Results 2,201-2,220 of 5,046 for speaker:Paschal Mooney

Seanad: Order of Business (10 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: Will the Deputy Leader consider having a debate on house insurance and the insurance industry? It has come to my attention in the past year to 18 months that the insurance industry operates on a rebuilding obligation cost when it comes to the renewal of one's annual insurance. Currently, that is worked out at €1.20 per square foot. The problem arises in that the insurance companies, in...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: What happens is that not only are consumers being penalised by paying a higher premium than is absolutely necessary but also if they put in a claim, the insurance company will then insist that they seek the lowest possible competitive tender, which is way below the rebuilding cost and what they initially charge the consumer. In other words, we are in rip-off territory.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: Insurance companies must be called to account in this regard. Can one imagine that in this country the insurance industry is operating on the basis of just four areas? It does not matter about the variations in rebuilding costs throughout the country as a result of the downturn in the past four years. It is vital from a consumer point of view that the Deputy Leader would facilitate a...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: With the Cathaoirleach's indulgence, I wish to correct the record in regard to the figures I mentioned. I should have referred to €90 to €100 and €121, respectively.

Seanad: Mortgage Arrears: Statements, Questions and Answers (15 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I share Senator Hayden's idea of a third force being established. There should be a role for local authorities, so I would be interested to hear the Minister of State developing that idea. I also welcome proposals in the recent Social Welfare Bill which place an onus on banks to address mortgage-holders who are currently in distress. Prior to the law being passed, the mortgage relief...

Seanad: Mortgage Arrears: Statements, Questions and Answers (15 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I agree with the overall thrust of what has been said here today, which is that the banks have a greater responsibility in this area. There is no sympathy for the banks despite the fact that there is some difficulty. Would the Minister of State agree that the encouragement to create a third banking force through Permanent TSB is a positive sign? Perhaps he can indicate how it will be...

Seanad: Mortgage Arrears: Statements, Questions and Answers (15 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I refer to the question I asked the Minister of State about Permanent TSB. The Government's policy seems to be to create a third banking force in order to generate more competition in the mortgage market. This has led Permanent TSB reducing its mortgages, albeit only by a small amount. I know my question might have sounded somewhat tongue in cheek. However, would the Government welcome a...

Seanad: Mortgage Arrears: Statements, Questions and Answers (15 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I only do so because the Minister of State did not answer it.

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2012: Second Stage (16 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I welcome the Minister of State to the House.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I second Senator Darragh O'Brien's amendment to the Order of Business. While I applaud Senator Martin Conway's interest in Aung San Suu Kyi, those of us who are here long enough are aware that her name has been mentioned in this House for more than 15 years. I assume the non-governmental organisation to which the Senator referred is Burma Action Ireland, in which several Members have been...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: Will that be in the context of the European summit or is it for something else?

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I am grateful to the Minister. We were a little perplexed as to why it was felt necessary to change the wording of the original subsection. In essence, the two versions seem to be much the same. However, we accept the Minster's bona fides in this regard. The amendment uses the words, "Nothing in subsection (1)". This allows me to raise the issue of the docking of animals' tails. This...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I am not totally reassured by the Minister's reply but I understand where he is coming from. He said he consulted veterinarians. Let us suppose in a hypothetical situation a vet is anti-hunting - he has a visceral hatred of hunting as a concept – and the people who own the dogs, who are responsible people, say it is a long-standing practice and is in the interests of the health and...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: The Minister said he had consulted Veterinary Ireland. My understanding is the Department has not consulted regional game councils. Therefore, the Minister is only getting one part of the equation. I do not wish in any way to cast aspersions on the professional integrity and objectivity of the veterinary profession. I raise the point to ensure there is no ambiguity or ambivalence on the...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I am reassured more than I was before the Minister's response. It is not that I doubted his intent, as he is unquestionably operating in the best interests of animals. He understands the concerns expressed by my colleague in respect of agriculture, as well as the concerns held in the hunting and fishing industries. Providing greater clarity on the issue is important for the efficient...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I am uncertain as to whether I can raise my point under this amendment as opposed to the section. Like many others, I have an interest in protecting animals from poison. In particular, I am concerned about raptors that are at risk. I draw the Minister's attention to a fine article that appeared in The Irish Times on Tuesday, 13 March, and which relates to section 18. As we are debating...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I know my friend and colleague, Senator Ó Domhnaill, will deal with the specific amendment and the Minister's reply. I want to address the wider context of the sustainability of this particular section. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is best placed to deal with these issues rather than the Wildlife Act which has less resources. I am not in any way taking away from the...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I was not.

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I hope that I am speaking for everybody here when I say that we are very grateful to the Minister for his response. The indications received from all sides of the House and the confidence that we place in him, his officials and his Department, in the context of this amendment and wider section, should stiffen his resolve around the Cabinet table to ensure that he proceeds with the section....

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (23 May 2012)

Paschal Mooney: I have a brief question. Throughout the legislation emphasis has been placed on agricultural animals. I am not saying it does so exclusively but the main thrust of the legislation is about agricultural animals. As the Minister is aware, certain sections relate to who is legally entitled to buy an animal, under or over a particular age, and there are provisions to ensure that the animals...