next generation. As someone who grew up during the tail...

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Jan 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: They will have no problem.

Seanad: Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (Resumed) (28 Jan 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: They might call it the Denis O'Donovan——

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (27 Jan 2009)

Fiona O'Malley: Two for the price of one.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008 (Certified Money Bill): Committee and Remaining Stages (19 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I join in wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. I thank the staff for their work. We were here late frequently. It is one thing for us to be here late, but other staff must also attend to the carry-on of the Members from time to time and it is a lot to ask of them. It has been a fruitful year. I look forward to the break and wish everyone a happy Christmas.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: That is true.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor. Before he leaves the House, I wish to acknowledge the constructive approach adopted by Senator O'Toole in respect of his contributions. I find that refreshing. His comment with regard to those over 80 was particularly constructive. I am slightly envious of the fact that the Senator, as an Independent, is not in danger of ever putting himself...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I am sure he is; are we not all? He has that luxury to an extent and it is not one other political parties have. Regardless of what side of the House one is on, when one enters politics, one ultimately must be constructive. What good is a politician if he or she constantly knocks proposals and never offers any hope or perspective that one understands the issues facing the country? I find...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: If I may make this point before the Senator criticises me, what is needed in politics is consistency and after that follows credibility If one is not consistent, one will never have credibility.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: Fine Gael is desperately lacking on this issue. Consistently it has remained inconsistent. Senator Feeney alluded to remarks made by the Fine Gael Dáil spokesperson on health. When he was paid by IMO he was doing a deal for it, but now he is in politics he has to change his tune. It is an acute embarrassment for the party. I saw the Members on the other side of the House squirming with...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: ——how Deputy Reilly had conducted himself——

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: ——in a prior appointment.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I would be very grateful if the Leas-Chathaoirleach would ensure I am not interrupted.

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: Planning and responsibility are other qualities a political party need to have. I do not believe any Member on either side of this House welcomes the idea that an entitlement of the over 70s is to be withdrawn. Naturally, it would be preferable, and certainly politically, much easier if we did not have to take tough decisions, but that is what politics and governance is about. That is why...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I though it was closer to four times the price already deemed on offer to GPs. Dr. Reilly had the Government over the barrel of a gun in that respect and by God he exploited that advantage. Fair play to him, he was being paid to exploit it. When the economy was in better shape this measure could be provided for people, but we are no longer in that situation. That is the reason this...