Results 1-20 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (13 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: Despite Senator Ross's comments on the urgent need for Seanad reform, he has succeeded in being here for 26 years and has made a strong contribution during that period, on which I congratulate him. Twenty-six years is quite a record. We have an unfinished democracy. The representation of women is, obviously, unfinished. Nevertheless, despite the imperfections in the Seanad, we are all...

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach (13 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his appointment; this will be a day of immense pride for him, his family and his supporters. We in the Fine Gael group look forward to working effectively with the Cathaoirleach in the years to come. We hope this will be a successful Seanad and that we carry out a significant amount of work. I have no doubt that the Cathaoirleach will deal with the...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: Can I clarify with you, a Chathaoirligh, when we will take the debate on the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach?

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to allow us to have a debate on the issue of Shannon and the Government's refusal to use its shareholding of 25.4% to call an extraordinary general meeting. Fianna Fáil in particular consistently said it would use its interest in the company to protect the State's interest, the strategic importance of the area and the connectivity. As one of...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: A previous Minister for Justice, commenting on a similar attack more than a year ago, described it as the last sting of a dying wasp. It is clear this is an ongoing issue. Arms were used in another incident in Drimnagh this morning. Given the number of recent incidents involving arms, serious questions arise regarding the need for legislation in this area and the need to help the Garda to...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is a joyous occasion and we are delighted that the Government side is supporting Senator Paddy Burke for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. However, I cannot withdraw the amendment in view of the importance of the subject and our strong belief that a debate is needed today.

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach. (26 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I move: "That Senator Paddy Burke be elected Leas-Chathaoirleach." It gives me great pleasure to propose Senator Burke for the position of Leas-Chathaoirleach. He has been a Member of the House since 1993 and served with distinction as Leas-Chathaoirleach of the last Seanad. At its final sitting on 4 July, the high respect for and regard in which the Senator was held by his colleagues on...

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach. (26 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: Former Senator John Dardis praised Senator Burke for the even-handed manner in which he conducted proceedings. "Calmness" and "fairness" are appropriate words to describe him, as those qualities are vital in a Leas-Chathaoirleach. When combined with Senator Burke's experience in the role and in the House, there is no doubt in my mind that he is an ideal candidate for the position. From...

Seanad: Cancer Services: Motion (26 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I move: That Seanad Éireann, recognising that: the Health Service Executive, HSE, has frozen recruitment in the health service for the month of September; during the recent general election both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health and Children promised the creation of 4,800 new posts in the health sector by the end of the year; and noting: the crisis of confidence affecting cancer...

Seanad: Cancer Services: Motion (26 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank the Minister for her reply and her presence. She will not find this side of the House lacking when it comes to supporting her reforms. Our problems are not with her announcement today regarding the centres of excellence but with the delay in their announcement and the fact that Professor Higgins's report stating such centres were necessary was on the then Minister for Health and...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Order of Business is agreed. I extend my sincere sympathy and that of the entire House to the family and friends of the two firefighters who died yesterday while heroically tackling a blaze in Bray, County Wicklow. I join in the tributes being paid to Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy. They are, fortunately, the first firefighters to be killed in the line of duty in 35 years, but I...

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to share my time with Senator Liam Twomey.

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Sep 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank the Minister for coming here this morning to introduce this Bill. The Minister has said that she will introduce several amendments to it. As the Minister noted, it is extraordinary that the VHI finds itself in the anomalous position of being both the market leader in the health insurance market and an unauthorised insurer. Obviously the Bill seeks to address this issue. I note the...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is agreed.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: Is that No. 2 on the Order Paper?

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I will address the management and planning of our public health service and public service generally. Just more than four months ago there was a general election campaign during which Fianna Fáil pledged to be the party that could best manage the economy and deliver public services. This pledge looks very hollow today given the continuation of the Health Service Executive's recruitment...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I thank Senator Leyden for supporting the point I made on this matter.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Oct 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: The figure is 41,000.

Seanad: Climate Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (3 Oct 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: I was going to share some time with Senator Buttimer. I congratulate the Minister on his appointment as I have not had the opportunity to do so before. I know what a committed and genuine politician he is. I do not agree with his choice of coalition partner and I echo the comments of my colleague on this side about the job he will have to do to get support on his side of the House....

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald: We discussed in the House last week the need for an all-party motion on Burma. I would like to hear what progress the Leader has made. All of us will have seen the television images of the death of the Japanese photographer and the ongoing struggle of the Burmese people. An all-party motion from this House would be important. Does the Leader agree with comments made by the former Leader...