Results 1,221-1,240 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Reports emanating from the Middle East suggested that Hamas was actually on the verge of agreeing to recognise Israel's right to exist. Is it not very strange that the current events are occurring at such a time? I apologise again for what I said to the Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Aontaím leis na cainteoirí eile gur chóir dúinn gach tacaíocht agus cabhair a chur ar fáil don Ghaeltacht mar phobal na Gaeilge, agus go mórmhór ó thaobh scolaíochta de. Tá sé seo ciallmhar mar mholadh, agus níl aon amhras faoi ná go mbeadh sé éifeachtach maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge. It is good news that the Irish language debate has moved into positive mode in recent...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ——I could name hundreds, if not thousands who are very satisfied with him, as one of the most pioneering and innovative Ministers.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I say this with the best of intentions. If the Senator wants to put An Daingean on one side of the balance sheet, put all the other issues relating to the promotion of Irish on the other side I can assure him which side of the weighing scales will go down. That is not to take from the fact that we need a debate and the concerns should be expressed. However, we should not detract personally...

Seanad: Social Partnership Agreement: Motion. (21 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire, roimh an Taoiseach, a bhí anseo cheana féin, agus go mórmhór roimh an ráiteas a chuir sé os ár gcomhair anseo anocht. It is part of the human condition that when one meets a challenge, overcomes it and ultimately comes out the other side with good news, it is expected that in some way a negative must be provided to balance the weighing scales....

Seanad: Social Partnership Agreement: Motion. (21 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Watching those programmes one can see some of the industrial flashpoints that existed back in that period. It puts in context the situation from which we have come. In other words, once cannot really talk on this subject without looking back to see what it was like in the past when the weaker sections of society suffered most from that position. I often think of what the Welsh miners...

Seanad: Social Partnership Agreement: Motion. (21 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In many ways, they came from diverse positions, which was the point I tried to make earlier. That was good because in this Chamber we have had debates which would hopefully have been picked up in the partnership negotiations. Nobody would suggest that in some way the Houses of the Oireachtas are outside what has happened. I have been informed by the Leader that the Government has indicated it...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (21 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: All human life is sacrosanct and such a belief is the bedrock of civilised society. Any deviation from that position opens the floodgates for unspeakable atrocities. Murder is murder, even if it carries an official tag.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (21 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: What happened to the three Palestinian children was official murder. If we do not take a stand on this, we undermine society itself. The danger is that remaining silent will be taken as acquiescence in such criminality. It is absolutely vital for all civilised people, particularly those in the democratic sphere, to stand up and be counted. We can be certain that tomorrow or the day after...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (21 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Are people endeavouring to create such a position? If that is true then the whole world will suffer as a result.

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is time to invite the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, to discuss in this House language equality legislation and the official working status of the Irish language in Europe. These two developments have given a huge boost to the promotion of Irish and had unanimous support throughout the Oireachtas. Polls have indicated there is great goodwill...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I had a call from the New York Times asking how the matter was progressing and what the views in the country were. I do not think the people of An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis need have any worries from now on because the destination is so well known throughout the world.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Senator Lydon raised the very important issue of embryonic stem cell research. We have previously had a debate on the matter which was very informed and balanced. The Tánaiste was present on that occasion. There is a growing interest in the subject in Ireland and throughout Europe. More important, an awareness is growing of the nuances involved in the debate itself. In particular, there is...

Seanad: Use of Irish Airports: Motion. (14 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I was glad to note that this motion was to be brought before the House, particularly when I saw that the names of Senators Norris and Henry were attached to it. They have been exceptionally forthright exponents of human rights in this House. We needed people to express the views which they expressed at various times to ensure that such matters were the subject of open and proper debate. I...

Seanad: Use of Irish Airports: Motion. (14 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I have always maintained that the invasion was illegal, unnecessary and immoral. I am not interested in saying "I told you so" but one cannot deny that I have been proved right. Nobody can suggest that the terrorist threat is any less now than it was just after the terrible and tragic events of 11 September 2001. It can be argued, in many ways, that such terrorism has been exported throughout...

Seanad: Use of Irish Airports: Motion. (14 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In recent opinion polls, it is quite clear there is little more than 30% agreement or support for what America has done or is doing in Iraq at present. However, I will move beyond Iraq to consider the situation facing the Palestinian people. Undoubtedly, America would come to their support, were they in the club with America. However, Israel is in the club with America, has weapons of mass...

Seanad: Use of Irish Airports: Motion. (14 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: —— and a strong economic position within America itself, as well as political clout. However, instead of considering such issues, Members must consider that Ireland has always been an honest broker in the world and has always been looked up to in this regard. Although I do not state this merely because I am a member of a Government party, Ireland has always acted honourably since the days...

Seanad: Use of Irish Airports: Motion. (14 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: ——has no relationship whatever to the bigger issue which has been under discussion, namely, the question of rendition.

Seanad: Use of Irish Airports: Motion. (14 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I would much prefer if Members united in this Chamber and continued to work for human rights. They should have confidence in the Government, which has provided leadership at all times. I genuinely believe that if they are forthright and put their heads above the parapet, Members will be providing the best service possible to those they wish to defend, protect and help.

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Jun 2006)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In recent days we heard of the momentous decision of the Irish Christian Brothers to withdraw from education and to hand their schools over to a trust for the future. This is after 200 years of dedicated service to the Irish nation providing Irish education for Irish children at a time when that was not available, particularly for those who could not afford it. They gave us a sense of...