Results 561-580 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: That is not my understanding of Committee Stage. This is my first contribution.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I will not even make the point I was going to make.

Seanad: Water Services (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We are all tired. At the same time, however, this is an important matter.

Seanad: Health Awareness and Physical Fitness: Motion (23 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I thank the Independent Senators for putting forward this motion. Senator Eamonn Coghlan is to be commended on his exceptionally well presented report. It is particularly welcome that a person such as he, an iconic sporting figure, should take the initiative in this regard. We all enjoy watching the television footage of his sporting prowess. People of a certain age like to recall where...

Seanad: Health Awareness and Physical Fitness: Motion (23 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We must reassess the information provided to us. There is no doubt that it is not sufficient merely to talk about obesity, lack of exercise and so on. This issue impacts on every Department. We cannot blame the Government because it is a problem going back over the decades. However, the matter has been brought forward for discussion by way of Private Members' time. We must avail of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Senator Norris has made a telling and focused contribution today. Those of us who are familiar with his work in this Chamber know the courage he has demonstrated on so many occasions. He has given a voice to people who had no voice and has always been consistent on issues of human rights, privacy and so on. As such, his concerns should be taken seriously in respect of his submission to the...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I second the amendment to the Order of Business moved by Senator Thomas Byrne. I also support the call by Senator David Cullinane for adequate speaking time for Sinn Féin. It is a perfectly reasonable request and it can only be good for the deliberations in this House to have all views properly ventilated. I also support the comments of Senator John Whelan on the broadcasting of what is...

Seanad: Alcohol Pricing: Motion (16 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I compliment the Fine Gael Party on putting down this motion. It is a comprehensive motion dealing with far more than the price of drink. It outlines the alcohol related health issues, crime levels and so forth. It is not just a matter of how alcohol affects the people who abuse it but how society in general is affected by it through anti-social behaviour, which we have seen so often, and...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Over the years, decisions have been made by the State, generally with the best of intentions, which it subsequently has been necessary to revisit. One reason this happens is because inadequate debate has taken place, perhaps involving misinformation or a lack of information and so on. The same applies to the closure of the Army barracks because when this debate was initiated, Members were...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support Senator D'Arcy's suggestion and I compliment him on his generosity of intent in this regard. It is a great idea to thank a former President who has given such service to the State. She enjoys the affection and appreciation of all the people, irrespective of politics or religion, and she is a symbol of sincerity, courage and hope. Doing what the Senator suggests will remind us of...

Seanad: Community and Voluntary Sector: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I welcome the Minister. I was particularly impressed with the presentation by the Minister today. He has provided a four page document but I believe he has touched on many of the relevant issues for us to consider today and to be considered in future. I acknowledge the work done at community level through the local councils, development bodies and the...

Seanad: Community and Voluntary Sector: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: This is why we are in the House. Perhaps this can be examined at a future date because it is difficult to discuss the community and voluntary sector if some grouping in the House does not have the opportunity to put forward its views. The Minister has stated clearly that he is focused on decision making and ensuring that the local community will, hopefully, have an enhanced role when it...

Seanad: Community and Voluntary Sector: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Some of the officers in local authorities should be updated on issues in the same way as officers in the past did specific work because they could help in identifying bodies that might have a problem throughout the recession. They might also find where there is a place for interaction and co-operation. Even if one is an existing officer, one's role should be extended through consultation. I...

Seanad: Community and Voluntary Sector: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The money that is coming back to the organisations helps the State and the local community. I wish the Minister well.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Go raibh maith agat. With the permission of the Cathaoirleach, I would like again to raise with the Leader the Palestinian issue. I am sure all Members received this morning communications in regard to the current position of the two civilian vessels and the manner in which they have been treated. The Irish vessel was almost sunk as a result of water being pumped onto it by the Israelis....

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support the call to have the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade come to the House. I concur with Senator Cullinane regarding the suffering of the Palestinian people at the hands of Israel. Senators will recall it is not so long ago since Israel used forged passports for its citizens to carry out its murderous deeds. We were all outraged at the time but we still did not interfere with...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Oct 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Leader does a good job in accommodating requests for debates, with which he is inundated. I make a special appeal to him to arrange a debate on the issue of homelessness. This may not be a headline making issue, but given that the homeless do not have a voice, the Seanad must strive to give them one whenever we have an opportunity to do so. We can only imagine the hopelessness people...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It could only be good to have the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, present in the House. We were elected to this House to discuss important issues such as changes to the Constitution. It would be helpful, therefore, if the Minister attended in advance of the referendums to make our discussion worthwhile. The Referendum Commission, under the former Mr. Justice Brian...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: To some extent the debate has gone astray from what we are trying to achieve, that is, the importance of Bunreacht na hÉireann to the lives of the people and, above all, what we consider should be fair play and due process and all such issues. I am learning by the hour from the debates I have heard of elements of this referendum that are not clear. I hope the Minister will come into the...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Oct 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Last night debate's on the possible closure of Army barracks was not the most edifying that I have attended. Both sides of the House will agree on that. There was a feeling that it was not the best way to reflect and represent the views that had been brought to us from the various areas in question. Many of the challenges we face cause a great deal of frustration and part of the...