Results 13,061-13,080 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Proposed Legislation (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Under the health strategy of 2001, a commitment was given to produce new legislation in 2002 to provide a legislative framework guaranteeing the entitlement to health care and personal social services of every citizen across the State. The 2001 strategy indicated legislation would be produced in 2002. Eight years later, why have we only received the Title of the Bill? We are told in the...

Proposed Legislation (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Where can people be given a clear indication of their entitlements on the medical card system?

Health Service Appointments (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I, too, do not wish to be vexatious in raising an option the Minister may not have considered. Pending a complete reform of the structures of health care delivery, would the Minister consider suspending the appointment and giving collective responsibility to the next tier of respective heads and leaders of the various sections of the Health Service Executive and direct the funding to the...

Proposed Legislation (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Finola Cassidy of the Irish Thalidomide Association has described the offer as derisory. There are only 32 surviving victims, and Ms Cassidy said they feel shell shocked and deeply disappointed. They are all in their late 40s or early 50s. We are talking about €60 per week in respect of the annual payment. It is abysmally low, as is the lump sum of €60,000. Whoever was responsible...

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will the Government consider constitutional or legislative change to compel Governments, now and in the future, to uphold the right of all of the electorate to its franchise? I am referring to the issue of by-elections resulting from the demise or departure of sitting Members of this Chamber. We are almost 12 months on from the creation of such a vacancy as a result of the European Union...

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: -----Members of which must surely be as concerned about the economy as are Members of the Dáil yet, there has been a 12 month delay in regard to the holding of this by-election. There are currently three by-elections outstanding. Will the Minister of State accept that whatever the reason behind the Government's dilatoriness in regard to these by-elections, it is important, as measure of...

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: My second question relates to another important scuppered reform, namely, the stated intent of former Taoiseach, Deputy Ahern to provide an opportunity for elected Members North of the Border to participate in a committee of the Dáil. This was announced by the former Taoiseach in 2005 and was due to come into effect in early 2006. As then indicated by the former Taoiseach, there were other...

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: -----to participate in this Chamber. The question, which I have already put in part, is obvious. Will the Government now reconsider, following on the recent Westminster election results North of the Border and in recognition of the contribution so far of the five successful candidates returned as abstentionist republican MPs - as were all of those who attended the Mansion House on 21...

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I ask the Ceann Comhairle to allow me to finish my question. These are major reforms that must take place, ones which, whether or not the Ceann Comhairle likes them, are important. His direct participation in respect of one of them only a couple of weeks ago must underscore that fact. I want to know if the Government is now willing to revisit the proposition put forward by the former...

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Excuse me, but I have a supplementary question.

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: With respect, I have tabled a question in the same manner as any other Member.

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I have tabled a question before the House.

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I am entitled to a supplementary, just as are all the other speakers.

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I would have it finished, were it not for the interruptions.

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I have a supplementary question for the Minister of State. This is not about asking for electoral reform. I ask that the right of the electorate be upheld in respect of the numeric representation to which each constituency is entitled. If Dáil reform is under consideration, surely one of the principal requirements must be that all Members accept the right of the electorate to choose its...

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: This pertains to Dáil reform. Just because the Ceann Comhairle is uncomfortable with its focus does not exclude the question as invalid. The question is absolutely valid.

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I have not received a satisfactory answer. I repeat my question, will the Government recognise the right of the electorate of Donegal South-West and of all the other constituencies in which by-elections are pending by ensuring in future, following the demise or departure of a Member of this House, that a set timeframe period is put in place either by legislation or constitutional change by...

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I will leave it at that.

Oireachtas Reform (18 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The Minister of State has undertaken to revert to me on the second matter I raised. I now ask him to address the first issue, which is not a matter for the electoral commission.

Written Answers — Garda Vetting Services: Garda Vetting Services (13 May 2010)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Question 10: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take about the delays experienced by those seeking Garda vetting which is resulting in the loss of job opportunities in some instances. [19653/10]