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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Donegal specialist schools dispute

Summary

Senator Harte seeks a debate on two Donegal specialist schools and objects to claims that he blocked one, prompting an extended personal dispute with Senator Ó Domhnaill and repeated rulings from the Chair.

I agree with many of Senator Norris's sentiments. I want to raise an issue about two pre-schools in Donegal. It was raised here yesterday regarding an emergency motion tabled by a Fianna Fáil Senator.

I am disgusted by the methods he used. He targeted me personally in the local media to say that I had personally blocked a debate on the two special schools. He has used vulnerable people in Donegal and their parents who are holding out for hope. Senator Ó Domhnaill is a disgrace and I am ashamed today to say I know him.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Does Senator Harte have a question for the Leader?

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You are putting that the wrong way, Jimmy. You voted against the kids. My God, Jimmy, you have nothing in you.

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Senator Ó Domhnaill is a liar.

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Senator Harte signed it and voted against the kids.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Does Senator Harte have a question for the Leader? Senator, withdraw that remark.

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He is a liar because-----

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Withdraw that remark.

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You are cornered now, Jimmy.

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I will withdraw it and make a point.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Do you have a question for the Leader? We are on the Order of Business. We are not discussing yesterday's business today.

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I was accused.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Do you have a question for the Leader?

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I can make a personal statement because I have been accused and used by Senator Ó Domhnaill, who did not come to the debate.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

This is not the forum for that. Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

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Senator Ó Domhnaill was part of the Government that closed St. Agnes's.

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St. Agnes's is still open, Jimmy. It is your Government that is closing it. Get your facts right.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator Ó Domhnaill, please.

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The review has been put in place.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator, we are not discussing St. Agnes's today.

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I am sure the Fianna Fáil Senators-----

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On a point of order, if the Senator wants a debate on this issue, there is one on Highland Radio tonight.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

That is not a point of order.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

On a point of order, I thought I was in Seanad Éireann, but it appears I have inadvertently wandered into a meeting of Donegal County Council.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

That is not a point of order. Does Senator Harte have a question for the Leader?

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I have a question for the Leader. I want a debate on-----

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

I am asking you if you have a question for the Leader on today's Order of Business.

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Yes. I ask for a debate on the two specialist schools that Senator Ó Domhnaill has cynically used for a political end. I will tell you something else-----

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Those matters were debated on the Adjournment last night.

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They were not. That was totally different. I had a debate last night on hospitals in Donegal, which was important.

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There was an Adjournment matter.

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Senator Ó Domhnaill told the people of Donegal that the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, would not come to the Chamber.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

We are not discussing that.

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Senator Ó Domhnaill told lies.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator, resume your seat. I call Senator Cullinane.

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I am disgusted to be in the same county as him.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator, resume your seat.

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I will resume my seat when I have cleared my name. The people of Donegal know me better.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Resume your seat.

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They know why Senator Ó Domhnaill is before the Standards in Public Office Commission.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator, will you respect the Chair? I call Senator Cullinane.

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Make that statement outside the Chamber, Jimmy.

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