Results 221-240 of 245 for speaker:Maura Hopkins

Seanad: Sustainable Tourism: Statements (16 Oct 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his work on tourism both domestically and internationally as an ambassador for the country. It is timely that these statements are being taken. Within my own region, significant work is being done on development of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands brand, which is being led by Fáilte Ireland. We hope that it will have a significant...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development: Departmental Outputs and Expenditure - Vote 42: Minister for Rural and Community Development (16 Oct 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I have a few comments and questions on programme B. I wish to emphasise the importance of the community services programme, into which I understand a review is under way. In my local area, there is no shop in Kilbride, which is a rural area just outside Roscommon town, so the programme has stepped in and is providing a community shop through Pobal, which is hugely successful. Other groups...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development: Departmental Outputs and Expenditure - Vote 42: Minister for Rural and Community Development (16 Oct 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I thank the Minister for his contributions thus far. I have a number of points to make and a number of questions to ask. As the Minister will be aware, we were delighted to welcome him to Castlerea recently. I mention this in the light of the impact of programmes in category B and the achievement of value for money. The Department provided almost €1 million for the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Oct 2019)

Maura Hopkins: Work has been ongoing in recent months regarding the preparation of an enabling works contract for Portiuncula hospital. It is important to acknowledge that progress is being made. Stage one of the tender competition progressed last Friday with the publication of the procurement notice on eTenders. This is important because it will allow for expressions of interest for the enabling works...

Seanad: Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016: Report Stage (Resumed) (22 Oct 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I also support the amendment and the contributions made by my colleagues, Senators Paddy Burke, Mulherin and O'Mahony. This amendment is about achieving a balance. Of course, we must preserve our bogs, flora, fauna and biodiversity, but we must also support people and communities. In many cases, supporting people and communities requires infrastructure and basic infrastructure upgrades,...

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad (22 Oct 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that, notwithstanding anything in today's order, No. 1 be adjourned at 8 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (5 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I raise the serious issue of the Cuisle national respite centre in Donamon in Roscommon. I have spoken with quite a number of staff members and service users of the Cuisle respite centre over the past number of days since news broke last Friday that it is to close on 29 November this year. This decision was made by the board of the Irish Wheelchair Association. It is really devastating and...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (12 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I raise the decision made by the ESB last Friday on the proposed closure of the peat burning plants in Shannonbridge and Lanesborough. Clearly the ESB is reneging on its commitment to maintain power generation in Shannonbridge and Lanesborough until 2027. As we all know, this is a major blow for staff, their families and the entire region. I met the Minister for Communications, Climate...

Seanad: Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (Resumed) (13 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: Next Tuesday.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development: Town Centre Living Initiative: Discussion (13 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I thank the officials from the Department and all officials within the local authorities who are involved in the town centre living initiative. This morning's session has been really informative. I also acknowledge the local public representatives from Roscommon who are in the Visitors Gallery and familiar with the initiative in Boyle and the challenges and opportunities that arise in the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Audiology Services Provision (19 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I welcome the Minister to the Chamber. As he will be aware, I wish to raise the very important issue of educational supports for children who have been affected by failings in the audiology service in community healthcare organisation area 2 and, specifically, counties Roscommon and Mayo. I have been working with the parents of several children who have been affected by this issue for some...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Audiology Services Provision (19 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I thank the Minister for his response. There are, however, several issues that I want to clarify. The Minister has stated the supports include assistive technology. I am in contact with many parents of children who have been affected. The assistive technology being provided is not adequate to meet their needs. I gave the examples of the soundfield system and iPads. School staff training...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I join other Senators in raising the issue of the air ambulance service. As we are all aware, it is a very important service and saves many lives. Earlier this afternoon, Senator McFadden raised this directly with the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe. It is very disappointing that a community rapid-response charity helicopter would be required to fill the gap of what should be a fundamental...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (19 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: Loughglynn.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Proposed Closure of Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort: Discussion (21 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: I want to focus on two major issues, one of which relates to the funding. I have gone through the witnesses' supplementary information on LEADER grants, assistance from the Athlone municipal district and the moneys on hold. I am quite confused about that. I met the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, on 12 November 2019. I would like clarification on the funding. I was informed...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Proposed Closure of Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort: Discussion (21 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Proposed Closure of Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort: Discussion (21 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: Ms Keogh is making it clear that the €423,862 was not approved.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Proposed Closure of Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort: Discussion (21 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: Mr. Cunningham is saying that it was not possible to draw down the funding and that it is not on hold.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Proposed Closure of Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort: Discussion (21 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: We are quite confused about the exact reasoning with regard to this closure. I have spoken about the works that Mr. Cunningham has said are required. I am going to move on in terms of the model of care. The opening statement indicates that it is about providing a wide range of choice to people with disabilities. I find that very disingenuous in the context of the many people who have...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Proposed Closure of Cuisle Accessible Holiday and Respite Care Resort: Discussion (21 Nov 2019)

Maura Hopkins: If I might ask one more quick question, it is important. Ms Keogh is saying that if this funding was in place, the decision would be different. Am I correct?