Results 241-260 of 375 for speaker:Margaret Cox

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Jun 2005)

Margaret Cox: As it is such a happy occasion, we should wish him the best. The chief executive of Ireland West Tourism, Mr. John Concannon, said that selling tourism in the west is now like standing on a burning platform and only fire brigade action can save it. We are in dire need of swift action in order to save livelihoods throughout the whole rural region of the west of Ireland. The livelihoods of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Oct 2005)

Margaret Cox: It is difficult to speak today about anything other than the Ferns report but there are people better able than I to speak on it. Last evening, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Seán Power, spoke on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children about the implementation of the regional health fora and plans to establish them. Members will...

Seanad: Child Care Services: Motion. (26 Oct 2005)

Margaret Cox: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes: —the considerable progress which has been made in increasing the availability of quality and affordable child care places across the country through the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme and other Government initiatives; —the provision of an additional 38,500 new child care...

Seanad: Child Care Services: Motion. (26 Oct 2005)

Margaret Cox: At least I admit it, although Members sometimes cross the floor to vote. Senator O'Toole pleaded with the Minister to bang on the Cabinet table. I plead that the Minister does so and gives us results. Let us see some initiatives in the next budget that will deal with the issue and look after children, families, businesses and Irish society. This is a moral responsibility and we must lead the...

Seanad: Child Care Services: Motion. (26 Oct 2005)

Margaret Cox: On a point of order, I want to correct the record of the House. The Minister stated the issue on the disregard of social welfare or other income from child care was suggested in this House. Unfortunately, I do not believe it was done first by Senator Minihan and I think the record will show that if the Minister checks it.

Seanad: Child Care Services: Motion. (26 Oct 2005)

Margaret Cox: I wish to correct that point.

Seanad: Child Care Services: Motion. (26 Oct 2005)

Margaret Cox: In 1999.

Seanad: Child Care Services: Motion. (26 Oct 2005)

Margaret Cox: That is not true.

Seanad: Child Care Services: Motion. (26 Oct 2005)

Margaret Cox: This debate is about child care.

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I am delighted to welcome the Minister of State and to take the opportunity to share my thoughts on some of the issues on which we should focus in the upcoming budget. First, however, I would like to address some of the points made by the Opposition in the past few minutes. It is nice to hear indirect taxation actually described as indirect taxation. The use of the politicised term "stealth...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: It will not reintroduce it. However, if I can pay €500 for a second holiday in the year, I will not mind paying €5 or €10 at Dublin Airport if I feel the tax is being well spent. I would like to take this opportunity to share with the Minister of State some of the issues that are being raised with me on a daily basis. First, I would like to focus on stamp duty. Last year, the Government...

Seanad: Tax Code: Motion. (2 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: Some of them are still hiding. Many of those in the construction industry are still hiding. However, while there is no place for tax cheats there should be a fair taxation system. I do not think it right that a small number of people have not paid any tax on very high earnings. However, the Minister should not even think about the 17.5% corporation tax, which will ruin us. He should look at...

Seanad: Social Welfare Benefits: Motion. (9 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: —commends the Government on the progress that has been made in introducing a personal pension entitlement for pensioner spouses currently in receipt of the qualified adult allowance; —notes the introduction in October 2002 of the option for new pension claimants to have the qualified adult...

Seanad: Social Welfare Benefits: Motion. (9 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I did not say or acknowledge any such thing.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: Will the Leader arrange a debate on the issue raised yesterday by Senator MacSharry in regard to recruitment agencies? The Employment Agency Act 1971 is under review by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, under the direction of the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen. It is important to clarify that recruitment agencies in the main do not discriminate against any workers and are...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I am happy to declare my interest if that is appropriate.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I am happy to declare any interest I have in this area. I am not trying to do anything inappropriate. In the case of a person who is paid €8 per hour by an agency, €3.50 goes to the Government in tax, PRSI and VAT while €2 is generally the amount taken by the agency as its fee. It is appropriate that we should have a debate on this issue to consider the legislative elements that should...

Seanad: Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages. (16 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: On behalf of this side of the House I thank the Minister and his officials for all their work on this legislation. I also acknowledge the fine contributions made during all the debates on this issue, much of which the Minister has taken on board. While he always seems to listen to what is said in this House he does not always do everything we ask. At least he listens and makes some amendments...

Seanad: Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages. (16 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I certainly am not. It is an all-invasive Department in terms of the lives of everybody in the country. A consolidation Bill such as the one before the House makes life much easier for all involved, whether as an employer to ensure one is providing the correct rights and entitlements under maternity protection, adoption leave, carer's benefit and so on or in any other capacity. It is a fine...

Seanad: Housing Policy: Statements. (23 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I would like to share time with Senators Henry and Ross. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, to the House and this opportunity to speak on housing, an issue that we all know is among the economic challenges that continue to face us. The reason relates in part to those not able to afford a home of their own and who are reliant on local authority or social housing. There are...