Results 301-320 of 431 for speaker:Lorraine Higgins

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Operations and Functions: National Asset Management Agency (22 Oct 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: And a loss to the Irish taxpayer, ultimately, which is my concern.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Operations and Functions: National Asset Management Agency (22 Oct 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: The forecasts-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Operations and Functions: National Asset Management Agency (22 Oct 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: Would Mr. McDonagh not agree, based on the limitations regarding commercial properties in Dublin city centre, that it would have made more sense to hold on to that property until such time as the market rose somewhat? We are now Europe's fastest growing economy and we are attracting international investment at an alarming rate, which is fantastic, yet NAMA decided to sell a property at a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform: Operations and Functions: National Asset Management Agency (22 Oct 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: Will Mr. McDonagh ensure there is a facility in place to provide that this will not happen again and that the Irish taxpayer will not lose out in such terms, given the increase-----

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I wish to raise an issue relating to how medical cards are awarded to people in this country. Like many of my Oireachtas colleagues, time after time people come to my clinic with illnesses so grave that it beggars belief they do not satisfy the requirements for a discretionary card if they fail under other criteria. Numerous people have contacted me about the fact their cards have been...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: NAMA Property Sales (6 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I welcome the Minister to the House and thank him for taking this matter on the Adjournment. It was reported in the national media in recent weeks that a property sold at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin for €7.5 million in 2012 was flipped, so to speak, just over a year later for €18 million by NAMA, representing a 136% increase in price. This is astounding and not reflective...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: NAMA Property Sales (6 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I thank the Minister of State for her response and take her views on board. I note her reference to openly marketing properties, but I was referring to the fact that a new company was set up with new directors who had no prior corporate relationship and, therefore, the question of a conflict of interest did not arise. There could not be a conflict of interest because they had no established...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: NAMA Property Sales (6 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: It was the subject of court proceedings in America-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I raise an issue in light of the report from the Garda Inspectorate in which a number of key recommendations were made concerning the running of the police force. I refer particularly to the penalty points process, which has been the subject of-----

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: -----much debate in recent times. That one can appeal penalty points to a Garda superintendent, who can then cancel the points, seems odd in light of the fact that gardaí should not make judgments on appeals pertaining to their own decisions. Quite simply, it is nonsensical to allow the prosecuting authorities to decide on issues relating to penalties imposed by themselves. I suggest...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Family Support Services (12 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I ask for a review of the policy to no longer fund Home Start services in Athenry, County Galway. In light of recent Exchequer figures and the more healthy economic position, it may be a good time to review cuts to such essential services. Home Start, Athenry, is a scheme through which volunteers offer support to parents and young children through weekly home visits. Volunteers offer...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Family Support Services (12 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I thank the Minister of State. While I acknowledge the references to value for money and best practice it is a pity that all the expertise built up by Home-Start Athenry and the knowledge of the people it has served in recent years had not been integrated into the new service. A mistake may have been made and perhaps it is an issue the Department needs to look at.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I am calling for a debate on our financial regulations in the light of an issue brought to my attention by a constituent recently. A lady contacted me about the fact that her mortgage with Bank of Scotland had been sold to a private equity firm, Lone Star. The concerns she expressed were twofold. One relates to the fact that the transfer was made in breach of her mortgage agreement with...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: Given the previous submissions I have made in this House with regard to farm inspections, I note with interest that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is currently producing a charter of rights for farmers. I am disappointed that we have not been given an opportunity to make statements on this issue given that I, in particular, have brought up a number of issues that were...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Compulsory Purchase Orders (25 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter on the Adjournment. As this is my first opportunity to formally do so, I congratulate her on being appointed as a Minister of State and wish her the best of luck in her portfolio. I know she will do a great job, as she has been doing since her appointment. I have been contacted by a number of farmers in Galway East who are concerned about...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Compulsory Purchase Orders (25 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I thank the Minister of State for the response. As an avid cyclist I am delighted that there will be a greenway in Galway given that I spend much of my weekends on a bike trying to work off the calories I put on during my week here. I acknowledge the benefits of it to the local economy, as the Minister stated. All that is left to be said is to encourage the farming community to engage in...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I highlight the ongoing issue of petrol stretching and the great distress this illegal activity is causing innocent motorists around the country who face serious financial consequences and the potential loss of their vehicle should they unwittingly purchase this contaminated fuel. The victims of this crime also face difficulties when they try to claim compensation under their insurance...

Seanad: Situation in Middle East and Ukraine: Statements (27 Nov 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I welcome the Minister. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to address him since he became Minister, and I wish him well in his role. I would like the House to note that today marks the first session of the newly elected Ukrainian Parliament after the country's general election in October. Since February of this year, Ukrainian citizens have experienced a protracted crisis in...

Seanad: Action Plan for Jobs 2014: Statements (3 Dec 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I am happy to share time with Senator Mullins.

Seanad: Action Plan for Jobs 2014: Statements (3 Dec 2014)

Lorraine Higgins: I welcome the Minister to the House and commend the Government's Action Plan for Jobs. The Minister's input has reaped significant rewards after one of the most challenging economic periods on record, both nationally and internationally. In reflecting on the performance of the Action Plan for Jobs, it is important to consider all that this programme has achieved. As it stands, just under...