Results 4,341-4,360 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Radical Seanad Reform Through Legislative Change: Statements (3 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: In considering the foreword of the document presented to us, I agree that Seanad Éireann has consistently made an important contribution to our parliamentary process, thereby enhancing the quality of our democracy. I thank Senators Quinn and Zappone and their colleagues, Noel Whelan, former Senator Joe O'Toole and former Minister Michael McDowell for compiling such a well researched and...

Seanad: Radical Seanad Reform Through Legislative Change: Statements (3 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Members may well be watching debates, as most people do, in their offices but nobody outside knows that. None of the thousands of visitors who come to the Visitors Gallery every day are aware of that. I suggest, as a starting point, that Members begin to demonstrate their commitment to the actual Chamber by attending it more frequently and being seen to do so. A related issue I wish to...

Seanad: Radical Seanad Reform Through Legislative Change: Statements (3 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We are not talking about the Dáil.

Seanad: Radical Seanad Reform Through Legislative Change: Statements (3 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: As I believe there are seven or eight more Senators who wish to contribute, I concede to resuming the debate next week.

Seanad: Statement for the Information of Voters: Motion (3 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Ar 10.30 maidin amarách.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2008 - Committee Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and adjourn at 1.15 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 19, Private Members' business, motion No. 9, to be taken at 1.15 p.m. and conclude not later than 3.15 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Committees can deal with the issue.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We can do that in committee.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: There should be no duplication.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, asked about AIB and the interest rate increases. I agree that they are regrettable. AIB maintains that the rate of 4% is the lowest in the market, but this is of little consolation to those who will pay at the increased rate. On 3 July the House had a comprehensive debate on the issues of mortgage arrears, banking and the economy in...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: That commentary at the conclusion of what was a full and informative debate did nothing to encourage Ministers to come to the House. However, I will inquire from the Minister for Finance whether he will return to address the same problem. I note the Senator's point about the situation in Balbriggan and the fact that a site was available since 2002. I will also bring the matter of...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senators have asked questions about health issues. The Minister for Health will be in the House next week for the debate on the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill and the questions raised could be addressed by way of amendments on Committee Stage. I ask Members to examine aspects such as the new accountancy procedures in the HSE and submit amendments to elicit details about...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: To coin a phrase used by Fianna Fáil, " A lot done, more to do". I agree with the Senator that waiting times to be seen by consultants are unacceptable and the Minister agrees. I have asked him to highlight the point about the number of patients who do not attend for their appointments with consultants. I checked the figures for Waterford Regional Hospital. In 2011 a total of 16,000...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I did not interrupt the Senator. I am trying to provide the answers. Senator Colm Burke outlined the facts of the health service, to which many do not want to listen. Senator Lorraine Higgins called for the provision of credit reports for customers and highlighted the negligence of banks in this regard. I hope she will receive an adequate response from the banking sector to her...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Denis Landy asked about PPS numbers ending with the letter "W". I agree with him that there should be an awareness campaign in that regard. I am sure he will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister, as I will. In reply to Senator John Crown, we are aware of the result of the appeals on behalf of the Bahraini doctors and it is regrettable that they have not been...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: There is no intention of taking the privacy Bill in this session.

Seanad: Common Agricultural Policy: Motion (4 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Where is the money?

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on small and medium-sized enterprises week, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 5.45 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 not later than 5.35 p.m.; and No. 2,...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Did Fianna Fáil not introduce that legislation?

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (9 Oct 2012)

Maurice Cummins: In welcoming the acting leader of Fianna Fáil, Senator Ó Domhnaill, it seems Donegal is on a roll. With regard to the Irish Farmers Association's day of action, every organisation has a right to advocate for an individual sector, and agriculture is no different. We have seen a very strong statement by the agrifood sector and rural Ireland outside the doors of Leinster House today that a...