Results 5,981-6,000 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: There are hundreds of students completing full term college courses who would not be there if they had not had the opportunity of the foundation course. It would be an interesting matter for the House to consider. I thank Senator O'Toole for his kind remarks about Kilbeggan racecourse. I have told those responsible that he and Senator Glynn have been most assiduous in raising the issue....

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Mansergh welcomed the review of the ownership of land, but he took up Senator O'Toole's point that special concessions with regard to such measures should not be given away lightly or be misused. He also said that those who benefit from property tax breaks because their homes are worthy of public visits, should not refuse such visits. We all know who is being discussed in this regard,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: They are operating on a care and maintenance basis. I will ask the Minister about this matter. Given that we had a debate on the North last week, I do not expect that we will have another in the next week or two. Senator White also asked for the review by Judge Corry to be published. Senator John Paul Phelan referred to third level fees and Professor Malcolm Skilbeck's report about the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: We are delighted with it because it enables all Senators to discuss the issues.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: We are very pleased with it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: He is a good man.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Is Senator Brian Hayes becoming obstreperous? Not really. We admire and like the shape of the Fine Gael amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: No. Senator Bannon raised the issues of decentralisation and better crime prevention. Order of Business agreed to.

Seanad: Health Service: Statements. (13 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: At 12.30 p.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business today is No. 1, motion to refer to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service the subject matter of No. 15 on today's Order Paper concerning the draft Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, the purpose of which is to draw together the various existing rules governing the behaviour of civil servants and address other issues which have come to the fore...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, raised the matter of the merger between the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland and the Scouts Association and stated that this would provide a good example, particularly if the influence of the Catholic Church, which stated that it would not support such a move, was not brought to bear. It was interesting to listen to the various points raised by...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: She made a good speech yesterday in the United States. The Senator is correct in saying that the more we speak about it the more we highlight the problem. It is not that alcohol is bad, but rather that the abuse of alcohol is bad. We are all being led to be furtive about drinking a glass of wine or whatever. There is no need to be furtive about that. Alcohol in moderation is good for one. I...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: If so, that is a matter that should be considered. Senator Quinn said we are being tardy in regard to the implementation of the insurance directive. We hope to have the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, come before the House next week to debate the penalty points system and car insurance, for which he is responsible. I have made a request to have him present for the debate on Private...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not know if it would light up the world if we were to sit for an extra day. I do not think it would.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Everyone in this House works five or six days a week.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not know about seven.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ulick Burke asked that the Minister for Education and Science clarify the question of third level fees. I agree with him. He also spoke about Dúchas, about which his colleague, Senator Coghlan, spoke yesterday. Senator Coghlan agreed with the measure. He is winking at me now.

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: Yesterday Senator Coghlan agreed with the disbandment of Dúchas. Opposition Members are allowed to have their differences. Senator Feighan returned to his constant theme and he is right. He is looking for decentralisation, I expect to Boyle. Senator Leyden constantly seeks this also. I take his point and we will seek to have the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, to come to the House to...

Seanad: Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour: Referral to Joint Committee. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approve the draft Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, copies of which were laid before Seanad Éireann on 29th November 2000, be referred to the Joint Commitee on Finance and the Public Service in accordance with paragraph (1) (Seanad) of the Orders of Reference of that Committee, which, not later than 3rd July 2003, shall send a...

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements. (8 May 2003)

Mary O'Rourke: On a point of clarification, we were scheduled to sit until 4 p.m. However, due to a lack of ministerial presence – I accept that Ministers have other duties – we will conclude at 3.30 p.m.