Results 321-340 of 11,433 for speaker:Michael Kitt

Seanad: Decentralisation Programme. (19 Apr 2005)

Michael Kitt: We must proceed to the next matter. I call Senator O'Toole.

Seanad: State Airports: Motion. (20 Apr 2005)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister of State. I am glad to speak on this motion. Unlike other speakers, I am not hung up on ideology, although I think everybody has to say that, nor am I concerned about ownership. However, it is important there are improvements at Dublin Airport, to which this motion mostly relates. I do not like the word "terminal" but I suppose it is the only one we can use to describe...

Seanad: Order of Business. (28 Apr 2005)

Michael Kitt: I support the call by Senator Brian Hayes to ensure a driver is available to the State Pathologist at all times. A total of €45 million was spent last year on the out-of-hours doctor service, which includes the provision of drivers for every doctor and new vehicles. Given that this service is available for doctors visiting sick people, a similar service should be available for the State...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I join the call for debate on Iraq, not just on suicide bombings and killings but also on the provision of basic supplies such as water, sewerage, health and education, as all are affected by the terrible events there. I join Senators' calls for an all-party motion on the eminent doctor from Sudan. It is very sad that a person who advocates human rights is not allowed to travel for an award....

Seanad: Order of Business. (12 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I am glad Senator O'Toole raised the issue of the McCann report, which is due to be published this weekend. I welcome the Minister of Transport's visit to Castlebar and Tuam tomorrow to discuss the issue further and, hopefully, to give his approval for the opening of the western rail corridor. I refer to the "Prime Time" report on planning and the need for a register, which was mentioned on...

Seanad: Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines: Statements (Resumed). (12 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I am delighted to welcome the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, back to this House. We have resumed debate on the draft guidelines for planning authorities which were published in March 2004. The Minister has clearly explained that he favours these reasonable proposals on suitable sites for persons who are part of or contribute to rural communities. We...

Seanad: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill 2004: Committee Stage. (17 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: Amendments Nos. 15 and 16 are related and may be discussed together by agreement.

Seanad: Rail Services. (17 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Callely, for coming to the House and for his interest in the western rail corridor. As the Minister of State is aware, the western rail corridor was closed down in 1975, more than 30 years ago. Sadly, successive Governments have not reopened any part of this line. I was very happy to be nominated to a western inter-county railway committee in 1979, 26...

Seanad: Constitution for Europe: Statements. (18 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the MEPs and thank the Leader for allowing this debate. Like other speakers, I commend the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs which gives clear, comprehensive and positive information on the constitution. A good deal of commentary tends to focus on what is not in the constitution. For example, we are frequently reminded that there will be no EU army and no conscription....

Seanad: Order of Business. (25 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I am sorry I am not a little taller, as then I could be called a "lanky lúdramán". This is an important issue. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs should be asked to come to the House to discuss the new placenames regulations which have been introduced. We are supposed to have a bilingual policy in respect of placenames, but I do not think that is the case at present. I...

Seanad: Nuclear Plants: Motion. (25 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I move: That Seanad Éireann: —maintains that Sellafield remains the single most serious hazard to Ireland's environment; —believes Sellafield should be closed in view of the pollution, poor safety record and devastating impact that a serious accident or terrorist attack could have on all aspects of life in Ireland; —notes the strong commitment in the programme for Government which...

Seanad: Nuclear Plants: Motion. (25 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: Well done.

Seanad: Nuclear Plants: Motion. (25 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: Senator Ross is affected by the radioactivity we have been discussing.

Seanad: Nuclear Plants: Motion. (25 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Minister and the Minister of State for attending the House and I thank all who contributed to the debate. It seems that the motion has unanimous support and if so, it sends out a powerful message from the Seanad. Following the visit by the RPII to Sellafield in September, 2004, its report was presented to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. What it...

Seanad: Nuclear Plants: Motion. (25 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: At 2.30 p.m. next Tuesday.

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I welcome this week's debate on the rights of those with disabilities. It is important that we should also have a debate as soon as possible on the rights of the elderly. It is clear following last night's television programme that this is a question of human rights. Action must be taken to provide more State beds. There are many applications from the former health boards and the HSE to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (31 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: It is important that there be equity in terms of the subventions paid to those with elderly relatives in nursing homes.

Seanad: Hospitals Building Programme. (31 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Chair for allowing me to raise the issue of the health campus for Tuam, County Galway. For many years the Bon Secours order had a hospital in Tuam, known locally as the Grove hospital. It was very disappointing that it was sold some years ago. I was thankful that the former Western Health Board bought not only the hospital but also the surrounding property from the Bon Secours...

Seanad: Hospitals Building Programme. (31 May 2005)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Minister of State. Is he in a position to say whether the partnership to which he refers is a PPP?

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Jun 2005)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister of State to the House, congratulate him on bringing this important legislation before us, and thank him for the commitment and energy he has shown on this matter. I note from the correspondence I have received that he met with a number of organisations. Last week, I was honoured to meet with the Disability Federation of Ireland, DFI, and was impressed by its argument. I...