Results 61-80 of 11,433 for speaker:Michael Kitt

Seanad: Protection of the Environment Bill 2003: Committee Stage (Resumed). (5 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: In reference to the comments about County Galway, it is only fair to say that the Department of the Environment and Local Governement has been very positive in helping our county, and indeed other counties. Environmental grants have been provided to tackle litter and the Department has had a role in the tidy towns competition. This should not be overlooked and it should be commended for the...

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Schools Building Projects. (5 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I wish to share time with Senator Ulick Burke.

Seanad: Adjournment Matter. - Schools Building Projects. (5 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister of State. As a Deputy representing a Gaeltacht area, I am sure he will sympathise with the case I am making for Gaelscoil uí Cheithearnaigh. I invite him to visit Ballinasloe to see the accommodation crisis at the school, which featured on RTÉ's "Six One News" programme this evening. The school was founded 13 years ago with just six pupils. In September 2003, 195...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: The Bill seeks to amend the principal Act. The debate is ultimately concerned with the question of being in favour of, or against, the dual mandate. I understood most parties in the House were against its continuance. The amendment seeks to allow Senators to retain a dual mandate if they wish. However, it is important to note that this House does extensive work and most Senators are very busy...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: The Senator is rewriting history.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: The Senator is lost for words.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I understand the Minister has made a commitment to ensuring full documentation is provided. Access is also important. I hope the Minister will respond positively.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (6 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I hope the Minister will look at this issue. We would like to receive the report as early as possible. While I do not blame local authorities for my experience, I know that the report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals is one that comes late to health boards. It is normal to be told when one receives the report that some of the improvements have been made and that the report is a year or...

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I support what other Members said about the leaked reports. What is happening concerning those reports is disgraceful. I refer not only to the report in regard to the penalty points system but also the Hanley report on the task force on medical manpower, to which reference was made. That report examined services in the Mid-Western Health Board area and Eastern Area Health Authority and...

Seanad: Convention on the Future of Europe: Statements. (12 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I echo the welcome for Deputy John Bruton. I know of his commitment to Europe. Deputy Bruton mentioned the EURATOM Treaty and I agree with him that questions could be raised regarding the closure of unsafe nuclear facilities. I understand this treaty is to be reviewed, but I am concerned that treatment of the nuclear industry is too preferential. I have asked on previous occasions if there is...

Seanad: Order of Business. (20 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I support calls for a debate on housing and, in particular, the disabled persons housing scheme and the essential repairs grant. The health board housing aid scheme for the elderly has been substantial and successful. Some 1,200 individual projects were carried out by the Western Health Board last year. The scheme has many critics but it should be looked at as a basis for improvements that...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (25 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: That is up to the councillors.

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (25 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: The amendment under discussion proposes to extend the implementation date to 2009. The previous Minister was criticised for failing to abolish the dual mandate in 1999 and it is very cynical to propose that it be put off again. One is either in favour of abolishing the dual mandate or one is not. Most parties were in favour of doing so in 1999 when the previous Minister was criticised for...

Seanad: Local Government Bill 2003: Report and Final Stages. (25 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister's positive contribution. We spoke about access to officials and I know that local authority officials would welcome interaction with Oireachtas Members and local authorities. Area meetings are very important and I referred to them on Second Stage. Senator Dardis referred to planning matters. Oireachtas Members should be allowed discuss matters such as prior notice...

Seanad: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (25 Mar 2003)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister and thank her for what she has said. I congratulate her also on the announcement made in the previous Bill and compliment her, in particular, on the attention she has given to helping the elderly, widows and widowers and those in receipt of child benefit.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Kitt: I support calls for a debate on Iraq. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs has sent a delegation but a larger delegation, involving other European countries, would be very useful. I would be glad to go on a delegation to Iraq—

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Kitt: —to see if we can get resolution on this issue. At the weekend the newspapers published the names of people with bogus non-resident accounts but there was no mention of the banks, in this country and elsewhere, which facilitated those accounts.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Kitt: Will the Leader ask the Minister for Finance what action will be taken against those banks which facilitated and encouraged such accounts? They seem to be getting away scot free.

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Kitt: Is this a budget debate?

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed). (1 Apr 2003)

Michael Kitt: I was only asking a question.