Results 4,081-4,100 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is one of the best Ministers for fisheries we ever had in this country. He has negotiated and will continue to negotiate for fishermen throughout the length and breadth of this country.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Mullins welcomed the new website launched by the Minister, Deputy Bruton, to cut the costs of business and to eliminate red tape. I will certainly ask the Minister to arrange that his officials make a presentation on this matter in the AV room at a later stage. Senator Mooney noted the retirement of the honorary consul in the Channel Islands. We would all wish Ms O'Neill a very...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senators Paul Coghlan and Marc MacSharry referred to the constitutional convention, which I have addressed. Senator Higgins called for an inspectorate for water quality. I will raise that matter with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. Senator Brennan mentioned that athletes from 15 countries are coming here to prepare for the Olympics and the Paralympics. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: If Senator Leyden was listening to the Order of Business last week, he would have heard me inviting each and every Member to attend that committee. They had an opportunity to do so. If Senator Leyden cannot hear what I am saying, I cannot legislate for that.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We had wonderful contributions from ten different organisations on how lifestyle changes can help to prevent cancer. It is a subject which is of importance to each and every family in the country. We hope that report can be finalised and presented to the Minister with strong recommendations. One man mentioned that, on average, 14-year-olds are now three stone heavier than their...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: That is not a point of order at all.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: In view of the decision of the House I propose that the discussion on Seanad reform shall be taken now and shall conclude at 2.30 p.m. and that Nos. 1, 2 and 3 shall be taken at another time. I may propose an amendment to the Order of Business later if we can get the Minister to attend at a different time today to discuss them. The Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012 - Committee Stage...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I have no intention of acceding to that request. The motion, as put, was that the matter would be dealt with before No. 1. I am agreeing to the decision that it be taken. I had no prior notice and I cannot get a Minister to attend the House at this time. Members will take the matter without a Minister being present.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The relevant Minister is unavailable.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The relevant Minister is not available to take this matter.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Senator constantly stands up with points of order that are not points of order at all.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: In view of the vote of the House, I propose that Nos. 1 and 2 be taken and allocated 45 minutes, as stated, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed five minutes and that the Minister be given five minutes to reply. I propose we delete No. 3 and deal with that matter tomorrow, that the Animal Health and Welfare Bill be taken, as stated, from 3.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. and that we deal...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: With the indulgence of the House, I propose that we proceed with Nos. 1 and 2, during which time the Whips can meet in regard to this matter. We can proceed with the business of the House in regard to these motions and I will return before No. 2 is concluded, as a result of the meeting with the Whips.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I stated that spokespersons would have time, not group spokespersons. The Senator will have an opportunity.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I am proposing to delete it. We will take it tomorrow.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I will come in after the Whips have met to notify the House of when the debate on Seanad reform will take place.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I wish to amend the Order of Business. It is proposed to provide that motion No. 9, agreed for debate, which seeks to refer Seanad reform to the constitutional convention, will be taken from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Contributions of spokespersons will not exceed ten minutes and those of all other Senators will not exceed eight minutes. A Minister will be present for the debate. The Animal...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The constitutional convention will be established during the next couple of weeks by way of resolutions in both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Government proposes that initially the constitutional convention should look at two matters, namely, reducing the presidential term to five years and reducing the voting age to 17 years. The convention will be asked to report on these matters within a...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The position of Government on this matter is clear and unequivocal. It is my duty to relay the view of Government to this House.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I look forward to Senators' contributions. I can assure the House that I will not interrupt any Senator when speaking. It is my duty to outline the Government's position to the House, which is what I am doing now. In the circumstances, I cannot accept the motion before the House.