Results 7,141-7,160 of 11,812 for speaker:Denis O'Donovan

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: It is not saying that we cannot go left or right. We even looked at an example as well as a corollary in the notion - which I still think is necessary for this city - of providing an underground train from the city centre out to the airport. In doing that we looked at every person who has a house, a barn or a commercial building from here to the airport. Every person who owns a piece of...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: A lot of people in this House may not realise that under our Constitution we have a right to light. Which is more important? We have a right to support, so that our houses do not fall down. We must remember why the right to property was devised in our Constitution. It was to support the landed gentry, the settlers and the rich people. How many people in the street in Dublin have nothing...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: If we are naive enough to go with this----

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: I must thank Senator Norris for the brief intervention to draw my breath but also----

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: I am just making the point that I would prefer to have a referendum. I am supporting Senator Barrett's amendment because there are all sorts of possibilities out there. As we saw in the referendum to abolish the Seanad, the public are no fools. I personally thought that would succeed but they were put to the vote and they decided listen, we cannot trust the boys in the lower House. We...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: Well 1937, whichever, but I am saying it is not fit for 2016. My apologies. I think we should enshrine the right to water in the referendum and I am asking that, if Senator Barrett's amendment is not accepted or agreed to by Government side, we defer this Bill. I am so far away from my little abode in west Cork that I might as well stay here tomorrow, Sunday, if it is possible, and Monday...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: I support the amendment proposed by Senator Barrett. Unfortunately I was unable to speak on Second Stage and I do not intend to make a Second Stage speech now. Issues have been raised include the unintended consequences and the provisions of our Constitution. The Constitution is not cast iron that can never be changed. The Constitution is not a cast-iron thing set in stone that can never...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: Senator Norris's observations have been noted.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: Senator, you should address your remarks through the Chair,

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: It is a matter for Senator O'Donnell how she wrestles with her conscience. I do not think Senator Norris can do it for her.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: As Senator Quinn is not here, it would be unfair to speculate about his intentions.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: One speaker only, please.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: The Cathaoirleach has ruled on the matter. It is not for the Minister to respond on that issue.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Committee Stage (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: Senator Craughwell without interruption.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: I ask the Leader to arrange a debate early in the new year on the progress report by the Minister for Justice and Equality on the reform of her Department. In the madness of the water debate, we seemed to forget this was an extraordinary year for the justice system of this country. A Minister was forced to resign, as were a Garda Commissioner and a confidential recipient. The current...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: Before we move on to the first speaker, I welcome to the Visitors Gallery Mr. Valdis Liepins, a Member of the Latvian Parliament. He is most welcome. Everybody will be allowed to contribute on the Water Services Bill at some stage but they should be aware that the Appropriation Bill, which was ordered for today, will be taken from 2 p.m. to 3.45 p.m.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: Sorry. There are two Bills but there will be a gap in the consideration of the Water Services Bill from 2 p.m. until 3.45 p.m. It could be 6 p.m. before a Senator gets to contribute but everybody will get to do so. I reassure those who are concerned they may not get to contribute.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: Will the Senator please allow the Minister to speak? As everybody will have an opportunity to contribute, it is unfair to interrupt the Minister.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: Perhaps we can let the Minister of State proceed slowly.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Denis O'Donovan: If the script is not available in three or four minutes, we will raise the issue again.