Results 401-420 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Resignation of Member (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I would also like to pay tribute to Senator Jimmy Harte. As we all know, he had a very bad fall and had serious head injuries as a result and was unable to attend the Seanad. I am sorry to hear of his resignation. Senator Harte was an excellent Member of this House. He certainly represented the people of Donegal and indeed his family has given long service to the people of Donegal....

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 73, item 20, Private Members' business, to be taken at 5 p.m. and to conclude no later than 7 p.m.; and No. 2, Children First Bill 2014 - Committee Stage to be taken at 7 p.m. and to be adjourned no later than 9 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Darragh O'Brien spoke about the drug Fampyra, which is now available. This is to be welcomed. He made points about the Government withdrawing it and we had long debates on that. The Government did not withdraw the funding. It was introduced as a pilot scheme with the drug companies and they withdrew. Thankfully, it has been solved and that drug will be available to people...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The report of the interdepartmental task force has been sought by Senator Michael Mullins-----

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: As I said, the report of the interdepartmental task force has been sought by Senator Michael Mullins. I can assure the House that, as requested by quite a number of Members, we will have a debate next Thursday on a motion following the Minister's meeting in the European Union yesterday on the refugee crisis. Senator Katherine Zappone made proposals about rent controls and requested that the...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: It continues the tradition we have had over the last two Seanaid. In the last Seanad, a Fianna Fáil Senator was seriously ill and we provided a pairing. It is the right and decent thing to do, and we thank Senator Wilson for that.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Kelly spoke on the need for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Department of Health to get together on the case he mentioned regarding the housing adaptation grant. The Senator is right. There is a need for more joined-up thinking in this regard. I note his point on wind turbines. I am sure we will have a further debate on that question in...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I will revert to the Senator on that when I have any news. I also note his points about road safety measures, the German car makers and the delays in dealing with it. With regard to defibrillators, I take note of his point. The Second Stage of the legislation was accepted at that time and the Government indicated it might come back on the matter. In the meantime there was a HIQA report...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: We will certainly try to arrange that.

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Motion (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I move:That Seanad Éireann calls on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government’s position on the current political situation in Northern Ireland. I thank the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, for coming into the House today to discuss the situation in Northern Ireland. I read an article by Dearbhail McDonald in the Sunday Independentlast Sunday on her...

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Motion (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: There is a fear and this has been highlighted in many areas. There is also a need on the Loyalist side to deal with paramilitarism and any criminality that may be involved. It is not, and never was, a one-sided problem. I commend both Governments for the efforts they are making. It is essential that all the five main parties in Northern Ireland, with the support of the two Governments,...

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Motion (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Apologies, a Chathaoirligh, I understand that the Minister will be going away shortly.

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Motion (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: That is fine.

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Motion (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Sinn Féin interrupted.

Seanad: Northern Ireland Issues: Motion (23 Sep 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I thank all the contributors to the excellent debate on Northern Ireland which has not been debated in this House for some time. It is an opportune time to have that debate. I am glad that Senator Walsh and most Senators acknowledge the full commitment and bona fides of Minister Flanagan to the process. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, for his presence also. He has been...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jul 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, Children First Bill 2014 - Second Stage, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to adjourn no later than 1.45 p.m., with contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes; No. 2, Children (Amendment) Bill 2015 - amendments back from the Dáil, to be taken at 1.45 p.m. and to adjourn no later...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jul 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Senator O'Brien proposed an amendment to the Order of Business which I agree to take without debate. He also raised the issue of replacement medals and I will certainly take up the matter with the Minister for Defence. It has not been the practice that medals are replaced, but I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister. Senator O'Brien also called for a debate on...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jul 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I cannot assure the Senator. Only one man can assure the Senator on this. Senator Hayden spoke about leaving certificate results, student grants and the HEA report on student accommodation. I agree we should have a debate on the report, student accommodation and student grants. I will ask the Minister to come to the House early in the new session. Senator Craughwell raised the issue of...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jul 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Most of the debates were directly with the Department and officials. There is a way of negotiating, but doing it in public is not the right approach in this regard. Councillors have nothing to hide. They are treated appallingly.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jul 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I hope that we will see action from the Minister and Minister of State in this regard. Recent circulars issued by the Department regarding attendances at conferences should be withdrawn. I have asked that they be, but there is no sign of that happening yet. Like Senator Bacik, Senator Mullins called for a debate when we return on the Turkish-Syrian border and terrorist attacks. Like...