Results 2,881-2,900 of 8,212 for speaker:Alice-Mary Higgins

Seanad: Microbeads (Prohibition) Bill 2019: Committee and Remaining Stages (17 Dec 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: We are satisfied with the response from the Minister and in that context we will withdraw the amendment.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Road Safety (18 Dec 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: There are concerns about the lack of adequate regulation for road haulage in Ireland and I have raised the fact that road haulage gets a special tax relief with the Minister for Finance and others. This relief is on the purchase of diesel at a time a carbon tax is being brought in and many others are being asked to pay more for fuel. The relief has been increased in next year's budget. In...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Road Safety (18 Dec 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: The issue of tolls, while affecting local authorities, requires a national strategy. An example of a bad hostage to fortune that was given, for example, is the idea that the State now compensates for whenever there are not vehicles on roads as well as when there are. There is a concern. It was an example of poor policy. Similarly, in terms of poor policy, the idea of the diesel rebate...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Dec 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I want to add my voice to the call from Senator Gavan for a debate on human rights and trade policy. These are going to be crucial issues in regard to the trade agreements we make on Brexit also, so a general consideration and discussion on how we incorporate and reflect human rights principles in our trade policy would be very welcome in the new year. I rise in the main to speak about the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Dec 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: Recommendations 8.13 and 8.14 of the report of the implementation group on Seanad reform call for a review and these issues to be addressed. I would like those recommendations to be effected, along with many other aspects of that report. It is another area we need to address in the new year.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Supporting a Just Transition: Discussion (Resumed) (18 Dec 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I thank Mr. Mulvey. Does he agree that the kind of change we are seeing with companies such as Bord na Móna, which is effectively planning to cease it main activity, is not a normal operational or day-to-day moment for the company but relates to strategic direction for that company?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Supporting a Just Transition: Discussion (Resumed) (18 Dec 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: There is a delicate nuance here about what is operational in the normal day-to-day and what is actually strategic and major. From our perspective, looking in as a committee, and from some of our earlier discussions, this is not a normal matter. There is a question of what are industrial relations in the normal sense and what is just transition. It is not simply whether Mr. Mulvey values...

Seanad: Business of Seanad: Motion (21 Jan 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I begin by thanking the Cathaoirleach for his fairness and great patience over many debates as I sought to use this incredible opportunity to serve in Seanad Éireann to the greatest extent possible. It has been an extraordinary opportunity and it is only passion that leads one to speak at length. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, Martin, Bridget and all of the staff in the Seanad,...

Seanad: Business of Seanad: Motion (21 Jan 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I thank the Cathaoirleach. It is to be hoped I will have finished before he comes back. This Seanad has been remarkable in terms of what it has achieved. I look to all Members of the House when I say this. It has been a Seanad in which no group has had a majority. I often say it is a space in which, therefore, acts of persuasion have had to take place. We have each brought our ideas...

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: An Dara Céim - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Second Stage (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I will share my time with Senator Ruane. I welcome the Tánaiste. It is appropriate that we began the debate with him, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, because this is an international crisis. We share the messages of solidarity sent to the people of Bergamo and around the world, including those in developing countries who we hope can be supported to be resilient and...

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: It might be helpful for the Acting Chairman to give that list now.

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I move amendment No. 1: In page 4, line 25, after “Government,” to insert the following: “following consultation with experts in relevant fields and advice which may be published at the request of the Oireachtas,”. At the end of his speech, the Minister mentioned those travelling home from Toronto and Australia to serve in our medical services.There are also...

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I move amendment No. 2: In page 4, after line 33, to insert the following: “(6) Every regulation made under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either such House within the next subsequent 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it,...

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: That is very useful. I am satisfied with the answer from the Minister and I will withdraw the amendment.

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I had considered proposing amendments to the section but I was aware they would probably be ruled out of order. It is my hope that the Minister, Deputy Harris, will be able to engage with the Minister, Regina Doherty. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get answers on these questions and it is important to do so. The issue of working family payment was raised last night but we did not...

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I move amendment No. 12: In page 8, line 10, after “necessary” to insert “and proportionate”. I will speak to amendments Nos. 12, 13 and 16 simultaneously. I was asked to put in a number of amendments in this area and I acknowledge the extraordinary and important work of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties in addressing the unforeseen consequences of this...

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: Amendment No. 13 refers to the restrictions which the Minister may choose to apply. I ask that restrictions the Minister will put in place be for a specific duration, subject to review at regular intervals and subject to appeal. As the Minister is given these sweeping powers, it is reasonable that we are assured that blanket new restrictions will not be put in place and simply left on the...

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I move amendment No. 21: In page 15, line 7, to delete "14 days" and substitute "72 hours". I will be honest with the Minister, this is an amendment which I would press in other circumstances.It pains me very much not to do it. I and many others need assurance from the Minister on this issue. Both of these amendments relate to the periods of time for which people are to be detained under...

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: May I respond?

Seanad: An Bille Sláinte (Caomhnú agus Cosaint agus Bearta Éigeandála eile ar mhaithe le Leas an Phobail), 2020: Céim an Choiste agus na Céimeanna a bheidh Fágtha - Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Mar 2020)

Alice-Mary Higgins: We have referred to those who refuse. As Senator Devine said, there are also those who may not have the capacity to understand what is being asked of them for different reasons and at different times. It is not simply bad intention in many cases. For example, people with dementia are likely to be among those in respect of whom these powers may be used. That is why the advocacy piece is...