Results 1,201-1,220 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Pre-Nuptial Agreements: Motion (18 Oct 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: One can hardly go into any doctor's surgery at present without being faced by a copy of Hello magazine. As one flicks through the pages, one can read about the marriages and divorces of celebrities, and there is generally an article on their nuptial agreements. Recently, I read of one well-known female film star who announced that she intended to marry for the ninth time. While I am unsure...

Seanad: Pre-Nuptial Agreements: Motion (18 Oct 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: At 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 19 October 2006.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Oct 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: An bhféadfaimis cuireadh a thabhairt don Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, an Teachta Ó Cuív, teacht isteach go dtí an Teach seo agus tuarascáil a thabhairt dúinn ar stádas na logainmneacha Gaeilge i gcomhthéacs na reachtaíochta atá i bhfeidhm i láthair na huaire? Bheadh díospóireacht mar sin thar a bheith cabhrach, mar bheadh sí bunaithe ar fhíricí seachas...

Seanad: Housing Policy: Statements (12 Oct 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Owing to the importance for people of having a home, housing has always been a central issue for debate. I sat on a local authority for 18 years during what could be called the bad old days. New housing schemes were one of the biggest news stories for communities and there were always long waiting lists for houses. The situation has since improved and housing stock has undoubtedly been...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Oct 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I, too, wish to support the call for a debate on Iraq. In the early stages of that conflict, Members of this House opposed the invasion and pointed out clearly that some of us felt it was illegal. We now know the reasons given were based on lies. The invasion did not have the imprimatur of the United Nations at that time. At the time, some people may even have projected the idea that in...

Seanad: White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements (4 Oct 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I welcome the Minister of State and compliment him on the high profile he has given Irish Aid in recent times. What is significant about today's debate is the fact that there is a White Paper. As the chief executive of Concern said, and I agree, it has set an example for other European states. The White Paper has the support and endorsement of all Ministers. This shows it is firm...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: There are times when major issues of public interest get lost in the midst of peripheral debates. I would like a debate on the following issue with the appropriate Ministers present. Two members of the Oireachtas received confidential information on certain events in Donegal. They put this information in the public domain as a matter of public interest and a tribunal insisted they reveal...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Sep 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I compliment Senator O'Toole on his balanced comments on the controversy which has dominated the media for some time. At times like this, balance can be often in short supply. I was particularly surprised and disappointed that one of the central issues of the debate was downplayed or sidelined, namely, the leaking of confidential information from the tribunal. This raises serious questions...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Sep 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We are now reaching a stage where we may need a tribunal to investigate the tribunal.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages. (6 Jul 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: This is excellent legislation. The Minister and his officials should be complimented on the consultative process that was put in place and the opportunities and time given to people to make an input, which is as it should be. The area of planning is currently possibly one of the most contentious issues. We know that in this House because at every opportunity a planning issue is raised. One...

Seanad: Foreign Conflicts: Motion. (5 Jul 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I compliment the Minister of State on his speech which was exceptionally well crafted and balanced and very much in keeping with the excellent service provided by our diplomatic service. We have an exceptionally proud record in that regard. I also compliment the Labour Party group for using its Private Members' time to afford the opportunity for this important debate. It is certainly an...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: On the question of An Taisce, I believe that it will regret the preposterous and potentially libellous language it used in opposing what was a straightforward and legitimate planning application. It shows a darker side to An Taisce. For many months I have made the point that it has lost its way on the question of the development of rural Ireland. The day is long gone when a certain elite...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Jul 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I apologise for interrupting, but there are many people in Ireland who do not seem to understand and accept that the land of Ireland was given back to the people of Ireland and that must be respected and responded to.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Jul 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I compliment the Irish Independent for giving such generous coverage to the issue of cannabis use. The coverage arises out of the report, to be published tomorrow morning, by the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on cannabis use. It is good to see we are making front-page news. I pay tribute to the committee's Chairman, Deputy Keaveney, and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (30 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The American Supreme Court decision is a landmark for the whole world. We can sympathise to an extent with the knee-jerk reaction of the American Administration following the terrible tragedy of 11 September when thousands of innocent lives were wiped out, but many commentators across the world have made it clear that international law was being ignored in Guantanamo Bay and those who ignore...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I, too, would like further debate on stem cell research. We had a debate on this previously in the presence of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and I found it exceptionally informative and very balanced.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I am asking for a debate.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: With all due respect, it is normal that when one asks for a debate, one explains why. I would find it very strange if several contributions were made in which my name was used and I were not allowed follow the norm in the House. I will accept the Chair's ruling but it is wrong. May I continue on that basis?

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I thank the Chair and I believe I am entitled to continue. I asked for a debate to start with and explained why I believed it necessary. I spoke on this subject last week and I was very taken by Senator Quinn's suggestion on that occasion that the place for these debates is here in Ireland and not necessarily in Europe. I support that. I very much support Senator Brian Hayes in what he said...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I would like this to be considered. I am sorry about the way I spoke to the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I find myself generally on the side of Senator Ryan on many human rights issues. I was particularly worried to hear a power station had been bombed in Gaza because we know electricity is necessary in hospitals, etc. Children will certainly suffer, as will old people, but they will not make the...