Results 5,961-5,980 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank all the spokespersons of the various parties who have agreed the timeframe for dealing with the Redundancy Payments Bill. Senator Brian Hayes spoke about the amendment which his colleague, Senator Coghlan, has tabled, which I note and have read. I am sure Senator Coghlan will make a spirited espousal of the amendment during the debate. Senator Brian Hayes also expressed his personal...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Sympathy was expressed with regard to the McBrearty family not being able to obtains its costs. Many agreed with the Senator on the matter, on which we will approach the appropriate Department because, as Senator Maurice Hayes said, it should be worked through a Department. Senator Higgins also raised the issue of post boxes in rural areas. I was thinking about the regulatory issue, of which...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not know.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I thought to myself that the position of the regulator had been well vindicated. All sides of the House would say to Etain Doyle, chairperson of the regulatory body, Comtech, that if an intervention was ever needed, that was it. Senator Norris said it would not be egalitarian to bring in one's spouse or a relation to represent one if the dual mandate was abolished. However, Senator Brennan...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The skill of dealing with people is often instilled in a family. Senator O'Meara supported Senator Higgins in his call about the McBrearty family as well as on the issue of post boxes. She also looked for the Disability Bill to be brought forward now to mark the Special Olympics. We have been seeking to have the Bill brought forward in the Seanad. Senator Maurice Hayes also wanted to mark the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator said that the Minister is receiving divine inspiration in respect of various matters. It is good for a person in the public eye to have ideas and talk about them, rather than adhering to departmental briefs and becoming boring.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: It is good to have a person who has a new idea every day.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senators are just making fun of the position. Many of the Minister's ideas are highly admirable and I have no doubt that, in time, they will become points of policy underpinned by legislation.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Minister will be in the House this evening and I hope Senator Terry will put forward her points of view and refer to her diminished admiration. If she does so, it will make for a good debate. Senator John Phelan raised the matter of the Redundancy Payments Bill. I was fortunate enough to hear the debate in the Dáil last week when the Tánaiste was challenged about commitments that she...

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I am duty bound to put forward the Tánaiste's point of view because she is not here to defend herself. Whatever else the Opposition might say about her, the Tánaiste is entirely truthful.

Seanad: Redundancy Payments Bill 2003: Order for Second Stage. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now." Question put and agreed to.

Seanad: Redundancy Payments Bill, 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: On a point of clarification, discussion of the Criminal Justice (Joint Investigation Teams) Bill 2003 was to begin at 4 p.m. but I am requesting that the Order of Business be amended in order that it can commence at 4.05 p.m., approximately.

Seanad: Road Safety: Motion. (14 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, Official Languages Bill 2002 – Report and Final Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 5 p.m., and No. 2, statements on health, to be taken at 5p.m. With your permission, a Chathaoirligh, our party will divide out the time as there seem to be many speakers who wish to contribute. I suggest that instead...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Members can speak for ten minutes and they may share time if they so wish.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes. This debate will be taken from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Foundation courses.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: We must all turn up at the next meeting.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, referred to the Bill dealing with matters such as ID cards and the ideas of the Minister for Justice in relation to alcohol abuse and other issues. I draw the attention of the House to the fact that the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2002 will be before the House next Thursday. That will provide an opportunity for Members to raise those...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Brian Hayes raised the Access programme to third level education. Perhaps the people concerned were above the normal student age and did not have a chance when they were at school. A one-year foundation course in third level college was my idea. However, it was the Senator who made the comment.