Results 541-560 of 11,441 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (11 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: It might be useful. It would also make it easier to have a topical debate. Yesterday, as we all know, the Order of Business became a discussion about the dreadful events in Northern Ireland at the weekend, which is as it should have been. Yet, we still had to remain within this rather artificial framework of the Order of Business. It would be a great improvement to the perception of the...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (11 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: My final point is that at this difficult economic time, the proposal of former Senator O'Rourke to extend the numbers in the Seanad to 65 might not be a runner. Overall, however, we need to overhaul our internal system internally and externally. I commend the motion to the House without the amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I echo the calls for further debate on Seanad reform following the successful debate last night that was prompted by Senator O'Toole's motion. It would be useful for Members to debate Fine Gael's proposals on Seanad reform. I also made some modest proposals for internal reforms to Seanad procedures to make its sittings somewhat more accessible and more relevant. The Leader should take on...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I thank the Cathaoirleach. He speaks of the immense potential, and it is no more than this——

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: ——that such research has with regard to trying to seek cures for currently incurable diseases and conditions.

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I echo the words of Senator O'Toole about the proposed strike or day of action on Monday. We are all in agreement that it is unnecessary. Even though I speak as a committed trade unionist, many of us are very unhappy about the way it looks and many in the public sector are understandably reluctant to be seen to be withdrawing labour at a time when so many of their friends, relatives and...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I join others in welcoming the news yesterday that the strike scheduled for Monday has been called off. That is something we all welcome. However, now our thoughts turn to what will be in the mini-budget on 7 April and what level of engagement the Government will have with the trade unions and the other social partners. It is vital that there is real engagement and information is...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: Why should millionaires' children go to national schools alongside the children of those on social welfare? It is because there is a principle of social equity and fairness. I would like a debate on that. We need to see social services such as health and education provided free of charge at the point of access and paid for much more fairly through the taxation system. The Minister, Deputy...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Mar 2009)

Ivana Bacik: ——that if he targets only the well-off he will not make enough money to fill the gap. I wish to thank the Cathaoirleach. I addressed a letter to him having asked the Leader's permission to invite the former Green Party Senator from Colombia, Ingrid Betancourt, to address the House now that she has been released from FARC captivity. I thought it would be a very important gesture to have...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I did not think I would have an opportunity to speak. I want to ask the Leader for a debate on censorship and freedom of expression, not in the context of the debate we have been having recently about the Government's gross over-reaction to the satirical portrait of the Taoiseach, although I share the concern of many about the heavy-handed tactics of the Garda Síochána in investigating...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I support the view of other Senators who were critical of the comments made by IBEC, which advocates reductions in social welfare payments. It is most unwise of directors of IBEC——

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: ——to express the view that cuts should be made in social welfare payments. What came to my mind on hearing this were the cuts called for last year by a certain senior banker, who subsequently resigned and fell from grace. He called for the abolition of free medical cards for people aged over 70 years and we have seen his fall from grace as a result. It is unjustified hubris for IBEC...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: ——Turlough O'Sullivan, calling for the abolition of the Seanad as a way of cutting Government spending. It was extremely inappropriate of somebody in his position to make such a call as he was overstepping his role.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the changes proposed this morning to the Order of Business. During the debate on Seanad Reform, I called for time limits to be imposed on all Senators on the Order of Business and on the Leader's response. That would make the Order of Business more democratic and lively, and would allow more people to contribute, which is positive.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the exhibition that is on display in Leinster House 2000 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Oireachtas. It is a wonderful exhibition with some really evocative photographs. I urge all those who have not seen it to go and have a look. Some of the most memorable photographs include that of the statue of Queen Victoria, which was removed——-

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: It may be time for us to once again request the removal of cars from Leinster Lawn. Given that the statue of Queen Victoria was removed, and rightly so, cars should also be removed.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: That is a very serious allegation.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Committee Stage (Resumed) (2 Apr 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the opportunity to comment on the Bill at the conclusion of Committee Stage and I look forward to making further contributions on Report Stage. As I did before, I welcome this Bill, as did people on both sides of the House. The debate on it has been extremely worthwhile and has, I hope, contributed to what will be an improvement of the Bill on Report Stage. I would like to...