Results 681-700 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Committee Stage (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I understand where Senator Bradford is coming from. We have spoken at length in this House and at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs on the transparency necessary to implement regulations and EU law. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State has noted our concerns, has responded accordingly and will ensure statutory instruments will not be implemented in a dictatorial...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Committee Stage (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I would hate to think our Minister of State is not accountable, which seems to be the implication of what has been said. It appears to imply that statutory instruments give the power, as opposed to the introduction of secondary legislation, which would give the power to the Houses of the Oireachtas in respect of implementing any EC law. I would hate it if the Minister of State were unable...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Committee Stage (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Senator Quinn's contribution was a reiteration of a Second Stage speech. He spoke about the transparency of the scrutiny of EU legislation but I could not make out his point on the section.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I also call for a debate on the conduct of the auctioneering business and, in that context, I congratulate Senator Ross on his appointment. We must call into question how people are assessed in graduating and acquiring certification to carry out auctioneering. I was disgusted by the revelations in the programme last night. While I know Senator Ross is very capable of handling his brief, it...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Second Stage (7 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. As I understand the Bill from listening to the Minister of State's presentation, its purpose is to amend the European Communities Act 1972 to align our national laws with European Community law. I had to grasp that fundamental point before I could go any further. I had to ask what it really meant. It means that up to now we did not have the...

Seanad: European Communities Bill 2006: Second Stage (7 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: That is right.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I would also like to call for a debate on sentencing. I have listened to the points which have been made this morning. I agree with Senator Maurice Hayes that this is a societal matter. The issues which are at stake are more fundamental than the non-payment of small fines. Rehabilitation should focus on individuals and their families. We need to reflect on the future of the family in...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Youth mental health services.

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Dec 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I, too, call for a debate on youth mental health. I did not see the television programme last night but I received many telephone calls today from professionals who deal with many of the issues regarding childhood and adolescence, especially in the area of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD. Particularly in their transition from primary school to second level school where they...

Seanad: Further and Adult Education: Statements (30 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: All is not lost for the Minister of State, to whom I am delighted to pay tribute. I looked back at her public life since 1977. She was an MEP involved in social affairs, youth, sport and education matters. She became Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. I believe, however, she really came into her own when she was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for...

Seanad: Further and Adult Education: Statements (30 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I thought I was only starting.

Seanad: Further and Adult Education: Statements (30 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I compliment the Minister of State on providing facilitators and tutors to the literacy and numeracy agencies to reach out to those who cannot do this themselves. Her initiatives include language classes, a new television series, new programmes and "Read Write Now", which has been a great success because it has made it easy for people who have difficulties with language and numeracy to...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: The Senator should withdraw that comment.

Seanad: Domestic Violence: Statements (29 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State and the opportunity to speak on this issue to determine how best to stamp out the dreadful crime of violence against women and men. I am glad the Minister of State has chosen to attend in advance of next week's budget. I too received much documentation. While many Senators have aired the statistics, I want to put to the Minister of State the question of...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I support Senator O'Toole in regard to the issue he raised on which we should have a further discussion. I ask the Leader to try to arrange a debate with the Minister for Education and Science on her Department's assessment procedures and how it carries out assessments, particularly in State examinations where the problem lies. Another discussion on how we assess special needs students at...

Seanad: Homelessness: Motion (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: All the relevant points have been raised. I will take up where Senator Brian Hayes left off regarding the involvement of local authorities. I like the name "MakeRoom" campaign, which says it all. We must find simple accommodation — rooms rather than houses — to facilitate those who want to overcome homelessness. I have often given a great deal of thought to why such people become...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I support the many Senators who raised the issue of standards in nursing homes. The fact this issue is getting public recognition in the House should give an opportunity to the Leader to arrange a debate. Members will agree we need a debate but the Leader should be given a chance to organise it and arrange for the Minister to come to the House. With regard to pensions, the Minister for...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Of course he will deal with the issue. He is the one person from successive Governments who has grasped the nettle in this regard.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: I want to take up Senator Ulick Burke's point on the list of feeder schools. I understood that yesterday's article related to access to third level. The Deputy is correct that many schools on the list did not provide access for special needs students. I spoke to the Minister just yesterday in this regard. She is dealing with the problem and acknowledges that some feeder schools are not...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2006)

Ann Ormonde: Everyone is aware of the issue. The Minister would welcome a debate.