Results 1,001-1,020 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I join the Leader and other Members in extending sincere congratulations to US President-elect, Barack Obama. Senator Obama is a particularly charismatic leader and has huge passion for the vision he has placed before the American people. It is evident that, irrespective of their political leanings, he has succeeded in uniting them. The latter was clear in the context of the cross-party...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Why not?

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I concur with Senator Quinn because I made the same points before the current economic upheaval. I did not in any way mean to detract from the status of the Opposition in doing so, but on one occasion I referred to the Tallaght strategy. I recall watching "Oireachtas Report" after I had done so and hearing some of the comments made by those opposite. I wondered whether I had framed my...

Seanad: Broadcasting Standards: Statements (4 Nov 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Fáiltím roimh an Aire. Tá an-áthas orm go bhfuil an díospóireacht seo ag tarlú. Lorg mé é an tseachtain seo caite. Ba bhreá liom buíochas a ghabhail toisc go bhfuil sé ag tarlú chomh tapaidh sin. I requested this debate last week and I thank the Leader for the expeditious manner in which he responded. As Senator O'Reilly said, we spoke on this issue on the Order of Business....

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: During the lifetime of the last Seanad, I raised the issue of No. 16 Moore Street, Dublin, which is a building of major historical significance. It is the building to which the leaders of the 1916 Rising retired to prepare the surrender plans, so it could be the equivalent of the Alamo. As a result of publicity at that time, we were given to understand that the Government and the...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The broadcasting networks in Ireland have much to be proud of. Over the years we have had many fine and responsible presenters who were aware of, and reflected, the values and the deeply held beliefs of the people who, in fact, paid them. However, it is important we have a debate on standards in broadcasting every so often. We received a message from Britain in recent days when we saw the...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (29 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I hope the Leader will arrange an urgent debate on embryonic stem cell research. The decision by the governing body of UCC is not acceptable. It was pre-emptive and, more than that, it was undemocratic. There are 40 members on the body and only 16 voted in favour.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (29 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: That means that 24 did not vote in favour of the decision. That suggests that 24 people are well aware of the widely and deeply held ethical views on this issue, not just in Ireland but throughout the world. We remember the European debates on this when many countries put their heads above the parapet and were not prepared to provide finance to this type of research. UCC has a very proud...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Those of us who can look back on the 1960s will recall the very exciting protests that took place in that decade. There was not a week in which there was not a protest on the streets, generally led by university students. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for what they did at that time. Most of the causes they promoted were not mercenary in that they were not looking for anything for...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Taoiseach has expressed regret for the anxiety which has been caused to so many people.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We all are well aware of that anxiety because we live in the community and would have spoken to many people. I would not have expected any less from the Taoiseach because he is an honourable and decent man. I honestly do not think we are helping the situation by trying to demonise any side. It is quite clear we have a very difficult economic situation with which to contend. We knew it the...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I accept that, but I also accept that the Government acted once it became evident this anxiety existed. It has now reversed the situation. I will say something which might seem a little unpalatable. I honestly believe that people who have done well from the Celtic tiger should be prepared to put their hands in their pockets——

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ——and pay for certain services when we are under economic pressure. If we do not do so, the people at the end of the line will continue to suffer. We are talking about us all being just that little bit more balanced in our comments and focusing on the specific issues with which we are dealing, not all the global issues which can be discussed specifically in their own time and under...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I would not like to think that owing to lack of finance, anyone's health would suffer in some way. I would not like to see that happening. I would say this much genuinely. Unless as people and legislators we are prepared to rise above the partisan position we all can adopt at any given time——

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ——then I honestly do not believe we are doing justice to the mandate which we have received from the people. I do not believe those who would suffer most will thank us at the end of the day if that is the easy road we decide on going at this particular stage.

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire Stáit agus roimh an oifigeach ón Roinn. Tá áthas orm go bhfuil seans again na ráitis seo a phlé inniu. Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil éinne ar an oileán seo nach dtuigeann an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an ábhar seo. Níl an t-ábhar seo á phlé toisc go bhfuil an cáinfhaisnéis ag teacht i láthair inniu. Ag aon am, tá sé mar thraidisiún...

Seanad: Volunteering in Irish Society: Statements (14 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I welcome the Minister of State. His contribution was the best I have heard in my 11 years in the Seanad. That is saying a lot. It was human, real and full of heart. I am talking about the part that came before the figures. I would go so far as to recommend to the Minister of State that he make that part of his contribution available to a wider public because it captures exactly what...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I join speakers in wishing the Minister for Finance well today. There is no doubt but that he has a major task in hand. We are prepared for it, given our debates and the media coverage. The Minister has the mettle to handle the matter, as he proved through his intervention in guaranteeing the financial institutions. The House played a significant role in that respect and won many kudos,...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2008)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We should compliment Mr. Justice Morris on the comprehensive and meticulous work he has done. He has done the State and the Garda Síochána a lot of good. We have one of the finest police forces in the world. It was particularly important to restore confidence in the Garda. I am sure the members of the force would agree. I was surprised that the report contained negative comments about...