Results 701-720 of 11,433 for speaker:Michael Kitt

Seanad: Schools Building Projects (31 Jan 2007)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Minister for confirming there will be a principal and eight mainstream teachers in the new school. I urge him to send the technical team to Aughrim in the next few weeks. We cannot wait any longer.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: I join in the call for a debate on MRSA and other hospital-acquired bugs and viruses of which we hear. I bring to the notice of the House the fact that three wards closed in University College Hospital Galway because of such illnesses. More than one year ago, I gave to the HSE the names of products which could deal with these issues. However, I received no response from the HSE on whether...

Seanad: Consumer Protection Bill 2007: Second Stage (6 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, to the House and I am glad to contribute to this welcome Bill. The explanatory memorandum refers to provisions on pyramid schemes. I assume the provisions are new, as there have been many warnings on this issue, particularly in respect of last year's scam in County Cork. In terms of consumer protection, advertising is of concern. Senator...

Seanad: School Closures. (6 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: I appreciate that the Cathaoirleach has allowed me to raise this issue because it is unique for him to allow two Members from one constituency to raise a common issue. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Treacy, who is the most important man in our constituency, for coming into the House.

Seanad: School Closures. (6 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: We held a meeting with the Minister for Education and Science on budget day, 6 December last, with parents, teachers, and public representatives from Galway and Clare because this problem affects north Clare too. I wish to raise a slightly different point from that raised by Senator Ulick Burke. We brought what I believe was new information to the Minister that day. I would like the report...

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2007: Second Stage (7 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: They were getting ready for the Leader.

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed). (7 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: Senator Ryan mentioned Brehon law. This was an oral tradition rather than a statute law. After the Norman-English introduced statute law to Ireland, the Brehon Law was suppressed during the 17th century and no such laws survived in the legal system. I thank Members for participating in this short debate. More time is required for debates of this nature. I remind them to let me know if...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: I support Senator Brian Hayes's call for a debate on the issue of postal voting. The register of electors has been printed and at first glance appears a big improvement on the old register. The issue of giving votes to people going on holidays reminds me of the debate we used have about immigrants voting. Some people are away so long on holidays that we could not really give them a vote....

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2007: Committee Stage (14 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: My officials tell me the figure is 100% in terms of the existence of the Act.

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2007: Committee Stage (14 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: In short, the question of digitisation is a matter for the National Library.

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2007: Committee Stage (14 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: Regarding section 9(2)(b) which states that "nothing in this Act shall be read as affecting section 11(16) of the Local Government Act 2001", this, as Members have said, ensures we preserve the ceremonial powers and functions of mayors in their offices.

Seanad: Statute Law Revision Bill 2007: Committee Stage (14 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: Regarding the question raised by Senator Mooney, specific additional provisions are also included to deal with issues that arose during the drafting process, especially the question of preserving any extant orders under the Government of Ireland Act 1920 and the Irish Free State (Agreement) Act 1922. In the period during which the State moved towards independence transitional orders were...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects. (14 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to raise this issue and I welcome the Minister of State to the House. This is my first request to him and I hope he can give me an update on the position of Cahergal National School, near Tuam in County Galway. The board of management, the parents' committee, the teachers and the students of this school have been trying for many years...

Seanad: Schools Building Projects. (14 Feb 2007)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Can he inform me when the transfer of the existing site from Cahergal National School to the Department will be completed? That is vital to the development of the school.

Seanad: Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister to the House and I welcome the Bill. It is important to deal with any loopholes in the Education Act 1998. I welcome the task force on student behaviour which the Minister established. Second level schools vary in their type and size. Students may be spoiled for choice in some instances. They can often move from a large to a small school within the same catchment...

Seanad: Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007: Second Stage (20 Mar 2007)

Michael Kitt: They were in the parade last Saturday.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Mar 2007)

Michael Kitt: On 15 March the Health Service Executive, HSE, advised people in Galway city and parts of County Galway to boil water. Almost one week ago a boiled water notice was put in place to the effect that one should boil water before using it. This notice affects approximately 90,000 people in Galway city and in towns such as Tuam, Athenry, Barna, Headford, Oranmore and Moycullen. As it was issued...

Seanad: National Climate Change Strategy 2000: Motion (21 Mar 2007)

Michael Kitt: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following: "welcomes the progress made under the National Climate Change Strategy in decoupling greenhouse gas emissions from economic growth". I reserve my right to speak.

Seanad: National Climate Change Strategy 2000: Motion (21 Mar 2007)

Michael Kitt: I welcome this debate and the Minister. I have already moved the amendment, which I support. Climate change is recognised as the most serious and threatening global environmental problem. Under the Kyoto Protocol, the Government has agreed to limit greenhouse gas emissions to 13%, or 15 million tonnes per year, above the 1990 levels by the first commitment period of 2008-12. The Minister...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Michael Kitt: I thank Senator Ormonde and welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Fahey, to the House. The two Bills on social welfare have been welcome. In particular I welcome the point made by the Minister about the contributory pension having doubled since 1997. The State contributory pension has increased to €209 per week and the non-contributory to €200. I welcome the fact that people in receipt...