Results 261-280 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Ar 10.30 maidin amárach.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) Bill 2015 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude no later than 1.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 1.30 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I was impressed by Senator Daly's expertise in the area of security and the risks facing this country. I assure him that I have the utmost confidence in, and in everything that is being done by, the security forces and Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are a lot better equipped and knowledgeable about security and security risk than people realise. Last evening I attended a function with...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I can assure Senator Daly that the forces are very strong on security, in particular. The necessary resources will be provided to the Defence Forces to increase the potential for the security area to develop. In terms of a debate on a united Ireland, I do not think we will have such a debate before Christmas. We will try to have it early in the New Year. Senator Bacik mentioned terrorism...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I agree we should have a debate on the matter and I will try to get the Minister to come before the House for that purpose. Senators White and Mullins has also asked for a debate with the Minister on the Action Plan for Jobs and the regional plans that have been announced. The action plan has been one of the major positive achievements of the Government with the unemployment rate now under...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I am only outlining what the Senator raised yesterday. Senator Cahill also sought a debate on the agreement. Like Senator Bradford, she noted it was regrettable that some legacy issues were not addressed. I will try to have the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in before the Christmas but, as the Acting Leader mentioned, a great deal of legislation will be brought before the House in...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Planning and Development (Urgent Social Housing Supply) Policy Directive 2015 - referral to committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2015 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to adjourn not later than 2 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 3, Finance...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I note Senator MacSharry's points on the comments of the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar. I understand the Minister is in Belfast today so I cannot accede to his request for an amendment to the Order of Business in this regard. We have seen many advances in our health services but there are many problems as well. We need to put the building blocks in place. The timeframe will...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I note Senator White's comments on the additional funding of more than €20 million for the A5 road. As Senator Mooney mentioned, this project will be a major boon to the economy of the north west. I also note what Senator White said about the €1.5 million that is being sought by Monaghan County Council for the N2 road. I am sure that matter will be addressed in the coming...

Seanad: Planning and Development (Urgent Social Housing Supply) Policy Directive 2015: Referral to Joint Committee (18 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I move:That the Planning and Development (Urgent Social Housing Supply) Policy Directive 2015, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 29th October 2015, be referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, in accordance with Standing Order 70A(3)(j), which, not later than 26th November, 2015, shall send a message to the Seanad in the...

Seanad: Tributes to Former Senator Jack Fitzsimons (18 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: It is a custom in this House that we pay tribute to former Members and I am delighted that Jack's widow and five children are in the Public Gallery today to listen to the tributes we have to offer. I hope that they will give them some satisfaction. I offer the collective sympathy of this side of the House. Some Members may have dealt with Jack through politics or through his profession as...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 - Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m., with the time allocated to group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and all other Members not to exceed five minutes.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Daly raised the issue of home repossession rates and other matters relating to housing. As I mentioned yesterday, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill will come before the House on Committee Stage next week. We will be able to debate all the proposals that have been mentioned over the last number of days on housing and rents. I will allow as much time as possible to...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: -----but I take on board the point-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Does the Senator want to answer his colleague?

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I thought he did. I remind the Senator that there has been a significant decrease in the number of gardaí in the last number of years. If the training college is closed down and there are no gardaí coming on board, obviously that is what will happen. That is what his Government did. This Government has reopened Templemore. We have 550-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I agree with the Senator that there is a need for greater Garda presence and greater Garda numbers.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: That is exactly what the Government is doing and intends to do-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: -----in order to combat crime whether in urban or rural areas. Senator Bacik called for a debate on policing and mentioned that the Garda Commissioner was before the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality yesterday for a number of hours. A number of the points that have been raised in this House were actually made at that meeting. I suggest that Members look at the minutes of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Barrett raised the closure of the M50 due to an accident and we wish the lady who was seriously injured a speedy recovery. I agree with the Senator - the Minister has also said it - that there is a need to review the response policies in such incidents. This is a point that has been raised by other Senators. I note Senator Barrett's point about the arrogance of the ECB and the...