Results 501-520 of 3,651 for speaker:Michael Collins

Middle East and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Statements (Resumed) (18 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: In the week of the devastating Hamas attack on Israel, which occurred on Saturday, 7 October, we found ourselves confronted with the grim reality of more than 260 innocent festivalgoers, including women, children and the elderly, who tragically lost their lives. Additionally, more than 199 Israelis, including an 85-year-old woman, were taken hostage in Gaza. The death toll surpassed 1,400,...

Trends in Mortality and Estimates of Excess Mortality: Statements (18 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: In recent times, Ireland has seen a remarkable demographic shift, with a 22% increase in the number of individuals aged 65 and over between 2016 and 2022, significantly impacting mortality rates, considering that most deaths occur among older age groups. This demographic change likely contributed to a higher absolute number of deaths. Disturbingly, Ireland has recorded excess all-cause...

Driving Test Waiting Times: Motion [Private Members] (18 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I move: That Dáil Éireann: acknowledges that: — motorists in certain regions of the country are currently facing waiting times of nearly a year to sit their driving tests, as reported in the latest data from the Road Safety Authority (RSA); — figures released at the end of August highlight significant delays in nearly every driving test centre nationwide,...

Funding for Persons with Disabilities: Motion [Private Members] (17 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: The budget came up short on many fronts but nowhere more importantly than in falling short in the funding for disabilities. Only last night, in the dying seconds, our country avoided a strike by section 39 workers who mainly work with people with disabilities. I recently met representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clonakilty, both workers and users. I also met people working...

Final Report of the Independent Scoping Exercise into the Circumstances surrounding the Death of Mr. Shane O'Farrell: Statements (17 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I want to start by welcoming the family of Shane O'Farrell here today. I offer my deepest sympathies to the family, who have gone through what is a tragic situation and a tragic story. The tragic story of Shane O'Farrell's untimely death in a hit-and-run in 2011 serves as a powerful example of a family's unwavering pursuit of justice. Shane's life was cut short by Zigimantas Gridziuska, a...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Dental Services (17 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: 533. To ask the Minister for Health when the school dentist (details supplied) in the Mizen Medical Centre will be replaced; if this position has been advertised; when the service is likely to resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44871/23]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Public Sector Pensions (17 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: 598. To ask the Minister for Health to clarify a pension query for a person (details supplied). [45190/23]

Financial Resolutions 2023 - Financial Resolution No. 4: General (Resumed) (11 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: The Taoiseach and Tánaiste spoke today about the Opposition giving out about the budget before it was announced. The funny thing is this is one of the most leaked budgets in the history of the State. It is a common practice now. We all knew most of the details of the budget beforehand, so it was easy for us to criticise it if there were criticisms to be made, and there were. There...

Financial Resolution No. 3: Tobacco Products Tax (10 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I will not agree to the proposed increase in the price of cigarettes. Thankfully, I am not a smoker, although some of my family are and I wish to God they were not. Smoking is a relaxant for some people, whether we like that or not, and this increase is just a tax grab for the Government because it is not investing any money back into education to try to get to the root of the problem. It...

Financial Resolutions 2023 - Financial Resolution No. 1: Mineral Oil Tax (10 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: That will not do you any good.

Financial Resolutions 2023 - Financial Resolution No. 1: Mineral Oil Tax (10 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I support Sinn Féin's amendment. It is difficult to find where I could support the Labour Party amendment because it is in favour of carbon tax, crucifying the people of this country for the past number of years.

Financial Resolutions 2023 - Financial Resolution No. 1: Mineral Oil Tax (10 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: It is astonishing that they want to talk about decreasing the price of fuel now, all of a sudden. They are very sympathetic to the people now. We have an economic crisis as far as people are concerned. The Minister has not shown any respect or leeway to alleviate that concern. The price of fuel at the pumps is phenomenal and the people of rural Ireland have no choice. There are 2.2...

Financial Resolutions 2023 - Budget Statement 2024 (10 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: Like many recent budgets, this budget became the most leaked budget in the history of the State. It reminds me of the old bucket you would have long ago for milking cows. It would be leaking at the bottom, so all the milk would be gone out of it, but the Government is only leaking the good news. It leaked all of that over the past few months, and particularly the last few weeks, to give...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Planning Issues (10 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: 275. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the way planning permission is granted; if the case of a development (details supplied) will be investigated and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43710/23]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Code (5 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: 111. To ask the Minister for Finance if, in budget 2024, all insulation products, for example, solar panels, attic insulation, wall insulation and foam insulation, will be VAT-free, thus enabling those on low incomes the opportunity to insulate their homes. [42056/23]

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023: Second Stage (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and it is a global problem that affects people from various regions, including those seeking better opportunities in Ireland. Traffickers prey on the dreams and vulnerabilities of migrants, promising them a brighter future but subjecting them to unimaginable exploitation. One alarming aspect of human trafficking in Ireland is the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I thank the Taoiseach for the reply but I am astonished to think that the Taoiseach said he knew about this - and obviously the Taoiseach and other Ministers must know about this - but they have no solution. The nursing home is closing and there are 22 residents in that nursing home. They have no home to go to. The Government has no backup plan other than someone will talk to someone. As...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: We often speak in the Dáil about homelessness and the horror of young people getting eviction notices, which is an horrendous worry on anyone's mind. Let us think for one minute about being aged 70, 80 or 90-plus, being in a nursing home and getting an eviction notice. This happened in August to 48 residents of a 68-bed nursing home in Belgooly in west Cork, which is run by a group...

An Garda Síochána: Motion [Private Members] (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: As we celebrate the centenary of An Garda Síochána, it is crucial to acknowledge the pressing challenges this revered institution. Morale within the force has plummeted to an all-time low and this crisis of confidence cannot be ignored. The GRA, which represents rank-and-file gardaí, recently registered an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the force's most senior officer,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: Is it 8,000 ha or is it the 16,000 ha advised to the Minister of State? Has the Department any exact figure?