Results 7,541-7,560 of 11,469 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Oct 2013)

Ivana Bacik: Like Senator Darragh O'Brien, I wish to express my horror and outrage at the attack on the two young girls in Athlone reported at the weekend. Everyone will share this feeling of disgust. The Senator was quite right to say that this was a matter for the Garda. We should all commend the Garda on its proactive investigation and leave the matter at that in terms of public comment. It was an...

Seanad: Ombudsman Act 1980 (Section 4(10)) Order 2013: Motion (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Ombudsman Act 1980 (Section 4(10)) Order 2013,copies of which Order in draft were laid before Seanad Eireann on 6th September 2013.”.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: We debated the nature of the banking inquiry here with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, on Tuesday evening. Senator Conway praised Senator Norris's appearance on Today FM, which I hear was a very powerful performance. He also commented on the Fine Gael posters and on the integrity of politics as a profession. I agree with his sentiments. I have dealt with...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: He makes a point of doing so where possible. This week we also had the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton in the House dealing with the Pathways to Work programme and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, was here twice, with the commencement order and then on the Protected Disclosures Bill. I am simply reminding my colleagues of that.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: I cannot accept the proposed amendment to the Order of Business today. I absolutely accept the importance of the issue and am conscious that other colleagues have sought debates on budgetary issues on previous occasions. I will ask the Leader again about arranging those debates. In respect of the 9% VAT rate, which several colleagues have raised, there is universal acceptance of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: We will defend that right, indeed. Arthur's day was mentioned by a number of colleagues, with Senator Coghlan describing it as a mixed blessing. The key message is for the safe enjoyment of Arthur's day. I know there is a matter on the Adjournment dealing specifically with the Garda costs and I understand that Diageo is contributing to those costs.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: I am sure we will get a full answer during the Adjournment debate. Senator Barrett referred to the tight deadline for amendments to the Taxi Regulation Bill. Staff of the Bills Office are extremely hard working and all of us will have found them to be most understanding and accommodating where Members have particular difficulties with tight deadlines. I agree that it is unfortunate when...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: Everyone is working together in order to ensure the continued progress of the peace process in Northern Ireland. It has been really important that there has been a cross-party consensus on that.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: I am coming to that. I have not reached Senator Leyden's contribution yet.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: Senator Clune dealt with the ---

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: I meant it in respect of Senator Barrett's contribution. Senator Clune also raised the issues of Arthur's day and the 9% VAT rate. In respect of the former, she specifically asked for the Government to bring forward the alcohol action strategy, which is something with which we would all agree. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, about that. I know he has been working on...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: I will do that because the figure of €20 million has been disputed, challenged and contested by the Commission.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: Well, I will make inquiries ---

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: Genuinely, I will make inquiries as to who is the appropriate person to write to.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: I should also say that I have also publicly expressed reservations about the Labour Party posters. In my opinion, perhaps the most objectionable aspect of the Fine Gael posters is the slogan "fewer politicians" ---

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: --- which undermines the democratic process and people's trust in democracy. That, in some ways, is more serious.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: Of course, "fewer politicians" is a slogan that cuts across politics generally and does not just apply to the Seanad. Senator Norris raised an issue which was dealt with at a meeting of the CPP and everyone present supported the Senator's view on inviting in an outside group on that particular date. Senator Kelly raised the issue of discretionary medical cards, which has also been raised by...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: A range of issues have been raised on the Order of Business this morning. Senator O'Brien asked me a specific question on whether the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, will be taking the debate on bullying in schools this morning. I am happy to say he will. Indeed, he has a strong record for appearing in person in this House to deal with education debates.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Ombudsman Act 1980 Order 2013, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate, and No. 2, statements on tackling bullying in schools, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and to conclude not later than 1.45 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes, those of all other Senators not to...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Sep 2013)

Ivana Bacik: I will check that.