Results 141-160 of 4,168 for speaker:Susan O'Keeffe

Seanad: Human Trafficking and Prostitution: Motion (18 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Is that agreed? Agreed.

Seanad: Human Trafficking and Prostitution: Motion (18 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I thank the Minister for his robust response. I pay tribute to the Turn off the Red Light campaign for their perseverance. They have spread the message in a way that people can understand and as Senator Healy Eames said, they remind us that every day the exploitation of women and children continues, that day should not come to pass without some action to deal with it. When the Swedish...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I was not too concerned when I read that Jedward had to cut the number of suits they can take to the Eurovision song contest from 14 to seven. Neither was I hugely concerned - although perhaps a bit disappointed sentimentally - that Larry Gogan would not be travelling to the Eurovision event this year. It is the first time he has not travelled there for many years. One becomes concerned,...

Seanad: Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: As far as I understand it, the treaty is about fostering long-term budgetary discipline and, as the Minister of State indicated, increasing levels of internal discipline. I find it terrifically difficult to understand the opposition Sinn Féin is offering to this. I have tried really hard to come to terms with Sinn Féin's position but I cannot do so because it does not make any sense.

Seanad: Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: We have emerged from a period when there was a lack of discipline and regulation and when rules were bent, broken, ignored, abandoned, etc. The latter explains, in some part, why we are in the mess in which we find ourselves. Senator Cullinane can shake his head all he likes but what I have said is true. I would have thought that a level of internal discipline to which we can all sign up...

Seanad: Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: With respect, the Senator is talking about another jurisdiction and one in which this referendum will not be put.

Seanad: Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (24 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I am talking about Sinn Féin's argument, the one it would put to those people who may be deciding to invest in Ireland because they believe economic progress is being made here, albeit slow, painful and difficult. I would love to hear how Sinn Féin and others who oppose this treaty would explain to those wishing to invest in Ireland how budgetary and internal discipline is not a good...

Seanad: Report of Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments: Statements (24 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I thank the Minister of State for her lengthy and comprehensive statement. I thank the Leader of the House for giving us the time to discuss the findings of the Mahon tribunal. It is very important lest we forget, and perhaps Fianna Fáil has already forgotten as I would like to record the almost empty benches opposite-----

Seanad: Report of Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments: Statements (24 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I am absolutely disgusted.

Seanad: Report of Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments: Statements (24 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: It is a downright disgrace. At this moment Fianna Fáil Senators would be quite happy to come into the House and cause all kinds of arguments, to which they are perfectly entitled to do, but they are not here today and that makes a mockery of Senator Power's fine words about how Fianna Fáil wishes to rebuild itself.

Seanad: Report of Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments: Statements (24 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Much of that speech was about Fianna Fáil and its need to rebuild itself but I am not interested in that and I do not believe many members of the public are either. What we should be interested in is what the Mahon report means. We cannot change what occurred in the past. We can only try to change our future based on that past. We can only do that if we remind ourselves of what happened...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Apr 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Obviously, it was the wrong day to do that. I commend the Institute of Directors on the report it released today on appointments to State boards. It is interesting that almost half of those appointed are appointed because they know about it, either through word of mouth or with contact with the Minister or the Minister's office. Obviously, this is of concern. It is the case that we would...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I invoke the name of Ann Lovett whom we should never forget died giving birth to her son beside a church in January 1984, which was a shocking event. In a way what is happening in regard to the 16 year about whom there is currently much talk echos the type of carelessness and lack of regard for some of our children. It is hoped that it becomes apparent that what happened to this child is a...

Seanad: Report of Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector: Statements, Questions and Answers (1 May 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I welcome the Minister to the House. I have a couple of queries for him. On the change, which it is acknowledged in the report will provide a challenge, will training be provided for boards of management and principals to assist them in implementing the changes required of them? The Minister referred in his statement to the schools liaising with parents. Is there a protocol in respect of...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: On behalf of the Labour group, I also welcome that two senior Ministers will come to the House to discuss the legislation. It is recognition that the Seanad is a place where important legislation can be discussed and two Ministers can join together to contribute to that debate. It is with some sadness that the words "Catholic Church" and "child abuse" are in the lips of many. It is sad on...

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (2 May 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Like the other speakers, I commend Senator Bacik for her work on this Bill and also the Minister for her support. I support the amendment in the spirit of laying down a marker. However, I believe there will be another opportunity and I will support the measure on that future occasion. I accept that this legislation is not capable of accepting that amendment.

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (2 May 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: I do.

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2012: Committee and Remaining Stages (2 May 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Senator Walsh is right to advise caution but this is why rules and procedures have been put in place. The idea that organisations would apply because an individual desired to conduct marriage ceremonies is fanciful. Organisations will have to demonstrate their seriousness of intent by seeking to be included. By putting a framework in place we will be taking the issue seriously. We do not...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (3 May 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: It is a pleasure to welcome the Minister back to the House for the introduction of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012. I hope and trust the officials and the Minister, who must have worked very hard on this, were fed and watered appropriately because obviously it has been a labour of love as much as a labour of some difficulty I am sure. I acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown...

Seanad: Review of White Paper on Irish Aid: Statements, Questions and Answers (9 May 2012)

Susan O'Keeffe: Perhaps Africa will soon be filled with animals called after the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello. That is something to look forward to. I am aware that the review of the White Paper and the Irish Aid programme is dear to his heart and accept that he is putting a huge effort into it. We welcomed him when he came to Sligo. I join him in paying tribute to Nora Owen for her great work...