Results 19,501-19,520 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (resumed) (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I support this amendment. On Second Stage I spoke about the need for the legislation to deal with the principles of tracing and the move towards open adoption, of which tracing is obviously one part. Over the years there have been inconsistencies in practice between agencies, as the Minister of State will be well aware. I welcome the best practice model and I hope that will be widely...

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (resumed) (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I also support this amendment. People have waited a long time for this legislation. It must be seen to be state-of-the-art legislation, which is what the Minister of State hopes and wants. It seems that post-adoption services are integral to the process. The kind of services suggested in this amendment would be really necessary and integral for persons who are in this position, who have...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is ridiculous.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is about time he read our proposals.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Leader should note the price we are paying for it now.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Look at the price we paid for it.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Almost 400,000 are unemployed; that is some legacy.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is a new spin.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to move an amendment to the Order of Business to ask the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to explain the decision not to proceed, in the short term, with a unit for cystic fibrosis patients and with the isolation units promised. This is a complete breach of faith with these people. It is a life and death issue for patients who suffer from cystic fibrosis....

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Change the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: This House made its views very clear when we discussed the national strike a few days ago. We welcome the decision not to proceed with the strike. Clearly, we are entering a critical phase in the discussions about the budget and the economy with regard to the type of decisions that must be taken. The Fine Gael view on this budget and the decisions involved has been clear. We have said...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yesterday, Senators on all sides voiced their serious concerns regarding the proposed national strike. I welcome the Government's decision to meet the unions, which I hope will ensure the planned day of action will not proceed on Monday next. As many Members observed, the proposed strike would be completely contrary to the national interest, would damage the country's reputation...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: We want to be provided with the information that is required to allow us to participate, in a meaningful way, in the debate on decisions that will affect our children's lives and the future of this country and its economy. As Deputy Bruton made clear in the Dáil yesterday, the Government has not supplied the information we require in respect of budgetary matters. It is unacceptable to...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is very good.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Senator should have listened to the Fine Gael leader, Deputy Enda Kenny, today.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Government brought in regulation, but did not address it.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: This afternoon I pay tribute to our great sportspeople——

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: ——who brought such pride and joy to this nation over the weekend. The Irish rugby team won the Grand Slam, ending a 61 year wait for such glory and giving us more than a few heart-stopping moments in the process. The whole country was clearly delighted and it was wonderful to have such a reason to celebrate. I also congratulate my constituent and Palmerstown resident Bernard Dunne on...