Results 4,581-4,600 of 7,583 for speaker:Rónán Mullen

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Technological Universities (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I wish to raise the proposed technological universities legislation and specifically the current timeframe for its enactment, which is a cause of concern for some people. I should declare a certain interest in that I hold a lecturing post in the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown, albeit on a part-time basis these days. When the Minister's...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I am very glad that my colleague Senator David Norris raised the issue of the Department of Justice and Equality vetoing the possibility of a visit by President Higgins to an asylum centre in Athlone. It is understand the President's office was positive about the request and invitation. I think we should hear from the Minister for Justice and Equality on this matter. In the context of...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: This morning Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and I met Dr. Myria Vassiliadou, the EU anti-trafficking co-ordinator. Her job is to promote ways in which EU member states can target trafficking, not just for prostitution but to deal with the problem in general. Ireland has notified its compliance with EU anti-trafficking laws, but we await her scrutiny on how well we are doing. In June 2013...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: It is high time we got a commitment from the Minister for Justice and Equality that this critical issue will move up on her agenda. It is not on the autumn legislative agenda. However, she could deal with it in the context of the new sexual offences Bill that is being introduced before Christmas.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I would be grateful if the Leader would discuss the issue with the Minister.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I thank the Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Perhaps he thinks he is worrying us by doing so.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Following on the point made by my colleague, Senator Darragh O'Brien, I wish to ask a question. In light of the fact Mr. McNulty is referred to on the ballot paper as a board member of the Irish Museum of Modern Art and this is not the case, I want to know whether this invalidates the process. I have only had a chance to briefly look at the 1947 legislation. Is the election invalid? Has...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I am asking it as a question and not making any flamboyant statements. It is a legitimate and important question. It is not appropriate to cast a ballot on any ballot paper where the information on it is false-----

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: -----and I would like to know what is the status of such a process in law. I also wish to raise the issue of water charges. What was announced today on the extension of the period for a flat charge to nine months is welcome but it does not go near providing people with the real-time information I called for last week, whereby people would be able to assess their usage from the beginning of...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: There should also be a grant to replace inefficient appliances. The announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills last week to increase the block grant to Protestant schools by €250,000 is little more than the politics of spin and shallowness. It does nothing to address the serious disadvantage faced by minority faith schools because of raising the pupil-teacher ratio and I...

Seanad: Access to Educational and Other Opportunities for People with Disabilities: Motion (24 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. This Private Members' motion is laudable in its aims but, unfortunately, I am not at all convinced that we will see any action whatsoever from the Government on foot of it. As I mentioned on the Order of Business earlier today, in May 2013 as part of a Private Members' motion that I brought to the House I sought a commitment from the then...

Seanad: Order of Business - Order of Business (24 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: One year ago I tabled a motion asking that the Minister for Education and Skills implement the recommendations in the National Council for Special Education report of May 2013. I called on the then Minister to ensure his Department introduced a robust regulatory enrolment framework for schools to ensure that all children with special educational needs, particularly those with Down’s...

Seanad: Order of Business - Order of Business (24 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: This would mean that at least during the first quarter, October to December, people would get a sense of their consumption so as to know how much of their allowance remains and what their charge is likely to be in January. This would allow families to plan water usage and, hopefully, lessen the fear factor associated with yet another deluge of bills flooding into already struggling families....

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: UN Resolutions (18 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I welcome the Minister of State. Article 41 of the Constitution and Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights share the same understanding of the Family - with a capital "F". Marriage is between men and women, marriage is inextricably linked to family and children and family is the natural and primary unit group in society and therefore demands protection from the State and...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: UN Resolutions (18 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I thank the Minister of State for being present to give an answer. However, I note both the answer and the somewhat emotive language there as well. I do not know whether it always is Ireland's practice to oppose "no action" motions. It would be interesting to consider that question at another time. However, I believe that Ireland's response does no service to the quality of the original...

Seanad: Direct Provision System: Motion (17 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Ba bhreá liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le gach Seanadóir agus, dar ndóigh, leis an Aire Stáit. Measaim go raibh díospóireacht fíor-suimiúil againn. Is léir go bhfuil an-suim ag na Seanadóirí uilig sa cheist seo. Gabhaim buíochas leo as ucht an taighde agus gach rud eile atá déanta acu le cur leis an...

Seanad: Direct Provision System: Motion (17 Sep 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I move: That Seanad Éireann–- notes the continuing operation of the ‘Direct Provision’ régime applying to those persons seeking asylum in the State; - notes recent Reception and Integration Agency data which shows that the average length of application process for an individual asylum seeker is 48 months and that an average stay in the direct provision...

Seanad: Court of Appeal Bill 2014: Second Stage (16 Jul 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I welcome the Minister. I recall engaging in public debates with Senator Higgins in another referendum that took place on that day.

Seanad: Court of Appeal Bill 2014: Second Stage (16 Jul 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I am of the view that 4 October 2013 was a very good day for good governance in Ireland. On that date, we protected the ability of the Legislature to do its work and having two Houses is a very important part of that. The case in that regard was eloquently made by my colleagues. The people wisely followed our lead in respect of the matter. It must be remembered that 4 October 2013 was also...