Results 3,701-3,720 of 3,772 for speaker:Michael Collins

Committee on Transport: National Transport Authority: Engagement (28 May 2025)

Michael Collins: I know Mr. Creegan cannot criticise policy but-----

Committee on Transport: National Transport Authority: Engagement (28 May 2025)

Michael Collins: But not beyond that, which is very unfair because there are a lot of private operators out there. We are very lucky to have one down in west Cork, Damien Long, who has completely changed the direction of transport for the people of west Cork. We are blessed to have him now. It is not just him, however. There are other private operators out there who need to be included in that 20%...

Committee on Transport: National Transport Authority: Engagement (28 May 2025)

Michael Collins: A lot of people tell me they are very dissatisfied with the bus service provided by Go-Ahead Ireland in Dublin. Buses do not turn up on time or there are ghost buses that do not turn up at all, yet the NTA continues giving contracts to that operator. Has it looked into this? We have spoken about the all-island rail review. I live 80 miles away from the nearest train station. Mr....

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: About two weeks ago, the Government announced plans to buy Citywest hotel. That is a huge concern to the constituents in the surrounding area. A debate has to happen in the House. Before the purchase of any hotel, a debate should happen in the House, regardless of what it is needed for. This is a huge issue and concern for the public.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: On Sunday, in Kinsale, hundreds of people turned up in opposition to the granting of a 62-acre mussel farm licence, equivalent to 36 soccer pitches, off Kinsale Harbour. This was first proposed in 2019, when I raised concerns with the then Taoiseach and the relevant Minister. The new licence granted leaves many unanswered questions on the planning process for this specific licence. First,...

Housing: Statements (10 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: This Government has been saying - as did the previous one and the previous two before that - that housing is its number one priority. If so, I cannot understand why it did not take up Independent Ireland's strong advice and policy that this should be declared a housing emergency. This is an emergency. A recent poll in the Irish Independent found 65% or 67% of people said housing is the...

Housing: Statements (10 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: That is another thing that is coming down the road. People are calling me now. I want to see the legislation.

Housing: Statements (10 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: Is it there today?

Housing: Statements (10 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: This is the problem. Everything is about kicking the can down the road.

Housing: Statements (10 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: I would appreciate it if something were announced today and dealt with in a week or two rather than dragging on down the road. That legislation could have been put in place. We were advising it should be introduced years ago but nobody would listen to us. We must consider the building of houses in cities. We are building out but what about building up? When I am in Dublin and places...

Ending the Central Bank’s Facilitation of the Sale of Israel Bonds: Motion [Private Members] (11 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: We will be supporting this motion to end the Central Bank of Ireland's facilitation of Israeli bonds. As a representative of the people of west Cork, which was profoundly impacted by the Great Famine, I have a personal connection to the suffering of the Gazans today. I repeat myself when I say we are here to protect life and dignity without taking sides. Ireland is trusted because we do...

Proposed Approval of the Agreement Between the European Organization for Nuclear Research and Ireland: Motion (11 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: I support the motion for Ireland to become an associate member of CERN, the European organisation for nuclear research. I do so on behalf of Independent Ireland with a clear sense of what this should mean for the Irish people. Let me be straight. My party is no cheerleader for big, wasteful public spending or for projects that line the pockets of consultants while ordinary people get no...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (10 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: 323. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of several driving test applications (details supplied); when these people will receive a date to sit their tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29577/25]

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: This country is crying out for accountability from regulatory bodies as we stumble from one scandal to another. Last week, I attended a public meeting in Oranmore, Galway, with Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice and Councillor Declan Kelly and met with parents whose children had been scammed by a local orthodontist and neglected by the Dental Council of Ireland. These parents paid large sums...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. He speaks about dental regulation, the Dentists Act and developments in 2024 or 2025. These people were hit hard in 2022. They have lost €2 million. How can any of them have confidence when we see the regulatory bodies fail the very people they are paid to protect? What does the Tánaiste say to the parents and children in their...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (12 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: Wellman International in Mullagh, County Cavan, a pioneer in fibre manufacturing since 1973, faces an uncertain future. The company was placed in examinership on 3 June. It has just 100 days to find an investor or buyer to save 217 highly skilled jobs that are vital to the communities of east Cavan and north Meath. Local Independent Ireland councillor Shane P. O'Reilly, a strong...

Fisheries: Statements (12 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: I welcome the Minister of State. This may be the first time we have been face to face. I appreciate his recent invitation to Castletownbere. Unfortunately, I was at another meeting and could not get there, but I will certainly meet him soon. I listened to some of the Deputies speaking in the Chamber earlier. I do not like talking about Deputies when they are not present, but Deputy...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (11 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: 360. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on a document (details supplied); where said guidelines can be accessed or, in the event that the guidelines do not yet exist, if her Department intends to establish a guideline document for Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31056/25]

Committee on Transport: Driving Test and NCT Delays: RSA (11 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: I will ask a number of questions and ask the witnesses to make note of them and answer afterwards. If I stop after every question, I will not get through what I need to. Obviously, the issue of waiting times is a huge one in many areas. It can be up to 11 months in west Cork, where I come from, in Skibbereen. It is a large geographical area from Castletownbere out to the Sheep's Head...

Committee on Transport: Driving Test and NCT Delays: RSA (11 Jun 2025)

Michael Collins: Mine will be yes-no questions, if the witnesses do not mind, because we are tight on time. Will the RSA open a new centre in west Cork, seeing as Skibbereen is flooded? A waiting time of 11 months is outrageous and I cannot see it coming down in the near future. Is there a possibility of opening one in Bandon or somewhere?