Results 4,261-4,280 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: ----- the format for the banking inquiry. Senators Paul Coghlan, Gilroy and others asked for such a debate. I will try to arrange that debate in the new session. As I outlined yesterday the Minister for Social Protection will come to the House for a two and a half hour debate. Many Members spoke about the universality of child benefit. Those issues can be raised with the Minister during...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Last week when that question was raised by Senator Norris, I asked all Members of the House to let me know by e-mail or otherwise whether they wanted an Order of Business on Fridays. I did not get one e-mail. Seven people contacted me to say they did not want an Order of Business. I asked for the opinion of everybody in the House and that was the response I got. We will not have an Order...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: It was totally-----

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I regard Senator Leyden's comments as totally inappropriate.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I do not like an attempt to get media comment from people's misfortune.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senators Clune, Kelly and others called for a debate-----

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: -----on energy policy. I will arrange for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to come to the House early in the new session.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I had a discussion with the energy regulator this morning. He is quite willing to come to the AV room in order to discuss the whole area with Members of the House and I will try to arrange that also. Senator Kelly and several others also spoke about the security of rural post offices as well as the future of rural post offices and bank branches. For the banks it is a commercial decision. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I will try to arrange a debate early in the next session on genetically modified foods, which should be very interesting. I am sure there will be people on various sides of the fence in that regard. Senator Healy Eames made a very important point about innovation and how we had a changed nation regarding waiting lists. I am sure the Minister for Health will accept any assistance in this...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I am open to the views of the House.

Seanad: Friday Sittings: Motion (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I move: (1) That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, on Friday, 20th July, 2012 the Seanad shall meet at 10 a.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) Standing Orders 29 and 30 shall stand suspended; (b) there shall be no Order of Business. (c) the business to be taken shall be confined to (i) Committee and remaining Stages of the...

Seanad: Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012: Order for Second Stage (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I move: "That Second Stage be taken today."

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I thank all of the staff of the House, particularly Deirdre Lane, Jody Blake and the ushers who are so kind to us all. I thank all of the Senators for their help and assistance. The 24th Seanad has been in operation for almost 14 months and I believe we are doing excellent work despite what others may think. I wish everyone a deserved rest and I hope we will come back suitably refreshed...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming everybody back for the new term. The Order of Business is No. 1, Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 5 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 21, Private Members' business, motion No. 8, to be taken at 5 p.m. and...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The vast majority of Members who spoke welcomed the announcement of the children's rights referendum. The purpose of the 31st amendment to the Constitution is to expressly recognise children in their own right within the Constitution. I certainly welcome Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin support for the referendum and the wording. It is important that the referendum be passed. It is the...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The new property charge will be fair. We need to carefully consider the various issues in introducing a property tax and the Government will not be rushed into making decisions on the matter. The only decision taken by it regarding the property tax is that it will be administered and collected by the Revenue Commissioners and that it will take effect in the middle of 2013. No further...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I welcome Senator Martin McAleese's suggestions and would welcome suggestions for future innovations. He has outlined the innovations that we have had to date. Of course, I would welcome suggestions for future innovations in the House within Standing Orders. I thank the Senator for his remarks in that regard. Senator Rónán Mullen dealt with the referendum, but he also commented...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Marie Moloney spoke about social welfare matters. As I mentioned at the start of the Order of Business, the Minister for Social Protection will come to the House on 18 October. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames also called on the Minister to come to the House. She will address the matters raised on 18 October. Senator Katherine Zappone will have ample time to relay her ideas on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on Irish Water and related reforms, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 1.45 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes, and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate not later than 1.35 p.m.; and...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, raised the question of health cuts. He criticises the Minister because of overruns in the system and also when measures are taken. However, the Minister is there to reform the system and will continue to do so. In reply to Senators Darragh O'Brien and David Cullinane, Second Stage of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill will...