Results 861-880 of 26,396 for speaker:David Cullinane

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment)(Political Funding) Bill 2011: Second Stage (2 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: In my household, we have practised a 50:50 gender breakdown for years, in that my wife and I have each contested three elections in different constituencies. Speaking as a male politician, I say this legislation is long overdue. One of the country's greatest scandals has been the under-representation of women in politics and, arguably, in many other strands of society. I find it offensive...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: I welcome the Tánaiste to the House. I remind him that we have invited the Taoiseach to come to the Seanad as well. There are many questions we would like to ask him. Perhaps the Tánaiste might use his influence to ensure the Taoiseach comes here. The Tánaiste mentioned the good work that is being done on North-South and east-west relations. He will be aware that the Secretary of State...

Seanad: Priorities in Foreign Affairs: Statements (2 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: My question was not answered either.

Seanad: Long-Term Illness Scheme (2 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: People who have long-term illnesses have a heavy load to bear in terms of cost of treatment, the effect on their lives and their ability to work. They deserve our every support in trying to live ordinary lives. The long-term illness scheme has not been revised since the 1970s and some very severe and long-term illnesses are not included in that list of illnesses. These include, as I...

Seanad: Long-Term Illness Scheme (2 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: The reason I raised this issue is that I was contacted by a lupus sufferer. She pointed out that she and many people have found themselves in a position where they are unable to get the supports they require from the State because they simply are not there. She made the appeal, not only on her behalf but for all lupus sufferers and people who suffer from other illnesses, that they get the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: I ask the Leader if we will now see governance by press release. We had a number of debates in this House concerning the Water Services (Amendment) Bill and only last week the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government was here to discuss amendments to the Bill and the septic tank charge. Members of my party and Fianna Fáil, along with some Independents, tabled numerous...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: He should go further and reverse the charge completely. He should publish the relevant standards and define what grant aid is available. He should also remove the criminal sanctions in the Bill. We need a similar U-turn on the household charge. We will see people crippled with that charge and people who cannot afford to pay will end up in court. We have heard that the Minister for...

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: He climbed down under pressure.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: It was a climbdown.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: That is not what he said when he first came in here.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: Last week he said different European standards had to be put in place, now it is about a fiver.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: It is Government by press release.

Seanad: Order of Business. (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: Why was the announcement not made in this House?

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) Political Funding Bill 2012: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: I will continue where I left off, on the point that all Oireachtas Members, especially males, should support the legislation before the House. It is a tragedy that women are under-represented in politics. While this House has a good percentage of female Members, across the Oireachtas, unfortunately, that is not the case and the same applies to local councils. Male Members should not see...

Seanad: Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Bill 2011: Second Stage (8 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: I welcome the Minister to the House and I welcome the publication of the Bill, which I support. I fully support the Bill and I hope we will see its speedy passage through this House and through the Dáil. I will desist from raising local health issues but I call on the Minister and the Leader to arrange for the Minister to come back to the House to discuss the national health service plan....

Seanad: Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Bill 2011: Second Stage (8 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: Of course we must pay the bill, but health care should not be about profit. That is the point.

Seanad: Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Bill 2011: Second Stage (8 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: Health care should not be based on profit or, at least, access to health care should not be based on ability to pay, but on need. This is a fundamental principle I hold. This problem is one of the core difficulties with our primary health care system and it needs to be addressed as part of an overall patient-centred reform and rebuilding of primary care on the basis of need, equity and...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: I ask the Leader to provide additional time for the debate on the Croke Park agreement. I do not think 90 minutes is sufficient time to debate all the issues arising and a number of Senators have raised questions in the context of public sector reform. Certain economic commentators and right-wing elements of the media and Government are attempting to undermine the Croke Park agreement with a...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: In that case, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business so that we have a three hour debate on the Croke Park agreement.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Feb 2012)

David Cullinane: Now it is the staff's fault. I have heard it all now.