Results 4,441-4,460 of 5,587 for speaker:Kevin Humphreys

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: I am very concerned about the reports on cost-saving measures in the context of labour activation schemes. When I heard the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Pachal Donohoe, say the so-called labour activation schemes facing the axe included Tús and Gateway, schemes overseen by the Department of Social Protection, I was concerned. We have made huge progress in reducing...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: I thank Dr. John Sweeney for the presentation and for the work he has done in this area. It is not the first time I have heard about CIE in the context of not being the public transport authority. It is not a criticism, but it always hits me that economists such as Dr. Sweeney always have time to look back at the analysis, whereas in practice politicians such as myself and Deputy O'Dea must...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: Coming from my background, I have always believed community employment has been wrongly designated. There should be a question as to whether it should be designated as an activation measure.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: Opportunities were opening up in 2005 and 2006, and the Institute of Technology, Tallaght was probably one of the leaders in it. It was partnering with employers in the low-skill areas, but obviously when the recession came that was the first thing that was lost. As the economy recovers, we need to examine that area again because people are returning to low-skilled jobs. We need to partner...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: That is where the institutes of technology and the education and training boards can play a role in designing educational courses for people who are employed. I have seen this being carried out in a factory or an office where a certain amount of time was set aside for such upskilling. I know of one company that set aside two hours to facilitate its staff on the packing lines attending for...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: The Harold's Cross dog track has been in existence since 1928 and the announcement of its closure has greatly saddened the local community. In the context of the week that is in it, sometimes speedy decisions may end up resulting in a great loss to the local community. A local area plan is badly needed for that area. A new secondary school is also badly needed in that area and the Harold's...

Seanad: Transport and Tourism: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: I welcome the Minister. I will try to stay away from rugby internationals because we covered that when he was previously in the House. It is expected by 2020 that there will be an additional 2.1 million more tonnes of CO2 produced in Ireland if current trends continues. That is an increase in the range of 13% to 19%. What is the plan to deal with this? The Minister for Communications,...

Seanad: Transport and Tourism: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: Perhaps the Minister will answer the precise questions. Will he able to do it now?

Seanad: Transport and Tourism: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: I know we are over time, but I would just raise a point.

Seanad: Transport and Tourism: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: With respect to the Chairman and the Minister, I will be raising this at the group leaders' meeting. We have had an interaction. All the direct questions have been given to the Minister. We have had no response. We have seen delay all the way regarding the answers. I would describe what we have listened to today as "Trumpesque".

Seanad: Transport and Tourism: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: I know the Acting Chairman has done her best, and I want to give respect to the her. Not one question put by Senator Higgins or myself has been addressed, on the issues of climate change or-----

Seanad: Transport and Tourism: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: This is not the first time. We have had to listen to rugby before and rugby today. We had specific questions that the Minister obviously is not briefed on. He is not looking at his own Department and not looking after his own brief. Can he come prepared the next time, please?

Seanad: Transport and Tourism: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: The Minister fully intended to filibuster and that is what he did.

Seanad: Annual National Transition Statement on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: What I have heard from the two main parties this evening does not encourage me that we are taking climate change seriously. All we get is an approach of "on the one hand but on the other". We must face down one of the largest lobby groups, namely the farmers’ organisations. We have tough choices to make and we have to show leadership. The debate is not about food security or how...

Seanad: Annual National Transition Statement on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development: Statements (15 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: I would like to hear that Minister answer questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Restructuring: Discussion (23 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: I probably have a slightly historical insight into this. There have been incredible successes with CIB and MABS. Without the active support of CIB we would not have had microloans from the credit union and we would not have gone into the Court Services. Mr. Clarke pointed to his relationship with the Longford court house, but we had to put in place an agreement on a national basis to get...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Restructuring: Discussion (23 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: While I acknowledge that the delegates were asked many questions, could I have their vision and ascertain whether there are any kinds of matching views on the local advisory boards? Some believe the advisory boards do not have any teeth. On the making of changes to legislation, which was mentioned, I have seen advisory boards making significant changes. The 10% social and affordable...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Restructuring: Discussion (23 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: What would be the position on the leases? With the CIB, the lease for the premises is with the local company. How will that affect the easy transfer of the leases? The leases of the residences, and it is a similar case with the MABS offices, would be with the CIB or the MABS companies. How would that work?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Restructuring: Discussion (23 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: If I am a company and I am worried about the provision of the service and decide not to co-operate with the transfer, I have the lease of the shop down the road where the volunteers and the professional staff provide the service work. Staff transfer is covered by the transfer of undertakings but the lease is with the original company, which still could be in situ.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Restructuring: Discussion (23 Feb 2017)

Kevin Humphreys: No. The lease is still with me.