Results 701-720 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Jul 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I am doing so. On the Order of Business each morning-----

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Jul 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I am coming to the point. As I understand it, I am entitled to make points of this nature.

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Jul 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We are dealing with the amendments and I am going to make my point in respect of them.

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Jul 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: My point is clear. On the Order of Business each morning, Members refer to the importance of Seanad Éireann in the context of scrutinising every item of legislation that comes to it.

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Jul 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: That is precisely what we hope to do.

Seanad: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (7 Jul 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: At present, the debate on this Bill is sinking to a very low level.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Jul 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is important when the House discusses the major issues of the day that we find time to think of the most vulnerable in society. In that regard, I compliment Senator Corrigan who has been proactive in raising important issues. The issue she raised today deserves our attention. We have all observed how people with psychiatric problems have been helped by being given a new life in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The House discussed Israel's abuse of Irish passports in murderous activities. People were particularly appalled. Senators Quinn and Hanafin have mentioned the issue of another Irish passport being used. Ireland holds a particular status, in that we seem to be friendly with every country and every country is friendly towards Ireland. One reason is that we never colonised another country...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: One could also state that Ireland has helped many developing nations. Many Senators have raised the issue of Israel's use of our passports and, given that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, has been courageous where abuses in other countries are concerned, I would expect him to report to the House on the responses Ireland received. Some of Israel's spokespersons were arrogant...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I refer to the importance of what Senator Rónán Mullen said with regard to free speech not only for one church, but for all churches. I compliment the Church of Ireland bishops which has been very much to the fore on the issue. I have no wish to go into the issue but the Leader should acknowledge the importance of what Senator Rónán Mullen said with regard to upholding the right of free...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It seems that the Queen will have to stay for a year if she is to go to all the places to which she will be invited.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I wish her a very pleasant time. She comes across as a very nice lady. I will not extend an invitation from Cashel - I will leave it to the town council to do it.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I very definitely accept the apology from Senator Norris. I also accept that in future we will confine our debate to the Chamber. I thank him for his kind comments which I can return. He is an exceptionally distinguished Senator. I have sense that there will be a perception that we will set up a mutual admiration society. I wish to make a few points on this matter because it is...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I did so at length and believe the Senator welcomed that on the day. Nothing has changed in that regard. I still hold exactly that position. The Senator referred to people who want to refer to the Bill in a derogatory sense and that was the reason I spoke yesterday morning. I felt we must have freedom of speech. If people speak, I hope they speak genuinely, sincerely and generously. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We will have a good debate at that time. I bear no personal animosity towards the Senator, absolutely none. He is one of the finest contributors in the Seanad. I seem to agree with him 90% of the time. I certainly hope that after this morning's interaction we can express our views genuinely, but I assure the Senator of this much, with regard to the references he made about the back of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: He need not have no doubt in that regard. I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to make those comments-----

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: -----because I believe it is in the interests of democracy-----

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: -----to make those points. Perhaps we have cleared the air and perhaps people who want to express a view will have the courage and feel free to do it. Bail ó Dhia ar on obair.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: When we enter this House, we bring with us a variety of views, philosophies and experiences. The system allows us to express our views freely and, while they do not have to be accepted by other Members, it is important that we feel we have the right to express them. We must protect this system because otherwise the people who expect us to represent them will be denied their rights. Without...

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I recently received a poignant letter from a gentleman who was anxious to see greater activity on the issue of missing persons. He writes about his sister, Ellen, who went missing nearly ten years ago and describes how his life ended and the torture he endures as a result of this event. He wants to raise the level of our awareness of families who are living in hell because loved ones have...