Results 1,401-1,420 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report and Final Stages. (8 Dec 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Senator Ryan said he was not referring to the incumbent in the office, and we have had glowing commendations for the Minister today. The Minister has an excellent record in meeting with the various groups involved in community and other development work throughout the country. It is clear that in this case the Minister would have an excellent knowledge of what was happening in the field....

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report and Final Stages. (8 Dec 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Some of the issues raised by Senator McHugh would apply to any aspect of government or administration. By querying what role each individual member would have on the board and to what extent they could influence it, he is suggesting members might be able to influence a decision as to grant money to his or her own region. I presume the board members will have an opportunity, based on what is...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Report and Final Stages. (8 Dec 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Many of Senator McHugh's comments could easily be expressed on this side of the House and should be taken as read. That would be the principle relating to the disbursement of any public funds. Recalling a previous debate on the issue, it was quite evident there were difficulties with regard to the disbursement board being able to handle the funds and the availability of staff. There were many...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Dec 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Regarding a debate on Northern Ireland, the Leader was right yesterday when she said it is not appropriate at this time. We all know why she said that. We have had many debates on Northern Ireland in this Chamber over a number of years. Each time, we felt we were on the threshold of a breakthrough, which was not the case. Our dearest wish is that prior to the Christmas recess we might come to...

Seanad: Report of Strategic Task Force on Alcohol: Statements (Resumed). (2 Dec 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. There has been much common sense displayed in the House on this subject and the same common sense can be heard in any discussion around the country. If all the words of condemnation and exhortation were effective, we would all be walking models of sobriety. This is not a new problem so we must ask why there was a need for a strategic task force on alcohol....

Seanad: Council of Europe Development Bank Bill 2004: Second Stage. (25 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Fáiltím freisin roimh an Aire Stáit. Most people have limited knowledge of European institutions in terms of the manner in which they impact on us and the role MEPs play in them, which is often positive and progressive. This lack of awareness is most manifest during debates on referenda and, undoubtedly, it will manifest itself during the debate on the European constitution. I imagine that...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Bheadh sé tráthúil anois cuireadh a thabhairt don Aire, an Teachta Ó Cuív, teacht isteach agus labhairt faoi na rudaí dearfacha atá ag tarlú maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge. Feicim le cúpla lá anuas go mbíonn mionfhógraí sna páipéirí maidir le comhionannas teanga, agus tá sé tábhachtach go mbeadh an t-eolas ar fad ag an Teach seo. Chomh maith leis sin, léigh muid sna...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We had another shocking example of the dark side of Ireland in today's newspapers. I refer to the battered and bruised face of William Bartley, who was attacked in his home in Donegal, robbed and brutalised. Here was a 74 year old bachelor, almost totally deaf, who would have expected to live out his twilight years in peace. I do not think this is about policing; we are dealing with a...

Seanad: Pension Provisions: Statements (Resumed). (18 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Senator without interruption.

Seanad: Pension Provisions: Statements (Resumed). (18 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: When is it proposed to sit again?

Seanad: Matter raised under Standing Order 30. (18 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In accordance with Standing Order 30, as it is 12:50 p.m. I call Senator Brian Hayes on a matter of concern.

Seanad: Order of Business. (18 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Aontaím leis an Seanadóir O'Toole go mbeadh sé cabhrach dá dtiocfadh an tAire isteach agus labhairt linn faoin Ghaeilge go forleathan, ní amháin an comhionannas teanga ach stádas na Gaeilge san Eorap fosta. Chuala mé faoin scéal a bhí sa nuachtán Dé Domhnaigh. Shéan an tAire sin agus dúirt sé nach raibh búnus leis. Tá mé lán cinnte dá dtiocfadh sé isteach linn anseo,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I support the call for an ongoing debate on the situation in Iraq, the slaughter now taking place there and the general situation in the Middle East. The Very Reverend Matthew Byrne, a former dean of Kildare, has written a wonderful article in today's Irish Independent. Reverend Byrne was a chaplain with the Royal Irish Fusiliers in the Korean War. He mentioned a young soldier in a trench and...

Seanad: Flood Relief (3 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I compliment Senator Mansergh on raising this matter and thank him for sharing his time with me. I join Senator Mansergh in complimenting Deputy Parlon on his prompt response in meeting the people of Clonmel and seeing the difficulties at first hand. I too am familiar with the difficulties which Clonmel has experienced in the past and is experiencing once again. It is sad to watch people...

Seanad: Order of Business. (3 Nov 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Yesterday, I visited a young Tipperary man, Christopher McGrath, in Gartree Prison in England. He is 27 years of age and four or five years ago was sentenced to life imprisonment for a crime he says he did not commit. I have studied the papers on the case and have met the committee campaigning for his release. After yesterday's interview I am convinced he has a strong case for an appeal....

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Oct 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I wish to raise an issue which I am sure is of concern to all people who think about human rights. The refusal of Israel to facilitate medical treatment for Mr. Arafat is outrageous. It is important for us to let our voices be heard. He has stood bravely with his people. They have been brutalised and humiliated. He has lived in a virtual bunker, without daylight and with very poor air. We...

Seanad: Order of Business. (27 Oct 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: It is unacceptable that any Irish citizen should suffer the harassment Christy Moore recently suffered in Britain. He was held there under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for several hours. I am worried at the type of questioning engaged in. It seemed that he was being intimidated for his pronouncements and his stance on human rights. He was asked about the lyrics of his songs and personal...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I wish to make reference to the same issue if I may and I will be as brief as possible. I heard the interview Ms Hassan gave at the time of the invasion. She comes across as a courageous and concerned person. There is little point in us trying to rationalise how anybody expects any cause to be advanced by interfering with people of that calibre. I still believe the invasion of Iraq was a...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I still think it was unjust.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (20 Oct 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: To try to advance where we are now on such a flawed basis does not make any sense——