Results 4,461-4,480 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I have run out of pages in my book at this stage.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, "That statements on alcohol consumption (resumed) be taken from 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. and that Private Members' business be taken from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m." Is that agreed?

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator MacSharry and others congratulated President Obama on his re-election. We all wish him well for the next four years and we hope his presidency will bring prosperity to his nation and help to bring prosperity to this country and the rest of the world. I refer to the very important issue of home help services which was raised by Senator MacSharry. The Government is committed to...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: As I did not interrupt the Senator, I ask him to allow me to finish. If allegations of malpractice are made the appropriate body to deal with them is the Garda.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Bacik mentioned the Minister for Health's announcement of a new children's hospital. I am sure that we all welcome the fact that a decision was made. Everybody in the country wants it to start as soon as possible in order that we can provide medical care for the children of the country.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Every Senator shares that wish. Senator Mac Conghail mentioned Private Member's time so we will have ample time this evening to debate the issue. As he stated, a comprehensive amendment has been tabled and it is an excellent amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I am sure the House will be divided in its opinion but I am sure that the majority of Senators will favour the amendment. I will not enter into a debate on it now. Senator Mac Conghail mentioned philanthropy and asked me to invite two Ministers to attend a debate on it as it would lead to better joined-up thinking. I shall investigate the possibility of having some Ministers here to debate...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: It is not possible to reduce the pension for a very small select group of people, the former CEOs of banks.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: In addition, it is not legally possible.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: It is not legally possible to use the tax system to tax a very select group of people. Tax must apply generally and it cannot apply to a number of named individuals.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I am only giving the correct response. Perhaps it is not the answer that people want to hear but that is the fact. A number of Members have asked me to invite the Minister for Finance to come here to debate the banks and pensions. Next week we will have statements on the economy which is a pre-budget debate. We have had several debates on the economy as requested by the House. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I have commented on it. I could say much more but I will not on this occasion. I am sure we will have an opportunity to discuss the report when it is published.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I thought the Leyden was going to give us the acceptance speech of the US President, Mr. Obama.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Mullins and Mary Ann O?Brien raised the issue of Irish Aid and moneys spent in its programmes. The Minister of State, Deputy Costello, will address this matter and others in the House in early course. The issues of payments to chief executive officers of charities and the misappropriation of funds in Uganda were also raised and these too will be addressed by the Minister of State....

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to cyber bullying. This matter will be the subject of a Fine Gael Private Members' motion next week. We will have ample opportunity for a debate and contributions from all sides of the House on this important issue. Senator Wilson adverted to the future of the Reserve Defence Force. The Minister for Defence, Deputy Shatter, addressed the matter in the other...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Hayden also commented on the children's rights referendum. It is important that we urge all people to go out and vote in this important referendum and secure a "Yes" vote. Senators Jim D'Arcy and Brennan referred to jobs for Drogheda. They are delivering for their constituents in that part of the constituency. Any announcement on jobs in the country is to be welcomed. Let us hope...

Seanad: Alcohol Consumption: Statements (Resumed) (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I will begin by extending a warm welcome to the Minister of State, a former colleague of ours in this House and a very valued Member of the 23rd Seanad. I wish him well in his portfolio. Those inside and outside of this House are acutely aware of the challenges which face the health service. In that context I wish the Minister of State, Deputy White, the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and the...

Seanad: Social Welfare Appeals System: Motion (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Ar 10.30 maidin amárach.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, address by Professor Christopher A. Pissarides, School Professor of Economics and Political Science at the London School of Economics and Nobel Laureate, to commence at 1 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed five minutes and the contribution of one Sinn Féin Senator not to exceed two minutes, at the conclusion of which Professor...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Many Members have spoken about the children's rights referendum and its importance. We all agree that this is one of the most important referendums that we have had. I hope that the fact that it will be held on a Saturday will lead to large numbers coming out in support of it. It is very important, as Members have stated. Quite a number of Members have spoken on the issue this morning. I...