Results 1-20 of 7,123 for speaker:Mary O'Rourke

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank you, Acting Chairman, for your inspiring address. Obviously I do not agree with the sentiments expressed in your last sentence because I would be forced to leave the House this instant. My colleagues and I have been honoured by the Taoiseach. I agree that this House should lead in the reform. We can leave out the sub-titles for the moment.

Seanad: Election of Cathaoirleach. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: On behalf of my colleagues, I congratulate Senator Rory Kiely on his appointment as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. I wish him many fruitful years ahead and know that he will lead us with great dignity, impartiality and justice – the qualities of which he spoke so glowingly in his predecessor. Senator Kiely has all of those qualities in abundance and I look forward to working with him.

Seanad: Date for Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I propose that the election of the Leas-Chathaoirleach take place tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: With the agreement of the House, I propose a sos for lunch, particularly as many Members have friends and family members in the Gallery, who are very welcome. I also propose that we should resume at 2.30 p.m. and adjourn the debate at 8 o'clock this evening.

Seanad: Death of Former Members: Expressions of Sympathy. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: In accordance with Standing Order 80(a) I propose that expressions of sympathy may be heard on the death of the two former Members. There will be one speaker from each group. I understand that Senators Coonan, Cummins, Hanafin and Ormonde also wish to contribute. I pay tribute to two former Members of this House. The first is the late David Molony. Many of us knew David very well. He served...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 5, the Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002 – Second Stage, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 20 minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed 15 minutes. Senators may share time. The House will adjourn at 8 p.m. The content of No. 6, a motion regarding information to be issued to voters in connection with the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I thank all Senators for their contributions on the Order of Business. Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, asked for a debate on the national stadium. Senator O'Toole asked for a discussion on the dangers of a potential war with Iraq. Senator Brendan Ryan suggested that the House should meet more often – I agree with his proposal. Senator Ó Murchú echoed the comments of...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I welcome back the Senator. Up Roscommon.

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim. Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (12 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: We will applaud the Senator for that.

Seanad: Retirement of Superintendent of the Houses. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Before we move on to the Order of Business, I want to pay tribute, with many of my colleagues in the House, to the Superintendent of the Houses, Éamon O'Donohoe, on his retirement. For almost 22 years, he has been the Superintendent in charge of both Houses of the Oireachtas and although many distinguished people held various offices for a longer period, he is the longest holder of one...

Seanad: Retirement of Superintendent of the Houses. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Here.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: The Order of Business is No. 1, election of Leas-Chathaoirleach, No. 2, Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002, Second Stage (resumed) and No. 3, motion concerning the Schedule to the Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I wish to reply to the three Members who have spoken – the leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, the leader of the Independent group, Senator Joe O'Toole, Senator Kathleen O'Meara— (Interruptions).

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I will refer to the spokesperson for the Independents, bearing in mind that an Independent never has a leader, whether singly or in groups. I will also reply to Senator Kathleen O'Meara, the leader— (Interruptions.)

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: —or spokesperson of the Labour group. If all the groups are going to have different titles, it will be rather confusing.

Seanad: Order of Business. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Senator O'Meara referred to a coherent group. I hope we are all coherent in what we say, no matter how we behave. The three people who spoke – perhaps that is a better way of putting it – said they wished to have an early recall of the Seanad to discuss various matters of great importance. I agree with that point of view. If we are to make our mark in terms of relevance we have to assert...

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: This side of the House agrees with enthusiasm to the appointment of Senator Burke as Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Seanad: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I apologise for intervening again. Many Members have asked me how we intend to proceed with today's business. The Seanad has an enviable record of not applying guillotines to legislation and I respect that very much. I am also aware that there was a high standard of debate yesterday which has been commented on by all sides and from way beyond this House. Members from all sides have added...

Seanad: An Bille um an Séú Leasú is Fiche ar an mBunreacht, 2002: An Dara Céim (Atógáil). Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002: Second Stage (Resumed). (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: Good for the Senator. She is for real.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (13 Sep 2002)

Mary O'Rourke: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to take No. 3 on the Supplementary Order Paper which has been given to all Members regarding the establishment of the Committee of Selection.