Results 1,241-1,260 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: I second Senator Mansergh's motion. I will speak now because I may not get in if I do not — there are eager cubs on the other side of the House. That is a nice word, cubs, in case they run to the radio about some word I said. I welcome this motion and the opportunity to speak in favour of the national development plan. So often we talk about decisions made on the spur of the moment or...

Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: During his term in office, the Minister in question abandoned a number of railway lines, one of which was the Athlone to Mullingar line. I have researched the matter, so I know what I am talking about.

Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: It was good that the Minister abandoned the line because, if he had closed it, we would not now be able to restore it. An opportunity now beckons for the line, although it needs upgrading and new signalling and Moate needs a new station and platform. I am glad we have the chance to put our best foot forward by seeking a sizeable portion of the gateways innovation fund. The fund is a...

Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: That is what they are doing. Members of the Opposition wish the project does not happen so that they will have a stick with which to beat me.

Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator does not live in Athlone.

Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: Even when Ministers seek projects from them, they say it is not in the writing. That is how they speak and I wish the newspapers would report them in that manner. Fortunately, I do not speak like that. I appeal to those in the Opposition who wish to receive money without working, that is, by developing a well-documented plan, which we have done, to put their best foot forward and engage...

Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: I will meet him in Moate, waving a flag to herald his visit. I am happy that the railway line is in the NDP and am appreciative of the work done on it by the Minister for Finance. This is positive news, so begone with the begrudgers. The NDP is a well-thought plan which awaits implementation by Ministers.

Seanad: National Development Plan: Motion (7 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator fears the plan will be implemented.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: Members may have heard what auctioneers are saying now.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: Why did Senator Ross join?

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: He was in Mullingar yesterday.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: I agree with the Senator but unfortunately the nuns are gone. Senator Brian Hayes asked for the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House for a debate on MRSA, which a consultant yesterday said is endemic in every Dublin hospital.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: It was an alarming statement. This is a virulent strain and it should be monitored. It is, as Senator Henry pointed out, about more than washing our hands as often as possible, although cleanliness is part of it. This week and next week we must deal with legislation, as was the case last week. We have a mountain of it. We will note this, however, and the Minister had promised to come to...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: As he noted, several pages are devoted to the issue today in a certain newspaper. The Minister for Education and Science appointed up to 500 special needs teachers on the premise that they were needed for those who were least academically inclined and required special help. I believe everybody is glad of that. Special needs assistants are available in every school for every child who needs...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator also addressed the issue of MRSA. Senator Kitt referred to the closure of three wards in University College Hospital, Galway, and the failure of the HSE to reply to the issues he has raised with it. Senator Finucane raised the issue of fines. A fines Bill will be published within the next two weeks. The Senator also noted that a certain judge and Minister did everyone a service...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: ——referred to the commission on auctioneering and to plans by auctioneers to increase their fees because the price of houses has plateaued, despite the fact that their fees did not decrease while prices were rising. I found the auctioneers' claims to be humorous, although a Mr. Alan Cooke, who appeared on the radio at lunchtime yesterday, tried unsuccessfully to make sense of the issue....

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: I am not going to retire before the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: I would not give my business to Seán de Rossa. I deal locally.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: It is good to hear Senator Bannon's voice. I thought he had left us.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Mary O'Rourke: We cannot find trace of him in counties Westmeath and Longford.