Results 181-200 of 1,214 for speaker:Ann Ormonde

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I support many of the points raised, starting with that raised by Senator Fitzgerald on the outcome of the Murphy report. I do not have answers, nor does anybody else. It is a pity institutions are being destroyed when it is individuals within them who should be targeted. We should have a debate on the issue when the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, should advise us on where we...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I agree with all of the points raised about the flood catastrophe. We must now consider how we can prepare to ensure this never happens again. All county managers should be called in because they know the areas affected. They and the county engineers know what is possible. What are the plans for these areas? We need to keep this discussion on the agenda, receive updates on progress made...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I congratulate Senator Carroll. I admire his decision to come into politics at a time when there is such distaste for politicians. He was qualified to take another career path, if he so desired. I wish him well. He has a hard road ahead, particularly at a time when we are all being ridiculed by the public at large. I wish him luck and we will support him having gone through the mill...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I did not intend to comment on the appointment of Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn as Commissioner. However, as my friend and colleague, Senator Leyden, raised the issue and congratulated Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on her future appointment, as a close friend of Ms Geoghegan-Quinn who has been familiar with all aspects of her life, I, too, will comment. As a person of great ability, Ms Geoghegan-Quinn...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I commend the Minister for Education and Science on providing laptop computers for schools. Backup infrastructure will be required to implement the laptop policy but I welcome the decision because it will further move us into the smart economy. The supplementary report on the findings and recommendations of the National Economic and Social Forum explored the connection between child...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I support Senator Harris. More than ever, we need a constructive debate on the reform of the public service. That debate should incorporate top management and how they perform their functions and delegate authority and the various layers within each public service organisation. This debate must incorporate the Garda Síochána, teachers, nurses and how they do their work and examine how...

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: Well done.

Seanad: National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I have been listening to the contributions from all sides of the House, some of which were very good. In fact, the more I listened, the more confused I became. If I did not go away and do my own thinking, I would agree with points made across the board on various issues. However, a time comes when one must do one's own thinking on it. I started with the history. Why do we have NAMA? The...

Seanad: Education and Training Responses to the Economic Downturn: Statements (5 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State as we face up to the challenges of the economic recession. We face a very difficult budget, as the Minister of State noted, and we must acknowledge the steps that have been taken to face up to the challenges. The only way we can do that is through education and training. We must acknowledge the enormous unemployment figures. How do we protect jobs and...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: The media should step back and let the social partners and politicians work this out in some way. The media are creating so much doom and gloom that it is depressing those in the world outside. The media have a responsibility to step back for a while until we see if we can get back some order to the finances. With regard to the Supreme Court ruling on the discrimination case involving...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2009)

Ann Ormonde: It is wrong that women should be classified in such a way and we will be there on a part-time basis. That is wrong and we should revisit and update the legislation.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: We should have an ongoing debate on the economy, society and the enormous changes that have taken place in work. Will the work of the future be done on a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. basis? We should consider the work ethic. All that is very important when we are facing cutbacks or tax increases. The discussion must centre on society in general. It would be a golden opportunity to have a debate on...

Seanad: Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2009: Second Stage. (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: They think it is only us, and not them, who do this.

Seanad: Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2009: Second Stage. (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh. I am pleased to participate in and listen to the debate. I congratulate Senator Ross on his highlighting of recent developments with State boards and bringing that matter to light. Perhaps that has prompted bringing the matter further and into this Chamber. I agree with most of the points raised by Senator Ross, and go along with the...

Seanad: Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2009: Second Stage. (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: However, I agree with many of the points he raised.

Seanad: Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2009: Second Stage. (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: The Senator is not very convincing.

Seanad: Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2009: Second Stage. (28 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: Of course.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (22 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I welcome Ms Noreen Kett and her family and Tony's extended family. I also welcome the representatives from the CRC, Central Remedial Clinic, and his friends, particularly Deputy Cyprian Brady and former Senator Chris Wall. I welcome them to hear these lovely tributes to the late Tony. I also wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to Noreen and the family of the late Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: I, too, congratulate the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for their role in the release of Sharon Commins and her Ugandan friend, Hilda Kawuki. I am one of the senior Members of the House and have spoken many times on the issue of Seanad reform and on how the House should be reformed with regard to the selection and election procedures. I have spoken at length about the role...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Ann Ormonde: We must bring it up to date and we need a debate on the economy. At this point there must be a discussion on how to protect mortgage holders, on NAMA and on all the issues of the economy, including the cutbacks and the social partners. Such issues must be debated in this Chamber and we are not given a chance to debate them.