Results 3,001-3,020 of 7,642 for speaker:Rónán Mullen

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: It is high time we got a commitment from the Minister for Justice and Equality that this critical issue will move up on her agenda. It is not on the autumn legislative agenda. However, she could deal with it in the context of the new sexual offences Bill that is being introduced before Christmas.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I would be grateful if the Leader would discuss the issue with the Minister.

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Technological Universities (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I wish to raise the proposed technological universities legislation and specifically the current timeframe for its enactment, which is a cause of concern for some people. I should declare a certain interest in that I hold a lecturing post in the Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown, albeit on a part-time basis these days. When the Minister's...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Technological Universities (7 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I thank the Minister for her reply.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I think Senator Healy Eames raised her hand before I did, but I will not look a gift horse in the mouth. As the House may be aware, this is palliative care week. This is an all-island event and the first of its kind. It is being co-ordinated by the All Ireland Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care and its objective is to increase public awareness of palliative care and greater...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: These units are for families, for mothers and their babies. Can we hear from the Minister for Health on this and is it possible we can get a commitment there will be provision for perinatal hospice services in the budget?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I wish to be associated with the words of welcome, congratulations and satisfaction from my colleagues on the appointment of Ms Logan who brings great independence of mind and diligence to her new functions. We have been well served by females in ombudsman roles. Both Ms Logan and the other Emily, Ms O’Reilly, have distinguished themselves in their respective roles as Ombudsman and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: They are statements of welcome and encouragement. I encourage Ms Logan and wish to ask her a couple of questions, apart from the question on the direct provision system. There is an ongoing debate about prostitution. I compliment Senator Katherine Zappone on playing a leading role in producing the committee report that is now with the Government. It is an issue I have taken up also in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I thank Ms Logan.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: The work of the commission is of first importance. I think Ms Logan will agree that her job is not just to promote best practice in equality matters or defend the equality of all citizens and, as we have just discussed, people who are perhaps not yet citizens, but, in addition to vindicating human rights and the concept of equality, is there not also a need to create a culture of respect...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Am I allowed to criticise the ideas of another person?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I respect your ruling in the matter.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: We probably have to clarify our thinking around them. I am not making any charge against any person, nor am I criticising any person for his or her personal conduct, but I am entitled to disagree, for example, with a Government decision, with the action of a politician, a person in a leadership role or a public person who makes a public statement and to criticise that statement. Perhaps I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: What I am getting at is that there must not be a shared doctrine of human rights among a certain elite that trumps what the Constitution provides for. I fully agree with Ms Logan in the context of the UN gathering. There have been shocking events in every country, not just in Ireland, and this was coming after ten years, but when non-governmental organisations are working hard to present a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: One second now.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Can I respond to that?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: We should not have a culture of censorship. I think my exchange is quite a satisfactory one.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: I just wanted-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: May I give a brief response?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Commissioner Designate (8 Oct 2014)

Rónán Mullen: Certain comments have been made. First, it does not lie in your mouth, or indeed Deputy Mac Lochlainn's mouth, to make any references, implied or otherwise, to my attendance at this committee meeting. How dare you do that. I attend these meetings as an Independent politician. I check the agenda and when I have something to say, I come in here and say it. I do not come in to vote at other...