Results 1,301-1,320 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Iraq War: Motion. (23 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The torture exposed is only the tip of the iceberg. The only reason that it has been admitted and exposed is that the perpetrators had no choice but to own up to the fact that it had happened. Can anyone here stand over a captive being treated in that manner, when for several decades we have been trying to bring about a world order that will ensure that what happened in the past never...

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support Senator Brian Hayes in calling for a debate on Northern Ireland. There are a number of issues that we need to discuss, in particular the point he raised regarding these new super councils to be established in the North. What surprised me about the proposal was that it seems to have come out of the blue. With most other proposals that impact on community life, there is generally a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The admission by the United States that it used chemical weapons in Iraq is mind-boggling.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We have listened for so long to spokespersons for the American Administration preaching sermons about other countries using chemical weapons. The acquiescence by many nations worries me and can have only one result. It will come back and haunt us in the future. One cannot build a stable democracy in Iraq against a background of torture, which we have recently learned about, and the use of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is important that we pull back from the brink. The recent revelations are an indication of what has happened and the potential for the future.

Seanad: Ferns Report: Statements (Resumed). (15 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Over the years on the Order of Business, when each new incident of sexual abuse came to light, we had some limited debate. Of course, it was not possible to have a full focus on the issue. When the Ferns Report was published we were dealing with a totally different situation. It was certainly one of the blackest days in the history both of the church and of the country. In a way, it impacted...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Will the Leader schedule a debate soon on issues connected with security in rural Ireland, particularly for elderly people and those living in isolated areas? The tragedy to which Senator O'Toole referred has brought this problem to light again. There are two victims in this case, the misfortunate man who was killed, and the other man whose life has been ruined. He says he feels safer in...

Seanad: Registration of Wills Bill 2005: Second Stage. (9 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I thank Senator Kitt for sharing his time and I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I wonder if the offer of cut-price wills for the duration of a week in Senator Kitt's diocese might extend to other areas. We may all be travelling to Senator Kitt's area otherwise, as it appears to be a great idea. I compliment Senator Leyden on tabling this Bill. Many of us are probably kicking...

Seanad: Order of Business. (9 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Senator Brian Hayes has raised an important issue with the Shot at Dawn Campaign. It would be right and significant for the House to demonstrate united support for the campaign. In recent years, we have seen, particularly through satellite television, the archival film material from the battlefront of the First World War. We have all come to realise how horrific it was. I have read some of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In recent years there has been a much improved working relationship between the North and South of this island. In many ways it is extraordinary and not many people could have foreseen the progress that has been made in a relatively short time. For too long we have been dealing with megaphone diplomacy which was not often diplomatic. There is also an improved working relationship and...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Nov 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I hope the Government and the Oireachtas generally will support any move in that direction.

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is right and fitting that we commemorate the rising of 1916. In Killarney the Taoiseach said it was not triumphalist, but a matter of recognising the sacrifice, valour and humanity of those who fought in the rising which was a watershed on the road to independence. As I recall, in 1966 there was a whole year of commemorations of sports, cultural and literary activities. The Taoiseach made...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Taoiseach is acting in the best interests of the people. I appeal to everyone in this Chamber and throughout the country to unite in this commemoration.

Seanad: Suicide Prevention Strategy: Statements. (26 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I compliment him on the work done in the area of mental health. In many ways the Minister of State is the human face of corporate government. It is relevant to touch on that aspect of his portfolio today. Over the years the issue of suicide has been raised several times on the Order of Business in this House....

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: What we have discussed most of this afternoon is an abuse of power at its most extreme. I cannot understand how any human being, with a modicum of sensibility, could deliberately inflict such hurt and torture on a vulnerable family. Is the media saying it has different standards from those it demands from people, particularly those in public life? If it claims it is not exercising different...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Ireland has a heightened awareness of the needs and rights of disabled people and great credit is due to those who organised the Special Olympics, of which we all felt particularly proud to be a part. A reported incident involving the removal of nine blind people from a Ryanair flight is an important issue. We do not know all the details but it was insensitive of a pilot to ask how many blind...

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I will finish. It is particularly rich for a leading member of the DUP not to accept the apology given by Fr. Reid and say that provocation was not, in itself, satisfactory. We should recall what the DUP's leader has done through the years and the bigotry he has promoted. Fr. Reid was Christian in his comments and apologised immediately.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The DUP leader should allow us all some space on the moral high ground.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The moral high ground does not belong to any one group of people. Fr. Reid should not be diminished for his magnificent work.

Seanad: National Sporting Facilities: Motion. (12 Oct 2005)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Is mian liom cuidiú leis an rún. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire chomh maith chuig an Teach. I second the motion and welcome the Minister to the House. I avail of the opportunity to pay tribute to the Minister for the high profile which he has given sport during his term of office. No doubt he has reflected the importance of sport in the life of the community and of the nation. He has done...