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

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It is his hairdo.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank Senators for their contributions. Senator Brian Hayes mentioned funding for the GAA and, particularly, the elusive sum of €40 million. He also mentioned the need to open up Croke Park – a wonderful facility – to other games in light of the joint Irish-Scottish bid to host the 2008 European football championships. I hope that the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism will address...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: No, they are not. Senator Brennan praised his idea of the GAA and I note that the Cathaoirleach was enthused by the debate – without showing it, of course. Senator Coonan wants the Minister for Agriculture and Food to intervene in the ongoing hugely divisive crisis. We will contact his office and see what is the immediate plan, if any, for resolution of that issue. Senator Mansergh raised...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: As I said at the parliamentary party meeting to the Taoiseach, if I knew then what I know now – I was just stating a fact. Likewise, the Opposition can see who is behind them.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Wait until Seanad reform is completed. On a more serious point, Senator Ross wants a debate on benchmarking. On that matter, serious talks have yet to begin between the partners, the Government and all the social pillars involved in it.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator did not let me finish. An introductory debate would be a good idea. There are divergent views. We heard Senator Mansergh talking about it previously. If we can corral the relevant Minister, it would be a good idea to debate the issue. Senator Finucane raised something with which I am fully in agreement, the question of whether ministerial cars should be exempt from the strictures...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I agree with the Senator. Senator Norris loves Croke Park, but wants a re-examination of the national lottery funding. He also wants the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to look at the plethora of equality legislation to see what progress has been achieved.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is here today. Several Senators raised issues relating his remit. They should ask him when he comes in because he is the relevant person. Senator McHugh wants a debate with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, who was here yesterday and will be here again when we come back. I hope the Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I would think that the Minister would welcome Senator McHugh's intervention when he is discussing the Digital Hub. After all, as I understand it, the Senator is talking about worldwide electronic communication with the diaspora. The Senator should raise the point with the Minister.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not mind the Senator raising anything.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Unlike the Dáil, the Chamber does not have electronic voting. The least we would expect—

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The least we would expect is that we would have electronic voting.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not know what happened the last time. That was not attended to, although it should have been; it is the most basic of rights. However, I will speak to the Senator about that matter. Senator Coghlan also raised the issue of rail freight and asked about reassignment of community employment. I have not heard anything about that issue. The Tánaiste has responsibility for that matter and, in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I want to take up the communication from Senator Bradford about decentralisation, which is linked to the spatial study. Both of those issues must go together and there will be designation. The only spatial study report that came out was leaked. As soon as the full report is issued, we should have a debate on it, linked to decentralisation. Senator Higgins asked about the threshold for fines...

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Norris is forever young.

Seanad: Sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion (Resumed). (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: On a point of information, may I ask if that possession lapses when the Member is not present?

Seanad: Sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion (Resumed). (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: In that case, I would like to contribute to the debate.

Seanad: Sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion (Resumed). (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes, I wish to share with Senator Ormonde. I am glad to be able to contribute to this debate. When the Committee on Procedure and Privileges met it was chaired by the Cathaoirleach and there was cross-party support for reform of the Seanad. Many Senators have contributed ideas for reform which they wish to see implemented. The Irish Times has taken a great interest in the question of Seanad...

Seanad: Sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion (Resumed). (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: That is true.