Results 3,581-3,600 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: That option is not open to us.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Education and the future of the Seanad are the two issues that have dominated the Order of Business this morning. The Taoiseach gave a commitment to the people prior to the last general election that he would held a referendum on the future of this House. It is the people who will decide whether it is to continue, not the Taoiseach or anybody here. We have heard rumours in the last week....

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Therefore, we should get on with our business as best we can. However, I will try to arrange a debate on the matter early in the new year. I do not know whether I will be able to get the Taoiseach to address it, but I will try to arrange a debate for Members. I gave notice last week that there would be gaps in the schedule of business on Wednesday and Friday because there was a possibility...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister.

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: I compliment our esteemed colleague, Senator Sean D. Barrett, on bringing this important Bill before the Seanad. I compliment any Member who introduces a Private Members' Bill, a it is a difficult task. The Senator's expertise shines through in the Bill before us. I was astounded by the contribution made by the previous speaker, Senator Mark Daly. He came into the House at the end of the...

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Obviously, the Bills introduced by the Senator's party were not worthy enough to be voted on by the House but Government Members fully support most of the aspects of this Bill as enunciated by Senator Barrett.

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: The Minister has responded generously to Senator Barrett on the matter and it ill-behoves a Member to come into the Chamber and make accusations about what this side of the House will or will not do when that Member obviously has not followed the debate for the past two hours, unlike other Members.

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: To come in here to make political side-swipes is nothing really——

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Daly's contribution deserves contempt. It is contemptible——

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: —— that he has come into the Chamber to try to score political points towards the conclusion of a very good debate. It was a debate during which most sides of the House were fully in agreement and it is irresponsible of Senator Daly to introduce this note of discord by making these remarks at the end of such a wonderful debate.

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Wholesome ones.

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011: Second Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: I understand the Senator proposes to adjourn the debate on the Bill.

Seanad: Jurisdiction of Courts and Enforcement of Judgments (Amendment) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (14 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: 10.30 a.m. maidin amárach.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 3, motion re allocation of moneys to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, to be taken without debate; No. 1, Social Welfare Bill 2011 — Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 3 and to conclude no later than 4 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, motion regarding the earlier signature of the Social Welfare Bill 2011, to be...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: That is the intention, if we have not finished already. We will review the situation at that time. We have provided more time than allocated in the other House.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: A silly remark.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Senator O'Brien raised the question of mortgage arrears and the implementation of a strategy in that regard. Everyone agrees last week was one of the better weeks for mortgage holders when the Government, as part of the budget, introduced and expanded mortgage interest relief for first time buyers during the boom years, the people most likely to be in arrears at the moment. The ECB then cut...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: The Financial Regulator will also engage with the banks to ensure certain mortgage customers are not being discriminated against when it comes to passing on savings. There have been other advances with the Keane report. The Minister for Justice and Equality has already undertaken extensive work on the heads of a personal insolvency Bill, as set out in the report, and it will be published...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Bacik asked about the report on paid paternity leave. This issue can be raised with the Minister for Social Protection, who will be in the House for the next four or five hours; perhaps it can be raised during the debate on that Bill. Senator Mullen asked about the teaching of modern languages in primary schools. This was a pilot scheme and it is unfortunate that due to cutbacks it...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Walsh asked about the RTE report. We should not second guess the report; we should wait for it to be published before we criticise its contents. Senators Coghlan and Clune asked about the EU crisis. As was stated, the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, will be in the House tomorrow to address the problem. I am sure we will have many contributors to that debate. I could not...