Results 3,641-3,652 of 3,652 for speaker:Michael Collins

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (8 May 2025)

Michael Collins: This discussion is centred on extending certain provisions of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. This extension aims to allow the hospitality sector to continue providing outdoor seating areas for the sale and consumption of alcohol. Independent Ireland and I are in full agreement with this extension. This is crucial for offering clarity and certainty to business, patrons,...

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (8 May 2025)

Michael Collins: However, it is all about seating, and the rates for seating are coming-----

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021: Motion (8 May 2025)

Michael Collins: I know that, and I respect that, but I am only talking about the importance of having it there. The fact is that they now have it, but they are being punished for having it there by being rated. It is difficult for these business. In a few months, they are trying to turn over a profit and make enough to keep staff on board. These businesses are paying for rates, electricity, staff, VAT,...

Parental Choice in Education: Motion [Private Members] (8 May 2025)

Michael Collins: The Social Democrats have tabled a motion in the Dáil that calls for the Government to increase the number of multidenominational schools and to phase out religious patronage in special education. I have listened carefully today to all the reasons we should remove church patronage. There are also those of us who oppose these statements and who argue that religious institutions play a...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Textbooks (29 Apr 2025)

Michael Collins: 972. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the reduction of the funding allocated for the schoolbooks scheme, when in 2023 it was estimated that €96 per child was necessary to help schools to ensure the new curriculum could be implemented with the right teaching and learning aids; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20184/25]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Schemes (7 May 2025)

Michael Collins: 367. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason SCEP payments are on hold; when payments will recommence; and the length of time before all 2024 payments are complete. [22360/25]

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (13 May 2025)

Michael Collins: As my colleagues mentioned, 14-year-old Cara Darmody is coming to sleep outside the Dáil next week for 50 hours to raise awareness not only for her own family, but for other families throughout this country. We need to put together a joint motion and we need to time to discuss this matter at great length next week because we are breaking the laws in this country, the laws we said we...

Power of Higher Education, Research and Skills as Economic Enablers in a Changing World: Statements (13 May 2025)

Michael Collins: I will begin by wishing Deputies Harkin and James Lawless the very best in their positions going forward. This is the first opportunity I have had to wish them well. We have situations where there is a rural-urban divide in higher education. My concern is that Skibbereen Adult Education Centre and Kinsale Further Education College are doing an excellent job but the problem is that we...

Housing and Critical Infrastructure: Motion [Private Members] (13 May 2025)

Michael Collins: If we got a euro for every time we spoke about housing since I came to Dáil Éireann, we would have a hell of a lot of houses built. We have a massive problem. We know that. I cannot understand why Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and Labour have thrown out figures for delivery of housing which they know they can never deliver. Go down to my patch...

Trade Union Recognition Bill 2021: Second Stage [Private Members] (14 May 2025)

Michael Collins: This Bill aims to improve workers' rights, but it also brings some challenges for small businesses, which would cause me to be concerned. I see Independent Ireland supporting this Bill going forward, but I want to raise concerns we have because there are a lot of concerns for small businesses in particular. Small businesses would no doubt have more paperwork and formal tasks like...

Driving Test Wait Times: Statements (14 May 2025)

Michael Collins: The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, said on 1 May, "The current delays in the driver testing system are simply not acceptable." He also said, "People deserve a national driver testing service that they can rely upon", and that he will continue to hold the RSA to account until we see meaningful progress. To be honest, we are all fed up of hearing the same old line over and over again. I...

Common Agricultural Policy and Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan: Statements (15 May 2025)

Michael Collins: This is my first chance to welcome the Minister to his new role and I wish him the best going forward. I also welcome the IFA president, Mr. Francie Gorman, who is here with us. I acknowledge the volunteers on the ground in farm organisations, such as Mr. Tadhg Healy and previously Mr. Donal O'Donovan in west Cork. Tadhg is my right ear most weeks on farm issues and Mr. Dermot Kelleher, of...