Results 141-160 of 4,132 for speaker:Donie Cassidy

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Those Members, especially those on the Independent benches, who have been in the House long enough — God knows that a good number of them have been in the House quite a long time — will remember when only two or three Bills would be initiated in this House in the 1980s and the early 1990s. All fair-minded comment would have to say that this House now plays a considerable and meaningful...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: We can take that at the end. Senators Paddy Burke and Camillus Glynn, two long-standing Senators with much experience in this House, expressed strong views in respect of the community welfare officer. I fully agree with their comments and will contact the Minister for Social and Family Affairs immediately after the Order of Business to get this matter clarified at the earliest opportunity....

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage. (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I welcome the Bill. Anybody who invested in property or bought homes in the past 40 years did the right thing at the right time. A bungalow costing £5,000 in 1972, which covered furniture, carpeting and everything else, is now valued at €350,000. One need not be an expert to know what was the right thing to do. This was the result of low interest rates, the national understanding begun...

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage. (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: One must be constructive. It is hoped Senator Phelan will begin a new term in the Seanad and we will be together in this regard.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage. (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I like to see young people on the right path and pontificating to their colleagues what is the right thing to do. The Bill must be welcomed and I congratulate the Minister on his appointment. In the midlands we are thrilled he was appointed Tánaiste. The midlands is much the richer for having its representative, Deputy Brian Cowen, as Minister for Finance and Tánaiste. The Bill may not...

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage. (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: The Senator is in the Upper House.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage. (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Senator John Phelan is receiving a lesson from the Tánaiste.

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2007: Second Stage. (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Now.

Seanad: Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Now.

Seanad: Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (3 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: The Order of Business is No.1, Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007 — all Stages to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude by 1 p.m., with contributions of each Senator on Second Stage not to exceed eight minutes; No. 2, a motion regarding the proposed approval by Seanad Éireann of the agreement between the European Union and the United...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I join with other speakers in congratulating the Leas-Chathaoirleach on a job well done in the past ten years. I commend him on his kindness, help, his easy approach and lovely style of conducting business. On this sensitive day, he allowed Members to express their wishes without observing time. It is a sign of his understanding of the occasion. I want to be associated with the remarks on...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I believe the two of us could have made it on that panel. I wish Senator Daly well in his new career and I hope he will give the country the benefit of his expertise and experience. I look forward to him serving the nation in another forum in the not-too-distant future. I thank our colleagues in the Progressive Democrats for their kindness and working relationship in the past ten years,...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: When we were elected in 2002, the challenge then was the high cost of insurance for small and family-run businesses, private and commercial motorists etc., but now it has moved to energy costs. Whether it is gas, electricity or whatever, this is now an enormous challenge, especially for small and family businesses. I certainly will take an active role on this if re-elected. Senators Ryan,...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: ——and I know that the Independent Senators have a group leader, as do Members on this side of the House. Given the day that it is, I ask the Senator for his understanding. He might——

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: ——consider that in the meantime.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I did not indicate a speaking time for No. 2, and I suggest five minutes per Senator if that is agreeable to the House. Senator O'Meara, in her contribution, asked the Seanad to continue to include in its deliberations issues affecting children. I am sure we can all agree with that. Senators White and Quinn highlighted the fact of 8 July being a seminal date. It is the very famous date on...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I hope I will be canvassing in Donegal on that day. Senators Hayes, Cummins and Glynn drew attention to the terrible problem of suicide in this country and referred to the 450 people who die in this way every year. Senator Cummins told me before the Order of Business that he would bring this to the attention of the House this morning. I thank Senators Cummins and Glynn for calling on the...

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: He has eight minutes. I beg the Acting Chairman's pardon. For the information of the House——

Seanad: Ministers and Secretaries (Ministers of State) Bill 2007: Second Stage (4 Jul 2007)

Donie Cassidy: I discussed No. 1 with the Clerk prior to the Order of Business and agreed to debate it until 1 p.m. with eight minutes' speaking time to allow new Members make their maiden speeches.