Results 3,601-3,620 of 3,652 for speaker:Michael Collins

Triple Lock Mechanism and Irish Neutrality: Motion [Private Members] (26 Mar 2025)

Michael Collins: A referendum is what is needed so that the people have a say.

Triple Lock Mechanism and Irish Neutrality: Motion [Private Members] (26 Mar 2025)

Michael Collins: A referendum is the proper place for that. The people of Ireland would send a very clear message to the Government about their feelings on this matter, but it will not allow a referendum on the matter. The Government knows the people do not support this direction, so instead of asking, it is sneaking it through. The Government tells us it is about flexibility and not letting one...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (26 Mar 2025)

Michael Collins: Everyone in the Dáil has someone close to them suffer from cancer at one stage or another. As I stand here, I express my heartfelt thanks to the Irish Cancer Society and to all who work and care for those suffering from cancer. This coming Friday is daffodil day and I hope people come out to support the cancer society in whatever way they can. A cancer diagnosis turns people's...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Abortion Services (25 Mar 2025)

Michael Collins: 818. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the work to date of the National Termination of Pregnancy Service Improvement Group; how many times the group has met since its establishment; full details of membership of the group and their qualifications; the minutes of meetings of the group to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14029/25]

Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2025: Second Stage (Resumed) (27 Mar 2025)

Michael Collins: I join Deputy O'Flynn in congratulating the Minister on his new role. This is the first chance I have had to do so. I look forward to working with him and knowing his history, it will be easy to work with him. This new law is a response to a Supreme Court decision from 22 January 2024 in the case of John O'Meara and others against the Minister for Social Protection. John O'Meara lost...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I agree with the previous speakers, but there are other issues of serious concern too. Today we need time to debate farmers' payments and the delay in same, up to months for some people. A staggering 9,300 farmers are waiting since early 2024 on delayed agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, payments, 2,300 of whom are waiting for their payments since...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (1 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: This weekend's CSO figures on visitors to this country have cast a serious doubt over our once glorious tourism sector. The figures show a drop of 20% in the number of visitors in January and 30% in February. Visitor spending has dropped 31% in those two months compared to last year and overnight bed bookings are down 33%. This is a concern for cities like Dublin, Galway, Cork, Waterford...

Confidence in the Ceann Comhairle: Motion (1 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: We are talking about a vote of confidence in the Ceann Comhairle. While circumstances have led us to this incredible situation, it is unfair that the Ceann Comhairle should share all the blame. I attended every business and Dáil reform meeting of the new Dáil. The antics of some leave a lot to be desired and it leaves a bad taste in this Dáil that will not be forgotten for a...

Estimates for Public Services 2025 (1 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: I congratulate the Minister. This is my first time speaking with him from the opposite side. I wish him the very best and look forward to working with him on numerous issues.

Estimates for Public Services 2025 (1 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: Today, I am not armed with some briefing note drafted by civil servants far removed from the realities of rural Ireland, but with the voice of the people I represent. People in places like Goleen, Adrigole and Drimoleague who have not seen a community garda in years. We are told the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act was the most significant reform in two decades but to be honest,...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (3 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: Last October, the former Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, announced that hormone replacement therapy, HRT, would be made free, which was widely welcomed. However, despite the scheme being scheduled to roll out in January, it has yet to be implemented, leaving women to continue paying for their medication. The Irish Pharmacy Union has highlighted several issues, including insufficient...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (3 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: I thank the Tánaiste. Last October, the women of this country were promised free HRT, with implementation set for January. We are now into April but nowhere nearer a start date. It is incorrect for the Minister for Health to place the blame on the Irish Pharmacy Union. The delays are on the side of the Department of Health. Many people are contacting pharmacists expecting prescribed...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (3 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: The people of Union Hall, Glandore and surrounding areas are rightly frustrated with the progress on promised improvements to their local pier. These promises are going on for years, and in that time, they have had visits from the Taoiseach and the former Minister for agriculture and the marine, looking at what needs to be done and raising the hopes of local fishermen and the tourism sector...

Diverting Young People from Criminal Activity: Statements (Resumed) (3 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: The foundation of my political career lies in my beginnings within the voluntary community sector. I firmly believe everybody should engage with their communities in some capacity. Recently, I addressed the pressing issue of the lack of gardaí in rural Ireland. We have witnessed the closure of Garda stations without replacements. This has led to a decline in the sense of safety that...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Administration (1 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: 434. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that the Diocese of Cork and Ross is running a pilot programme in State-funded primary schools whereby a US evangelical Catholic organisation (details supplied) is facilitating retreats for children participating in the sacrament of confirmation; who is providing the funding for this organisation; the kind of visas being...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (8 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: The role played by some financial advisers in this State needs to be investigated immediately. The issue of financial advisers taking people's money for investments and the client getting no return for that same investment is both a local and national one. The issue has been aired on RTÉ on more than one occasion, most recently in March on RTÉ's "The Complaints Bureau", which...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (8 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: This scheme by the financial adviser seems similar to the Dolphin Trust, now known as German Property Group, which promised high interest payments on original investors' capital before collapsing, owing £1 billion and catching 1,800 Irish investors for €100 million. I raised this issue briefly last week in the Dáil and received an email last night from another investor who...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: Last week, a staggering 9,300 farmers were waiting since early 2024 on delayed ACRES payments. Some 2,302 of these farmers are waiting for their 2023 payment. We also have a tariff crisis facing Irish agriculture. Farmers also want to discuss – I met the IFA on this – Ireland’s derogation scheme. It is now about pointing the direction for Ireland and we need to have a...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: Cancer Connect, the hugely successful cancer transport service, is available throughout County Cork and is delivered on the ground by a team of 430 volunteer drivers of several vehicles. The years 2023 and 2024 alone saw between 6,000 and 7,000 passenger journeys recorded. The impact this transport has on the lives of those on a cancer journey and the extended community is extensive....

Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025: Second Stage (8 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: As this is my first time addressing the Minister of State, I welcome her to her position and look forward to working with her in the time ahead. The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 aims to help employees who are forced to retire before the State pension age of 66. It allows employees to choose not to retire at the contractual age if it is below 66 unless the employer has...