Results 701-720 of 1,158 for speaker:Fiona O'Malley

Seanad: Economic Outlook: Motion (14 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: After giving Fine Gael advice, I shall now speak more particularly to the motion.

Seanad: Economic Outlook: Motion (14 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I do not believe public sector reform is happening fast enough, but I accept that Fianna Fáil is the largest party in Government because it goes about bringing many people on board with it as it goes forward. That has its benefits, but it also has its drawbacks because one is less inclined to fall out with a sector or an area. I was glad to hear Deputy Brian Cowen in his speech last week...

Seanad: Economic Outlook: Motion (14 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: We have a good 25-year track record.

Seanad: Economic Outlook: Motion (14 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: Perfection takes time.

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008: Committee Stage (8 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: There is no point wasting time in repeating what he said, because I agree with every single word of it. We do not believe in privatisation or competition for their own sake. Things naturally need to be regulated and the public interest must be uppermost when doing so. That includes providing services from a variety of sources, including the private sector. We are advocating competition...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008: Committee Stage (8 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I congratulate the Minister on his reappointment. I am pleased he was reappointed to this position as he has a reputation as a reformer, which is what we need in this area. I also like it when consensus breaks out in politics, which is why I encourage the Minister to consider the point made by Senator Donohoe. One cannot argue with it. We must recognise that competition is an important...

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008: Committee Stage (8 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: Indeed.

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008: Committee Stage (8 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: They are not mutually exclusive.

Seanad: Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008: Committee Stage (8 May 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I hope I do not hinder Senator Donohoe's prospects when I say that he is a terrible loss to the Progressive Democrats Party.

Seanad: Death of Former President: Expressions of Sympathy (15 Apr 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I speak today with great sadness at the passing of Dr Hillery and pay tribute to his many works. I do so with more of a personal note, however. Everyone has attested to the great professionalism that Dr Paddy Hillery brought to his various roles. He held the highest office in the land and represented Ireland internationally but as a man he was very much the backdrop in my family while I...

Seanad: Kidnapping and Detention of Ms Ingrid Betancourt: Motion (10 Apr 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I am glad of the opportunity to speak on the case of Ms Ingrid Betancourt. It is important that we highlight not just Ms Betancourt's case but also the plight of other hostages who are held not only with Ms Betancourt or in Colombia but throughout the world. It is appropriate that we do this in this democratic Chamber. It is important to recognise the risks that some people take in their...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Apr 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I echo Senator O'Toole's request for the Taoiseach to visit the House so that we have an opportunity to listen to his views as he retires and, as the Senator stated, to pay tribute to the service he has provided on behalf of the Irish people for such an extended period. I also request a debate on the partnership talks. Often people criticise Parliament for not having a relevance. We might...

Seanad: Address by President of the European Parliament (8 Apr 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I thank Mr. Pöttering and it has been a pleasure to listen to him speak, as Senator Quinn mentioned, with such passion. The ratification of the Lisbon treaty is an issue for Ireland and there is a certain level of complacency, which is a challenge we must address. We need good reason to try and sell the treaty to the people. As the treaty is a tidying-up exercise people are not really...

Seanad: Address by President of the European Parliament (8 Apr 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: We need to be careful, to echo what Senator Boyle said, as we begin to become more homogenised in terms of the European Union, to protect a certain degree of flexibility. We are very exercised by the report that was in the front page of the newspaper today, stating the French have indicated that they want to consolidate the European tax base. They are entitled to that opinion, but they will...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (11 Mar 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I pay tribute to Ms Kit Ahern and the contribution she made to political life. Although small in stature and fragile in appearance, she was certainly tough in spirit. As a woman in politics, and traditional politics in Kerry at that, she was a pioneer. She was a courageous woman who stood up for what she believed in and represented her community, country and gender proudly. She was...

Seanad: Economic Outlook: Motion (20 Feb 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I hope I please Senator Regan by engaging fully with the motion and counter-motion before the House. Regarding Exchequer returns, the difference is that investment made now is wise and will produce a good return for the country. Anyone would agree that one invests to produce growth. This has been part of the success of this country. This is why certain decisions were taken in respect of...

Seanad: Economic Outlook: Motion (20 Feb 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I will give Senator Doherty the proof of it.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: What is new?

Seanad: EU Directives (14 Feb 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am glad to have the opportunity to discuss the data retention directive. I read in a newspaper recently that it is already three months overdue to be enacted. While the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has given an indication that it will happen in the new future it was pointed out in the newspaper article that there has not...

Seanad: EU Directives (14 Feb 2008)

Fiona O'Malley: I thank the Minister of State for that comprehensive reply. He said transposition will take place as soon as possible after consultations have been completed. He might ask the relevant Minister on my behalf where those consultations are taking place. As a Member of the other House, I ask the Minister of State to raise this issue there because it is in the interests of the Irish people....