Results 7,501-7,520 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I was impressed by Senator Daly's expertise in the area of security and the risks facing this country. I assure him that I have the utmost confidence in, and in everything that is being done by, the security forces and Defence Forces. The Defence Forces are a lot better equipped and knowledgeable about security and security risk than people realise. Last evening I attended a function with...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I can assure Senator Daly that the forces are very strong on security, in particular. The necessary resources will be provided to the Defence Forces to increase the potential for the security area to develop. In terms of a debate on a united Ireland, I do not think we will have such a debate before Christmas. We will try to have it early in the New Year. Senator Bacik mentioned terrorism...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I agree we should have a debate on the matter and I will try to get the Minister to come before the House for that purpose. Senators White and Mullins has also asked for a debate with the Minister on the Action Plan for Jobs and the regional plans that have been announced. The action plan has been one of the major positive achievements of the Government with the unemployment rate now under...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I am only outlining what the Senator raised yesterday. Senator Cahill also sought a debate on the agreement. Like Senator Bradford, she noted it was regrettable that some legacy issues were not addressed. I will try to have the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in before the Christmas but, as the Acting Leader mentioned, a great deal of legislation will be brought before the House in...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No.1, Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015 - Second Stage, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and adjourned not later than 3.30 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes; No. 2, Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken at 3.30 p.m....

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The Senator should refer to him as the Minister, Deputy Varadkar.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Darragh O'Brien referred to the need to bring EU approval for a new cystic fibrosis drug into effect here. I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar. I assure all Members, including Senator O'Brien, that I will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House as soon as possible. We have business ordered up to 7.30 p.m. today and,...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: On the question of the Private Member's Bill, we will certainly have a debate on that. The Bill is very worthy and Members on this side of the House will be giving serious consideration to supporting it. The Senator also had a query on the closing date for nominations for the next Seanad election. The process is set down in law and happens by way of ministerial order. I doubt that the...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Next Tuesday.

Seanad: Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I wish to amend the Order of Business to allow another ten minutes to conclude Report and Final Stages of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015.

Seanad: Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015: Report and Final Stages (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I propose that we extend the time by another five minutes to allow us complete the debate.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I commend my friend and colleague from the other side of the House, Senator Wilson, for proposing this Bill. As he stated, it is a small step in Seanad reform and relates to the 43 Members elected by the panels and a by-election. I know the Minister has outlined a number of areas that would need to be refined when the Bill reaches Second Stage but giving local authority members a say when a...

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: This is the rotten borough that Senator Norris spoke about where only 200 or so had a vote. Senator Wilson is proposing to amend that. I know the Seanad was set up by Mr. de Valera and everything in the initial Bill and Act was drawn by him. There was a time when Fianna Fáil thought that every word and action of Mr. de Valera was infallible but, obviously, the sands are beginning to...

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The House has produced alterations and reforms over the past four to five years. Obviously, 80% of Seanad reports and reports on Seanad reform concerned how the Seanad is to be elected. I have no doubt that, irrespective of which Government comes in or which party or parties form the next Government, we will see changes. At least half of the Seanad Members will be elected by the people in...

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015: Second Stage (25 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Ar 10.30 maidin amárach.

Seanad: Tributes to Member of Staff (26 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: I join the Cathaoirleach in wishing Mr. Bernard Hand well in his retirement. Like all of his usher colleagues, he treats all Members and their guests with respect and dignity. We are grateful to all of the ushers. Bernard has been a wonderful person to everybody in the House for many years. I wish him well in his retirement.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, Planning and Development (Urgent Social Housing Supply) Policy Directive 2015, back from Committee, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business, without debate; No. 2, Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 12.45 p.m. and to conclude no later than 2.25 p.m., if not previously...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: That is totally incorrect.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: That Senator Daly would seek to make political capital out of a man who-----

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Daly is trying to make political capital out of the man. He is a disgrace.