Results 2,881-2,900 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Business of Seanad (28 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: We will try and deal with that issue as well.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (28 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Leyden is still going through the motions.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (28 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Norris got in there before me.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (28 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, address to Seanad Éireann by Ms Emer Costello, MEP, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business in accordance with arrangements set out in the motion passed by the House on 27 February 2013.

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: When I think of phone tapping, the dismissal of Commissioners and interference in the day-to-day running of the Garda, I look at Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Fianna Fáil members were used to trying to prevent freedom of speech in the past and they are at it again even in this House. They tried to politicise the Garda on many occasions.

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I refer to the dismissal of Garda Commissioners, phone tapping and interference in the day-to-day running of the Garda. However, let us be crystal clear about Garda numbers. If Fianna Fáil was in government today, there would be less gardaí in the force than is the case. The party froze Garda recruitment.

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Unfortunately, the Senator is unable to accept facts. He can only shout down speakers when they are outlining facts. That is always the way. Fine Gael and the Labour Party are aware of the extraordinary value of the Garda and that is why the Government has secured additional funding. As I stated on the Order of Business only a few weeks ago, Fianna Fáil had provided ¤90 million less for...

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I will conclude on that, despite the fact that half my contribution was interrupted, but I will obey the Chair as I have always done and I will not interrupt anyone else.

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Ba mhaith liom fíor fháilte a ghabháil don Aire Stáit, an Teachta Mac Fhionnlaoich. I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this issue. An Garda Síochána has played a central role in providing security and peace of mind for generations of people in this country. Our gardaí carry out a critical role in the social fabric of thousands of local communities across Ireland. The...

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: That is not a point of order.

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: He is one of our most able Ministers.

Seanad: Confidence in Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Does the Senator wish to withdraw his motion?

Seanad: Address by Ms Emer Costello, MEP: Motion (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I move: That, in accordance with Standing Order 57(2) and the decision of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, Seanad Éireann agrees that Emer Costello MEP shall attend and be heard in Seanad Éireann on Thursday, 28 February 2013, and that the following arrangements shall apply: the proceedings, which shall not exceed two hours, shall consist of a contribution which shall not exceed...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Deirdre Clune mentioned alcohol awareness week. I will try to have the Minister come to the House to discuss that matter. Senator Diarmuid Wilson raised the extension of town development plans. He also asked about the further education and training Bill. That Bill will come before the House on Thursday next. Senator Aideen Hayden raised the issue of the failure of previous...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Rónan Mullen mentioned the results of recent opinion polls. I note his point in that regard. A number of Members left the House because they had to attend various committee meetings. I remind the House that as and from 1 March, as fully agreed by the House, Members should not go to meetings prior to or during the Order of Business. That takes into consideration meetings that start...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I do not propose to accept Senator MacSharry's amendment to the Order of Business. The dramatic and theatrical performance of the Senator is lost in the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: He forgets that the Ombudsman made these points more than five years ago and Fianna Fáil had ample time to do something about them but the party did the same as it did with many other issues - kick the can down the road for somebody else to deal with. That is what has happened. The mobility allowance will continue to be paid for a further three months in respect of those in receipt and...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I will reflect and say that nobody applied for any of the positions Fianna Fáil filled over the years.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I draw the Senator's attention to the more than 100 appointments made to various boards as the people kicked Fianna Fáil out of government.