Results 141-160 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not know what happened the last time. That was not attended to, although it should have been; it is the most basic of rights. However, I will speak to the Senator about that matter. Senator Coghlan also raised the issue of rail freight and asked about reassignment of community employment. I have not heard anything about that issue. The Tánaiste has responsibility for that matter and, in...

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I want to take up the communication from Senator Bradford about decentralisation, which is linked to the spatial study. Both of those issues must go together and there will be designation. The only spatial study report that came out was leaked. As soon as the full report is issued, we should have a debate on it, linked to decentralisation. Senator Higgins asked about the threshold for fines...

Seanad: Crime Levels: Statements. (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Norris is forever young.

Seanad: Sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion (Resumed). (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: On a point of information, may I ask if that possession lapses when the Member is not present?

Seanad: Sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion (Resumed). (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: In that case, I would like to contribute to the debate.

Seanad: Sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion (Resumed). (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Yes, I wish to share with Senator Ormonde. I am glad to be able to contribute to this debate. When the Committee on Procedure and Privileges met it was chaired by the Cathaoirleach and there was cross-party support for reform of the Seanad. Many Senators have contributed ideas for reform which they wish to see implemented. The Irish Times has taken a great interest in the question of Seanad...

Seanad: Sub-committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion (Resumed). (24 Oct 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: That is true.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re establishment of Joint Committee on Standing Orders, to be taken without debate; No. 2, report of the Committee of Selection, which the Leas-Cathaoirleach will introduce from the floor and concerns the appointment of Members to the joint committees and the Committee on Members' Interests; No. 3, statements on agriculture, with the contributions of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I appreciate the statements made today but before I respond, I wish to comment on the three references to the fact this House does not seem to be particularly busy. Approximately four times each week I inquire whether there is any legislation to be dealt with. There has been only one new Bill since we returned. That was a money Bill about dormant insurance policies. Money Bills must first go...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator Ryan wants a debate on the Flood tribunal, as do we all. I am hoping this will be one of the matters we address next week. Senator Leyden raised the issue of Iran and Iraq, about which he is extremely concerned. We all share that concern no matter how pro-American we may be, which most of us are as history binds us. However, this does not blind us to what is going to happen – half a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: We will resurrect the Bill. Senator Hanafin spoke about the railways and Saddam Hussein, two issues on which the House is in general agreement. Senator Quinn raised the matter of the 20th anniversary of the Stardust disaster and the fact that fire safety emergency regulations, expected in the early summer, have not yet come before the House. We will make inquiries on the matter. Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I do not think he is on his own either. Senator Jim Walsh also raised the matter of rail transport. Senator McHugh raised the matters of staffing arrangements and changes at Glenveagh National Park which would be more suitable for an Adjournment debate. I suggest to the Senator that he proposes this, although it is the prerogative of the Cathaoirleach to decide what matters are debated.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The Taoiseach and I made statements in the Dáil some months ago upholding the importance of freight carriage by rail vis-à-vis road freight. One would not need to progress beyond primary school to know this. I take this matter seriously and it must be debated before damage is done. This is the thin end of the wedge. If one line is closed today, what line is to be closed tomorrow? Which...

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: No. I listened to Senator Hayes for some time, surely I am entitled to have my say.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: It is amazing that everybody else is allowed to speak except me.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I will have my say now. I see nothing is Standing Orders that prevents me from saying something. If I have stolen the Senator's thunder, what harm? It is all towards a good cause. I hope that, together, we can avert the folly before it happens.

Seanad: Order of Business. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Members should not ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food to come to the House again.

Seanad: Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 29. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I am eager to debate it.

Seanad: Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 29. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I inform the House that I am requesting the Minister for Transport to come to the House during Government time next week to debate the issue.

Seanad: Joint Committee on Standing Orders: Motion. (6 Nov 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I move: That, in pursuance of Standing Order 26 of the Standing Orders relative to Private Business, the Joint Committee on Standing Orders be appointed. Question put and agreed to.