Results 1,501-1,520 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: I hope those applauding in the Visitors Gallery are all from Longford-Westmeath. Senator Brian Hayes spoke about what the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, said. On reading the newspaper it is clear he said we should look at complaints that have come in. I would not rely on praise from the Opposition, nor would he, I should think. It was about the national children's hospital. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: He also pointed out that conditions on the Blasket Islands had now changed and the OPW should move to acquire the lands on the Blasket Islands and make them into a national park. He also referred to the Michael Cusack museum in Clare. He is often left out of the equation regarding the GAA. Archbishop Croke gets his——

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ryan stated that the wishes of the people should be followed regarding the name of an area. The mangled kind of translation we sometimes see on signposts is not welcome. He spoke about a systems failure. He is sick of them and so are we. He could not receive incoming telephone calls today and he could not access his messages. Mine are blinking away and I am sure I have hundreds...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: ——that I want to access.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Leyden asked for a debate on the PIAB and the ESB prices. He will have the opportunity to discuss the matter during the debate on the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill this evening. I was glad to hear the report suggesting that Senator Ulick Burke will get a Dáil seat in the next general election, which would be very good. He spoke about the enclaves of segregation in...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It was one of the hospitals in contention.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Mooney spoke about the increase in smoking among 14 to 17 year-olds and wants a debate on the smoking ban 18 months after its introduction. Senator Terry called for a debate on drugs — we had one two weeks ago. She spoke about alcohol and the two inmates in Wheatfield Prison. What about the barrister who brought in the drugs? That is what we should be debating. I am glad it was...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: No, I do not think so. Perhaps we have one in the Visitors Gallery.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Terry also spoke about the child with foetal alcohol syndrome. I have read about such cases which relate to too much alcohol having been imbibed during pregnancy. Senator Maurice Hayes welcomed the remarks of Dr. Paisley and called for a debate on drugs and enforcement policy. Some time before Christmas we will discuss a Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill, which will give an...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ross suggested that it might be possible to create a hub, with spokes relating to various specialties radiating therefrom. I thought that was an interesting concept.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Norris also referred to human rights in China and the organ harvesting. The Senator, who lost his mouth wash and toothpaste before boarding a flight yesterday, proceeded to ask if the Minister for Transport would provide guidelines in respect of the new provisions introduced by the EU regarding what one can and cannot take on board on aircraft. He also suggested that we declare war...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator referred to corporation tax in the North. If changes were made by Chancellor Brown, they would apply in both the UK and Northern Ireland. Senator Browne referred to the nitrates directive. Many farmers welcomed the changes brought about and the exemptions provided in respect of Ireland.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It appears the language is difficult, but we and the farmers are extremely pleased.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes. If one obtains exemptions, they must be worked through. Senator Browne also referred to the reduction of VAT on fuel bills and requested a debate on health. I welcome the fact that each day we are provided with, for want of a better expression, a "trolley count". The Senator may not wish to believe the information provided but I do. The statistics are compiled in a professional...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator should not interrupt, I am addressing my remarks through the Chair.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Senator may not believe the statistics but I do. It is wonderful that we are aware of the number of people per hospital who are awaiting admission to wards. We did not have that information in the past and, in my view, it is a good idea that it be provided. I agree with Senator Fitzgerald. The Minister stated that she is conducting an audit in respect of entry to second level schools....

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: Members are all full of bright ideas.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: It is far better that there should be an excess of numbers on the register in order that people will have an opportunity to vote. If a person moves house and his or her name is not added to the register in respect of his or her new address, there is no cross-reference. By law, it is the duty of a county or town council to prepare the register. It appears that, for a long period, the...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: They are not under-resourced. It is good that Senator Bannon is anxious about the electorate. That is very noble of him. I share his nobility in that regard. The Senator also requested the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, to come before the House. The Minister is abroad on business at present. However, when he returns, we will invite him to...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Nov 2006)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, Prisons Bill 2006 — Committee Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 6 p.m.; and No. 2, Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 — Second Stage, to be taken at 6 p.m. and to conclude no later than 8 p.m., with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 12 minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed eight...