Results 641-660 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jun 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is generally accepted that in times of war and social unrest those who provide medical services to the victims of hostilities should not be subjected to harassment or oppressive practices. This a humane principle to which all civilised administrations subscribe. Senator Crown raised an important issue in this regard because there is no doubt that medical staff in Bahrain are being...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: During the debate on tourism last week, I suggested that we might invite the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly to address the Seanad and, perhaps, engage in a question and answer session. In the first instance, this is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges but I wish to go a step further by requesting the Leader and the committee to...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: There have been several instances in which the Seanad has dealt with motions agreed on all sides. This generally happens in cases in which there is agreement and support on the issue in question. Every Member agrees that we must bring closure to the issue of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. We are all aware of the suffering is continuing. I welcome yesterday's statement by the Leader to...

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Motion (1 Jun 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. He is very welcome. I am delighted the Government decided to table this motion because it helps to underline the importance of tourism. One in every ten jobs in this country relates to the tourism industry. This is a vital statistic which we sometimes tend to ignore. It is important to ensure the jobs to which I refer will be retained. I come from an area...

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Motion (1 Jun 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I would recommend such an event very strongly.

Seanad: Tourism Sector: Motion (1 Jun 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: These are the innovations I believe to be important. I wish to highlight another statistic which shows why Ireland is different. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was held in Cavan last year. Fáilte Ireland carried out a survey during the course of the Fleadh Cheoil and discovered that it injected €34.9 million into the economy. That was from a single event. We must consider where the big...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jun 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I compliment the Leader on the very impressive presentation he made here today. It does not come as any surprise because he is a man who has given excellent service to this House as a Senator in the past. I hope to have an issue debated in the House if time can be found. It might even culminate in an agreed motion. All reasonable people at the current time welcome the new, improved...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Jun 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Yes. If we do not act on this matter, the next generation of the families affected will have to continue their quest, which would be a pity. I endorse the request of Sinn Féin for designated speaking times. If such an approach were adopted, it would demonstrate that the Seanad is inclusive and get the House off to a good start.

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (25 May 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Tréaslaím leis an gCathaoirleach ar a cheapachán mar Chathaoirleach. Gan aon amhras, glacaim go bhfuil cuirtéis faoi leith ag baint leis an Seanadóir. Ag an am céanna, thug mé faoi deara go minic gur sheas an Seanadóir an fód nuair a bhí gá leis agus go raibh neart ann. Táim cinnte go mbeidh ar a chumas smacht a choimeád orainn anseo nuair a bheidh tuairimí éagsúla á...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Last Wednesday I saw in the Visitors Gallery the descendants of the 1916 leaders. One was reminded of the great sacrifice which had been made by these leaders and many other patriots when they sacrificed their personal ambitions for the common good. They also reminded us of the tenacity of the Irish character in overcoming what might have appeared to be insurmountable problems. On that day...

Seanad: National Monument at 14-16 Moore Street, Dublin: Statements (26 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit. Ócáid stairiúil í seo mar tugann sí seans dúinn ár mbuíochas, ár meas agus ár n-omós do laochra na Cásca a theaspáint agus cinntiú nach mbeidh aon dochar déanta do aon rud a bhaineann leo siúd, toisc gur sheas siad an fód in am an ghátair. We are here as Members of the Oireachtas and we would not be here only for the men and...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (26 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh Bríd agus clann Uí Dhóláin. Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a chur in iúl dóibh, ach ag an am céanna ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl don chlann ar fad. Mar a dúirt an Seanadóir Ó Tuathail, níl aon amhras faoi ach gur thug an clann an-tacaíocht i gcónaí do Shéamus i ngach rud a dhein sé. Níl aon amhras faoi freisin ach gur thug...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: These are the final days of the current Seanad. Many of those present can look back with pride on some of the great debates which took place in the House in recent years. I am particularly pleased that the Leader has made time available to take statements on the national monument at 14 to 16 Moore Street. Everyone is aware that a relatively small number of men and women took a stand during...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I concur with Senator Cummins regarding gangland crime. It is one of the greatest threats to this State. Whether in Limerick, Dublin, Cork or any other large population area, there are bodies working with absolute impunity while they terrorise communities every day of the week. Those who take a stand against them and take cases to court experience overt intimidation which will ultimately...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It would be a pity, however, if, in the usual frenzy at election time, we were to detract from this. I am also saddened by the suggestion that this House may be abolished. I do not know what the future holds but many people, when they get the opportunity to think about it, will realise the check this House has kept on many aspects of public life without fear, favour or any indication of...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Removing this arm of Parliament would not be the right course of action in the long term and for which future generations would not thank us. I hope all parties will take the opportunity, whatever their stance is now, to examine the role of the Seanad more closely.

Seanad: Export-led Growth: Motion (19 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I have always felt there was a very strong link between exports and tourism. For that reason, it is very important to ensure we continue to promote Ireland abroad wherever opportunities arise, which we have been doing exceptionally well. There is always a temptation in times of economic constraints to cut back on expenditure to develop and expand on the goodwill which exists abroad. If...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Every so often we hear a positive tone in our debate. No one suggests the country is not experiencing the difficulties that have been alluded to and for many these problems are devastating. One only needs to consider the large number who are unemployed. I presume many Members receive queries from people who want to participate in training schemes, community work and so forth. Recently...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: One can sympathise with those who resent the kite flying of President Sarkozy and particularly what one could call an intrusion into the internal affairs of this country. The best comes out in the Irish character when we are provoked in that way. Often it forces cohesion between the different groupings, both in this House and elsewhere, and we see that happening in this instance. I would...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Jan 2011)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: During the past few days, I received a message from the Irish community association in Shanghai. It is excited that for the first time the route for its St. Patrick's Day parade there will be recognised by city officialdom. One reason it is now recognised is the success of the Irish entry at Shanghai's World Expo 2010 which I had the privilege of visiting. Over the six months of the...