Results 761-780 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Female Genital Mutilation Bill 2010: Second Stage (21 Apr 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ): Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I return to the issue of Israel's blockade of Gaza. It is evident that the blockade has produced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, perhaps the worst since the Israeli occupation began in 1967. Israel is now in contravention of the Geneva Convention. As an occupying force, it is responsible for the welfare of 1.5 Palestinians in Gaza. Although it has indicated it has disengaged from...

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Others who have been criminally responsible for the creation of humanitarian crises have been held accountable before tribunals. I call on Israel to take the action required. Failing that, the House should call on world opinion to ensure Israel is held responsible before a tribunal in the near future.

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The two Independent Members of the House who have spoken, Senators O'Toole and Norris, have, in many ways, enhanced the image of Seanad Éireann. They have made a case for its continuation. I do not say that in a patronising way but genuinely. If we do not approach the momentous difficulties we face in a practical, realistic and honest way, we will not be serving the requirements and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Last week, I had occasion to compliment the trade union movement on its display of courage in changing direction when the common good required it. Today, I again salute the leadership of the trade union movement for the manner in which it engaged with and facilitated the outcome of the Croke Park meetings. I am disappointed at the manner in which some people were very quick to talk down...

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: What is required at present is an injection of confidence into the national mood and this is precisely what the Government and the trade union leadership provided last night. It behoves all Members to contemplate for a moment the importance of what happened at Croke Park. Members should consider how prospective investors in Ireland or those who already have money invested and who have...

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Yesterday the Reverend Ian Paisley sat in the House of Commons for the last time. In many ways Reverend Paisley represents the metamorphosis which took place in political life in the North of Ireland. In many ways his contribution was essential to the final outcome of the peace process. In a gracious manner, when he spoke in the House of Commons yesterday, he stated that he hoped that we...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (24 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I am not requesting a debate on Seanad Éireann – we have had that. We have also had a report on the possible reform of Seanad Éireann. While all of those issues are important, an opportunity is presented today to the Leader and the House to do something profound and radical for the House. I recommend to the Leader that, immediately following the Easter recess, he would make a direct...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (24 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: -----and also give us an opportunity to have a question and answer session.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (24 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The reason I suggest this is that we have quite a fragmented situation in the House, not just on the Order of Business but also in the general debates. I would go further and suggest that each of those debates should be broadcast live on TG4. When the Oireachtas committee dealing with the Irish language was discussing the draft 20-year strategy, it was covered live and in full by TG4 and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is always important during challenging times to look for a glimmer of hope. There was a glimmer of hope recently on the part of the trade union movement that has gone unnoticed. An instruction was sent to members not to co-operate with specified political parties but that instruction has now been withdrawn - I have seen the letter - and the element of partisanship removed. That is a...

Seanad: Irish Language: Statements (10 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus oifigeach na Roinne freisin. Tá áthas orm go bhfuil an chaoi seo againn chun ráiteas a dheanamh i dtaobh na Gaeilge, go mórmhór ós rud é go bhfuil seachtain na Gaeilge ar súil i láthair na huaire. Molaim na daoine atá i mbun an fheachtais sin mar tá ag eirí go h-ana mhaith le Seachtain na Gaeilge, beagnach coícís na Gaeilge, anois. Tugaim...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The House has had a number of debates on how best to sustain and create employment. Over the years, the decision of major industries to close or relocate has had a devastating impact on the affected areas, frequently leaving hundreds of workers unemployed. In times of recession small industries often have the best chance of surviving because they have a loyalty base in the local community...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: This House should acknowledge what I would regard as a very important show of independence, sovereignty and compassion by the Irish Government. I refer to the courage displayed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, in bringing the plight of the people of Gaza to the very heart of Europe in recent days.

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: He went there and briefed his colleagues afterwards. It is important to remember that very often it is stated that small countries follow on the coat tails of the big powers. Ireland has proved once again that this is not true regarding this country. It is particularly significant that the Minister for Foreign Affairs of this Republic was the first such Minister to set foot in Gaza since...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: This morning we have had a number of pertinent contributions on the importance of the arts and artists in Ireland. It is through the arts that we demonstrate our distinctiveness as a nation. As a small nation, we are punching way above our weight in the artistic world and the envy of many countries. From the Book of Kells to Riverdance, it is clear that is exactly what gives us status in...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Mar 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I place on the record our appreciation of the recent visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Micheál Martin, to Gaza. It is to his credit and that of the country that he did not allow Israel to obstruct the visit. Israel would not grant permission for him to enter Gaza from Israeli territory, a policy which comes from a so-called friendly government. The Minister was outspoken...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Feb 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Beidh coicís na Gaeilge ag tosnú an tseachtain seo chugainn agus b'fhéidir go mbeidh an Cheannaire in ann roinnt ama a chur ar fáil chun é seo a phlé agus cuireadh a thabhairt don Aire, an Teachta Éamon Ó Cuív, teacht isteach chun stádas na Gaeilge a phlé linn. Next week will be a benchmark for the Irish language. It will be the commencement of the Irish language fortnight. As we...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The thrust of this amendment is worthy at least of extra consideration. In the main we are talking about reputable breeding establishments which are anxious to see implemented much of the action the Minister wishes to take. It is not a case of persons not wishing to see the legislation enacted. Three months is a particularly short period and a 12-month period has been suggested. I would...

Seanad: Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (25 Feb 2010)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Minister was particularly conciliatory in his interpretation of the proposed legislation. Conciliation is the hallmark of the Minister. We were expecting to have a conciliatory debate on this Bill today. I take on board the points made by Senator Dearey in respect of the legislation. On reflection, I was not recommending a 12-month extension. The important thing is to remove...