Results 3,101-3,120 of 4,899 for speaker:Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Coronavirus: Statements (5 Mar 2020)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: Like everyone present, I have deep concerns and many questions regarding our preparedness for an escalation in cases of coronavirus in this State. Many previous speakers raised issues and concerns that I share but one area of concern is not being addressed in the way I would like. There seems to be a concerted effort to get good, clear information out on mainstream media and I am thankful...

Taoiseach a Ainmniú - Nomination of Taoiseach (20 Feb 2020)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: I was going to wish the Ceann Comhairle well.

Taoiseach a Ainmniú - Nomination of Taoiseach (20 Feb 2020)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: Yes. I know he will do exceptionally well. I stand here as a very proud Carlow woman, delighted to be a Member for Carlow-Kilkenny. I thank all of my team. I will work extremely hard for the people I represent. Today is historic for me. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, "There are better things ahead than any we leave behind." It is in this spirit that we must operate. We must look to our...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: I was deeply concerned this week to hear that GPs are charging general medical scheme patients for taking bloods in some circumstances. Medial card patients are still being charged for blood tests despite the HSE ruling that blood tests should be covered by the card and that patients should report their GPs if they are being charged. Doctors have previously argued that the medical card...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: That is a major problem.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: Does the Leader have some information?

Seanad: Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019: Report and Final Stages (18 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: We all have concerns about this amendment. My understanding was that the Minister had spoken to my party's spokesperson for education, that this would go through today and if there were amendments in the Dáil, it would be addressed. The Minister has now said that he is removing it. It was unexpected for all of us.The fact that it is proposed to remove it is of concern. There are...

Seanad: Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019: Report and Final Stages (18 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: This Bill is important as it improves how schools engage with students and parents. We must also acknowledge the great principals, teachers, school boards, staff and students. A number of issues remain to be addressed at a later stage in the Dáil. A paper was published by University of Limerick and ESRI academics yesterday showing that there is a need for the Department of Education...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (17 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: As we all know, Christmas is next week, and I wish the children of Ireland and their families a very happy Christmas, no matter where they are. I wish to discuss children today. I would like the Deputy Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills before the House to tell us what he is doing to support schools around the country in accessing grants to feed their pupils. I read in...

Seanad: Microbeads (Prohibition) Bill 2019: Second Stage (17 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: I am delighted to speak on this important issue. Some time ago I raised the recommendation that this Government should adopt the ideas of all parties and none for this type of legislation and it is heartening to see our ideas in the Bill, as well as those of other Members. There is much similarity to the Harmful Plastics (Prohibition) Bill 2019 which was put forward by me and my Fianna...

Seanad: Election of Acting Chairman (17 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: I second the proposal.

Seanad: Microbeads (Prohibition) Bill 2019: Committee and Remaining Stages (17 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: What is ruled out of order?

Joint Oireachtas Committee On Key Issues Affecting The Traveller Community: Traveller Employment: Discussion (Resumed) (17 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: Recommendations are important but they only count when there is funding and enforcement. As previous speakers said, if one is sitting here again in 20 years and there is no change, that will not be good. We need to make sure that there is a plan of action, and enforcement and funding for recommendations. All of us, no matter what political party we are in, need to work together for that....

Seanad: Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Bill 2019: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: This is good legislation. Regulation of approved housing bodies is so important. They have played a big role in rebuilding Ireland. We have to acknowledge that. We have had really good builds. Regulation is very important and this is best for all going forward. Hopefully we will build many houses.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Update on Rebuilding Ireland: Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (12 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: We are all concerned because we have a crisis. In October last, the number of people registered as homeless stood at 10,514, including 3,826 children. That is very worrying. Nearly four years on, Rebuilding Ireland is not working. I have listened to the Minister recently. I missed his contribution in the Seanad but I listened back over the debate. I have also listened to him in the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Update on Rebuilding Ireland: Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (12 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: I have much more to say.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Update on Rebuilding Ireland: Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (12 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: It is not.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Update on Rebuilding Ireland: Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (12 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: We all know many AHBs are building to a great standard, and we welcome them. The biggest issue is the lack of builds by local authorities and of affordable housing. Carlow's HAP is €559 and if a person has evidence of income, there is that leniency of 20%. It is not right that houses for rent in Carlow are now between €1,000 and €1,100. Many people are falling into...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Update on Rebuilding Ireland: Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (12 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: I did my best.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Update on Rebuilding Ireland: Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (12 Dec 2019)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor: That is working.