Results 1,401-1,420 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: In 1997, when very many present were not Oireachtas Members, I took the decision, as Leader of this House, to offer a budget debate for the first time to the Independent Senators at that time, including Senator Ross. I was told it could not be done but we have started at 6. p.m. on every budget day ever since.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Excuse me, I am speaking. Last week I deliberated and endeavoured to have this debate take place. It was not possible.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I extended the matter to the House today but in the event I cannot get agreement I now inform the House I will take statements on the budget from 3 p.m until 6.30 p.m. next Thursday afternoon. It would be unthinkable if this House could not discuss the budget. It is the most serious budget we have all had to deal with in our political careers.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Yes, this Thursday. I offer the hand of co-operation to party leaders and Whips. They may wish to continue the taking of statements on the budget on Wednesday evening, which practice I initiated in 1997 and had it very successfully carried along by Senator Ross and other Independent Senators. However, because of the untimely death of one of our colleagues we lost one week in our rota....

Seanad: Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2009: Motion (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2009, copies of which were laid before Seanad Éireann on 20th November, 2009.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re regional fisheries boards, back from committee, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] - Report Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 2 and to adjourn not later than 4 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 3, Criminal...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: It is the last time he will get a lift home.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Is there a question? This is a Second Stage speech.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators, McFadden, Bacik, Coghlan, Buttimer and Glynn called for a debate on the health services. I refer in particular to Senator McFadden's comments on ambulance services being withdrawn from the accident and emergency department of the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, yesterday evening. A difficult situation has emerged at the hospital which is rated as being the most efficient...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Bacik and Mary White raised the issue of the patronage of national schools and the Murphy report. I understand the Murphy report will come back to the House for further comment and statements. I thank all colleagues who have contributed to the debate on this and other colleagues who did not speak yesterday will do so next week. We all support the call of the Minister for Foreign...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: It is, and we call on the Minister for Transport to use his good offices to intervene here and see that the service is available to everyone travelling by train and to encourage people to travel by train, particularly from far destinations such as the kingdom of Kerry.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senators Ross, Buttimer, Boyle and Callely spoke about the utterances yesterday by one of the leaders of a public service union at which we were all surprised. We wish the talks well. I know everything that can be done is being done. However, only proposals are being discussed and they must go back to the Government and the public representatives who are answerable to the people. We are...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: Senator Glynn called for a debate on drugs. Yesterday, I fully agreed with him and I gave a commitment that it would happen in the first two weeks of next year. With regard to electoral registers, I intend to use Fianna Fáil Private Members' time at the next available opportunity, which will be after the Christmas recess, to discuss Senator Glynn's proposal. Senator Quinn raised the matter...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: As I stated on many occasions, if one is interested in bad news and sells bad news then one finishes up bad news. Throughout the years, many publications were intent on doing down their customers.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: I am educating Senator Buttimer. If there are no customers then there are no shops and commerce will come to a standstill. The truth of the news should be told.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: However, as I have often stated, there should be a half-hour on national radio or television for good news stories and we can all listen and look forward to it every day. That might be meaningful for Cathal Goan and his friends at the national broadcaster. We have achieved an enormous amount in recent years and many good things are happening. However, we must welcome good news in the same...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: The Government has a serious job-----

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: -----to ensure that good news gets out.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2009)

Donie Cassidy: If there was room on this side of the House Senator Buttimer would have been here with us long ago.