Results 301-320 of 20,725 for speaker:Mattie McGrath

European Council: Statements (13 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: All my adult life I have been a keen supporter of the EEC, now the EU, and the various different treaties. We have had strong, good leaders in Europe over the years who seemed interested in fair play for all member states even though the number of member states at such times might have been fewer. There were some good deals out there - under CAP, the European Cohesion Fund, and so on. That...

European Council: Statements (13 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I compliment the Minister on launching his diplomatic initiative. Perhaps if he is at liberty to do so, he will outline initial reactions to it.

European Council: Statements (13 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I asked if the Minister had received a response to his diplomatic initiatives.

Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (13 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: Tá áthas orm deis a bheith agam labhairt ar an Bhille seo. This legislation proposes to open the Irish postal market to free competition. This may be regarded as a wonderful thing but, unfortunately, we have discovered in recent times that it is not all it is made out to be. The result will be the undermining of the current funding model for the universal service obligation on An Post.

Written Answers — Social Welfare Code: Social Welfare Code (13 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: Question 119: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on stay-at-home parents who wish to return to work after 20 years being disqualified from going on the live register and subsequently being disqualified from back-to-work and education schemes; her further views on whether not allowing such persons to sign on the live register gives an incorrect reflection of the real...

Suicide Prevention: Statements (Resumed) (14 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I too am very concerned about suicide. It behoves all of us to make a real and sincere effort to get to the root of the problem. I compliment Deputy Neville for his arduous work over many years in this area. Suicide has touched many lives and is a tragedy for both the victims and survivors. It permeates through the wider family and into the community. Suicide is all too prevalent. Eight...

Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I congratulate the Minister on his appointment and I look forward to engaging with him and the Department on many issues. We are told the plastic bag levy is an environmental waste measure in line with international best practice and that Ireland should be a role model. We should and could be a role model because we are a small country by any standard, and our waste issue should be dealt...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (14 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: Question 90: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme payment will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8048/11]

Commission of Inquiry into Banking Sector: Statements (20 Apr 2011)

Mattie McGrath: This is another costly and expensive report that tells us little or nothing we did not already know. Mr. Nyberg has concluded that a national speculative property "mania" led to the Irish lending splurge. He has found that the banks engaged in lending to the point of self-destruction. He has failed to attach any blame to the various players. To the best of my knowledge, the players in...

Residential Mortgage Debt: Motion (3 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to speak on this motion and I compliment Deputy Pringle on doing the legwork in getting it put forward. It is my own fault that my name was not signed to it because I did not get it in on time, but I fully support the motion none the less. I also compliment the Minister on his appointment and wish him well. The difference in attitude since he changed sides in the House is...

School Transport (3 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I apologise for not being available to speak earlier. The changes to the primary school transport scheme announced in the 2011 budget is having an effect on families and local school communities. This is a sensitive area and it is having a disconcerting impact on families, school communities, boards of management, parents councils and private bus operators. I do not know where the changes...

EU-IMF Programme: Statements (Resumed) (5 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I am glad to get a chance to contribute to this debate. In the last Dáil, I voted against the so-called bailout because I believed then, and still believe, that it will only worsen this country's financial problems. That sad fact has been proven by every issue that has arisen since then concerning our inability to take action as a sovereign nation. The EU has failed to make foreign...

Arts for Young People (11 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: Question 31: To ask the Minister for Tourism; Culture and Sport in view of the achievement of a group of Irish teenagers being awarded the title Most Promising Young Artists, in the International Experimenta! Exhibition as part of Tailinn, Estonia's programme as European City of Culture, if he will publish a policy in relation to young persons and the arts in the next 12 months in the...

Arts for Young People (11 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: Ar an chéad dul síos ba mhaith liom mo chomhgairdeas a gabháil don Aire in a phost nua agus tá súil agam go mbeidh séábalta teacht go dtí Tiobraid Árann i rith an tsamhraidh. I am delighted with the Minister's answer. Does he intend to publish a policy within the next 12 months on young people and the arts in the context of reduced funding? I hope he will be able to do so. I am...

Arts for Young People (11 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: Does the Minister intend to have a consultation or to publish a policy document in the next 12 months in this regard? It is very important. Some Members heard speakers today discussing depression. In addition, opportunities may arise in regard to the Minister's two schemes.

Arts for Young People (11 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I compliment the Minister and thank him for his interest in this topic. I look forward to engaging with him in the future.

Jobs Initiative 2011: Statements (Resumed) (11 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I wish to share my time with Deputies Clare Daly and Tom Fleming.

Jobs Initiative 2011: Statements (Resumed) (11 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I congratulate the Minister of State on his appointment to his position of responsibility and wish him well. I know from my interaction with him in the previous Dáil that he has a great understanding of business, especially small businesses in terms of what makes them tick and makes small business people get involved, develop an entrepreneurial spirit and the courage to develop businesses...

Health Service Funding (12 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to have the opportunity to raise this matter. The HSE has made a decision to terminate the funding of Rape Crisis Network Ireland and SAFE Ireland, the national network for domestic violence services. These two networks between them deliver an expert national programme of work on sexual and domestic violence. They join up services across Ireland and establish standards and...

Written Answers — Social Welfare Benefits: Social Welfare Benefits (12 May 2011)

Mattie McGrath: Question 71: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11025/11]