Results 6,481-6,500 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: It is nice that calm has been restored. I could not hear what Senators were saying with the noise on both sides of the House. If people want replies, I must hear what they say in the first place. Senator Darragh O'Brien commended the Defence Forces, as did other Members, on their bravery and professionalism. I am glad we are having the debate at 1 p.m. We all commend the work of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: If Senator Norris gives me the full details, I will raise the matter. It should be examined. Senator Martin Conway spoke about the lack of customer service in banks and in Irish Water and called for a callback service from Irish Water. Senator Daly proposed amending the Order of Business to allow us to take No. 11, Immigration Reform for US Citizens Living in Ireland Bill 2014 - First...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: The Data Protection Commissioner stated that Irish Water was entitled to PPS numbers under the legislation. It relates to people receiving allowances. That is why PPS numbers are requested.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Sinn Féin, as I pointed out previously, already charges for water indirectly in Northern Ireland as part of the domestic rates.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: That is more of that rubbish talk. There is also a property tax in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin recently deferred the introduction of direct charging for water until 2016. I wonder why. The average domestic rates charge in Northern Ireland is £950 per household, which is far in excess of the equivalent in the South. The Sinn Féin policy of keeping Irish Water but abandoning...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: That must be bridged by additional taxes. We have not seen the budget-----

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I am glad it was published at last. Perhaps Senator Cullinane can tell us where the €850 million will come from.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Mullins referred to the VAT reduction for the hospitality sector and how effective the measures were. It would be a laudable thing to have a debate on the issue. Senator Terry Leyden referred to the conflict in Syria and the dangers of Islamic State. He called for a debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, who has indicated that he will be coming to the House in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I accept the amendment.

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I am a former chairman of the Garter Lane Arts Centre and many other bodies in my native city. As someone who has been involved in the arts all my life, I welcome the Minister and compliment her on an excellent contribution. It is normal practice in the House that when the Opposition tables a motion during Private Members' business, the Government tables an amendment. This evening, in a...

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Anything I say is the truth and I can stand over it.

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I assure Members that stuffing boards with political hacks has been Fianna Fáil policy when in office. Before leaving the topic, before the self-proclaimed guardians of transparency come and have their say, I will refer to one body in the case of Sinn Féin. The current board includes two Sinn Féin councillors and two Sinn Féin activists.

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: That is just one body.

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I will not go into any of the appointments made in Northern Ireland. I say this before Sinn Féin Members have a go, as I know they will.

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: The Minister has stated we now have a policy on the appointment of board members. She has given an indication that she is fully committed to using the public appointments process in the future in line with current Government guidelines. Last week the Government agreed to a revised model for ministerial appointments to State boards. The new requirements provide us with a more credible,...

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senators can give it but they cannot take it.

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Yes.

Seanad: Arts and Culture Sector: Motion (8 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Ar 10.30 maidin amárach.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on budget 2015, to be taken at 4 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes each and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes each, and the Minister to be called on to reply to the debate not later than 5.55 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Oct 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Good try.