Results 1,441-1,460 of 1,637 for speaker:Labhrás Ó Murchú

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: This has happened to me several times. People have turned up late at night with serious problems. I would like to think that my friends on the other side of the House are fulfilling the same role.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: That is why we are here. I see nothing wrong in that regard. However, there is one thing I have seen happen in the past which should not happen again. Money which is intended for those who need it is spent on administration. We all know this and we have seen it happen many times.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Before we know it, the cost of administration exceeds what is available for distribution. In that context it is right that this legislation is not setting up a super body, not bringing in full-time chairmen and full-time staff. Nor is it establishing a new corporate body. To do that would almost certainly result in the money not going where it should. Linking this with existing Departments...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I am sure the Senator's colleague will respond on his behalf when the time comes, just as I responded when I got my opportunity.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: We should not be hypersensitive at this stage. Let me finish the point I was making. The civil servants have proved themselves not only nationally but internationally. There are many who would give them kudos for the standing we now have in Europe. Those civil servants will do the job and will do it properly.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: On to the question of Ministers, they are Ministers of Government. The democratic process works on the basis of election of candidates to the Oireachtas following which a Government is formed and Ministers are given a job to do. Fine Gael Ministers also did a fantastic job in their time. Perhaps we should have more confidence in Ministers at this time and in the relationship between Ministers...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Their job will be to draw up a disbursement plan. We are talking about almost €0.25 billion, and I am prepared to accept the results of the Senator's research which suggests that it might be €0.5 billion. I hope that is the case. I would much prefer to see it going into the dormant accounts fund than resting in any of the financial institutions which have not always covered themselves in...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: When something new is established and has operated for a period of time, one must stand back and monitor what has happened. This board will be subject to ongoing monitoring.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I am happy that the money has been well spent to date. I would go a step further and say we should not take it for granted that strategy should not be revisited, that we will not look for value for money or that there is no necessity for an ongoing monitoring process. I do not like to disagree with my colleagues on the other side of the House. However, given the categories and headings, this...

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I have no doubt but that it will be well handled. I welcome this legislation. I look forward to future debate on it. The Minister of State deserves credit and, by extension, the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív.

Seanad: Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: They have done a good job.

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: In recent weeks, there has been a number of high profile incidents involving tensions between Traveller and settled communities. Traveller community leaders have condemned anti-social behaviour by their members. However, just as racist sentiments are avoided, anti-Traveller sentiment should not be cultivated. Anti-social behaviour in the settled community is treated as an aberration and the...

Seanad: Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003: Second Stage. (23 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Yes, that is what I understood.

Seanad: Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003: Second Stage. (23 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Nine minutes.

Seanad: Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003: Second Stage. (23 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: That is in order.

Seanad: Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003: Second Stage. (23 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: The Minister of State will respond shortly.

Seanad: Order of Business. (23 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I recently made representations on behalf of a young Irish person living in England who wanted to visit the United States. I am currently involved in the case of a young Irish man who married an American citizen while he was in the United States. They both returned to Ireland and are currently experiencing immigration difficulties. I found the United States Embassy exceptionally helpful,...

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I take a different view from Senator Brian Hayes on the representations made by the Taoiseach on behalf of the three Irish citizens held in Colombia.

Seanad: Order of Business. (2 Jun 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: I do so because it was a strange case from the outset. The prosecution brought forward some questionable witnesses. There are even suggestions that some of those will be tried for perjury. At the same time there were witnesses from the other side, including from our diplomatic service who must be taken into account where credibility is concerned. The Taoiseach did what any leader of a...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Labhrás Ó Murchú: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit agus gabhaim buíochas leis mar gheall ar an soiléiriú a thug sé dúinn maidir leis an mBille seo. I welcome the Minister and thank him for the clarifications he has given us. He mentioned that what we are dealing with is interim legislation, the first of two Bills which will be coming before the House. The purpose of these Bills is to give legislative...