Results 41-60 of 4,073 for speaker:Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Written Answers — Homeless Persons: Homeless Persons (21 Jul 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Question 494: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will include domestic violence as one of the factors used to assess a person as homeless under the Housing Act, in view of the fact that the current situation disadvantages victims of domestic violence who are forced to flee their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22545/11]

Written Answers — Garda Vetting of Personnel: Garda Vetting of Personnel (14 Sep 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Question 609: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a proposal to speed up the Garda vetting process by introducing a system that allows a person who receives Garda clearance to benefit from that clearance for the lifetime of the relevant position of employment, and it would be valid for one full year if that person wishes to apply for a voluntary position or another job...

Written Answers — Health Action Plan: Health Action Plan (27 Sep 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Question 527: To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing a tax on so-called junk food to help combat the increasing obesity figures here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25846/11]

Written Answers — Health Action Plan: Health Action Plan (27 Sep 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Question 528: To ask the Minister for Health the concept of including calorie counts on restaurant menus; if he has discussed with a company (details supplied) the reasons for their failure to introduce calorie menus here alongside the planned introduction of same in their UK branches, particularly considering the high levels of obesity here; and if he will make a statement on the matter....

Written Answers — Health Action Plan: Health Action Plan (27 Sep 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Question 529: To ask the Minister for Health the progress made of the special action group on obesity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25848/11]

Employment and National Internship Scheme: Motion (Resumed) (28 Sep 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I am disappointed by the negativity of this motion. There is nothing positive in it with no concrete solutions offered. My disappointment is compounded by the fact the members of the Technical Group who tabled this motion were conspicuous by their absence in the Chamber last night. What we, and our young people who are thinking of emigrating, need is a bit of positivity. We have a...

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Sep 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I am glad of the opportunity to contribute to this debate on tourism, an industry that is essential to the recovery of our economy. I welcome the contribution by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, on the Bill last weekend and commend the approach of the Department on this issue. I am aware the Bill is merely technical in nature but I...

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Sep 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: However, the Government can only do so much and each of us is beholden to be an ambassador for our country. We cannot accept a rip-off culture. Hotels and restaurants must offer good value and high standards of food and accommodation I hope you will forgive me, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, and give me one extra minute so I can extol the virtues and tourism potential of my area, Dún Laoghaire....

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (29 Sep 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Thank you for your patience, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (5 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I fully support the measures in this Bill to reduce the legal blood-alcohol limit while driving from 80 mg to 50 mg per 100 ml of blood and to provide for a reduced rate of 20 mg per 100 ml of blood for learner and professional drivers. These measures had cross-party support when they were introduced in the Road Traffic Act 2010. For too long drink driving was the scourge of our society and...

Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I think so. I was told that I have one minute, so I will be brief.

Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this debate. This legislation is the outcome of a pro-business and pro-enterprise approach on the part of the Government. I wish to raise a specific question with the Minister. Is he aware of the new patent box regime due to come into effect in the UK in April 2013? The Government needs to pay close attention to this initiative,...

Report by the Interdepartmental Working Group on Mortgage Arrears: Statements (Resumed) (18 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I will share time with Deputy McLoughlin. I welcome this debate which I am sure many thousands of mortgage holders will follow with interest. I also welcome the publication of the Keane report as it provides a workable solution for those who are suffering negative equity and unmanageable mortgages. The report takes a considered approach and makes the correct distinction between those who...

Written Answers — Special Educational Needs: Special Educational Needs (18 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Question 147: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the setting up of a special class for children with mild to moderate educational disabilities in the Dún Laoghaire area of County Dublin, in view of the fact that a school (details supplied) is oversubscribed for September 2012, leaving many sixth class primary school students in the area with nowhere to go in...

Written Answers — Special Educational Needs: Special Educational Needs (18 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Question 148: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school place in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29871/11]

Written Answers — National Asset Management Agency: National Asset Management Agency (19 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Question 37: To ask the Minister for Finance the status of lands known as the Ashcastle site on the border between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council, which lands are bordered by the Booterstown Marsh and Nature Reserve, the Rock Road and the DART line and are in the ownership of the National Asset Management Agency; if said lands are for sale; if said lands have...

Topical Issue Matters (20 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I wish to raise an issue.

Topical Issue Matters (20 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: On a point of order.

Topical Issue Matters (20 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I think the Leas-Cheann Comhairle can take a point of order.

Topical Issue Matters (20 Oct 2011)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor: It is a topical issue and I want to correct the record of this House.