Results 6,601-6,620 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee and Remaining Stages (12 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to allow the House until 5.50 p.m. to conclude its work on this Bill.

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I commend the movers of the Bill. We all want to see change and reform in the way we do our business. I agree with some items in the Bill but there are some that I totally disagree with. I reject totally that the Government has been in any way obstructionist in relation to this Bill. Let us look at the Title of Bill - the Seanad Bill. I would have thought that it would have been called...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I am sure that when the report is in place we will have another very important debate in this House on the proposals put forward. Again, I reject the claim that we have not been reforming this House. We have done quite a number of things to reform this House already.

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: We have referred to the public consultation committee. We have already met the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny. Senators Quinn, Leyden, van Turnhout, Colm Burke and myself will examine the EU work programme which will be published this month of November, probably next week. We will look at areas we can debate from that work programme in this House. That is one item. We will...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: This is an effort by the Government. Some people do not like it because it will affect them personally in terms of how they get elected. They are right to fight their corner in that regard. They are very right in fighting their own corner and we have to listen to them as well. This Government has listened to what the people said in 1979 and will try to legislate for same. I reject totally...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I propose that, notwithstanding anything included in the Order of Business today and Standing Orders, Committee Stage be adjourned.

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, 13 November 2014.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Protocol No. 21 on the position of the UK and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on the European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, referral to committee, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; and No. 2, statements on Horizon 2020, to be...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I think we had about half the Members of the House contributing to the Order of Business today. This is rightly so given the important issue raised by many of them. Senator O'Brien has raised the plight of pensioners and deferred benefit pensions. An amendment to the Order of Business has been proposed. I wish to propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the statements on Horizon...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Would the Senator let me reply?

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: He asked why it was necessary last week for gardaí to protect Ministers. He knows now why there was a need for gardaí to protect Ministers after what happened at the weekend and since.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Bacik and many other Members have condemned the violence which took place over the weekend. They commended the Tánaiste and Senator Zappone on the dignity they displayed then and since. What we have witnessed at the weekend and in several instances since was totally unacceptable. Oireachtas Members have a responsibility to act responsibly at all times. We did not witness that...

Seanad: EU Protocol 21: Motion (18 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (18 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: It was agreed on the Order of Business that the statements on the Irish airlines superannuation pension scheme be taken at 6 p.m. to conclude no later than 6.30 p.m. The Minister's opening remarks will be five minutes and group spokespersons will have four minutes, with the Minister to reply no later than 6.27 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, referral to committee, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, statements on the report of the Commission on the Economic Development of Rural Ireland, to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude not later than 4 p.m., with the contributions from group spokespersons not to exceed...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Darragh O'Brien and several other speakers spoke about water charges and the investment in infrastructure for a water supply. I am arranging to have a debate on the matter on Tuesday next. I hope everyone will have an opportunity to attend. We must bear in mind that the Minister was present for a debate on the matter in recent weeks, but I assure Members that the new proposals will...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I realise the situation and I will see what I can do as regards providing Government time for it. I think there are a few minutes of that time remaining and I will try to facilitate the Senator.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Naughton raised the important issue of cyberbullying and the law reform consultation process and said that Members could feed into that. She proposed we have a debate on the matter after the report is completed. It is a matter which needs constant attention and debate. I will arrange for the relevant Minister to come into the House to discuss that matter. Senator MacSharry raised...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senators Hayden and Landy raised the matter of the imposition of automatic fines for motorists who do not have a valid national car test, NCT, disc displayed, which will come into effect on 8 December, and the need to step up an information campaign on this measure. I heard Conor Faughnan of AA Ireland outline this measure in recent weeks. It is a matter of public concern. I will bring the...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Mullins spoke about Ireland's best young entrepreneurs competition. There are 24 finalists from 17 counties and I am sure we all wish them well. The Senator called for a further debate on the Action Plan for Jobs. I have asked the Minister, Deputy Bruton, to come into the House to address that matter. Senator Cullinane outlined that many questions have been asked about water...