Results 921-940 of 14,090 for speaker:Marc MacSharry
- Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities (19 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: I know but I ask the Acting Chairman to indulge me slightly because I have a couple of brief points to make. As the Minister of State has made the effort to be present in the Chamber, the least I can do is to make the points outlining my rationale for raising this matter. The aforementioned notes stated Wisdom Services has received 38% of the funding and have 23% of the people with...
- Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities (19 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: ----- simply was not present. The Minister of State should correct the record in this regard because an audio version of her contribution was disgraceful, in respect of the complexion it created regarding the facts, which include the brilliance and expertise that was delivered by the people operating under the auspices of Wisdom Services over the years. At this late stage, I ask the...
- Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities (19 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: ----- and to continue to deliver the aforementioned services. Moreover, if it is necessary to deflect a portion of the national budget to that particular HSE area, it should be done. I believe it is in the best interests of the State from a value-for-money perspective and more important-----
- Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities (19 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: ----- it is in the best interests of those who use those services. I thank the Acting Chairman for his indulgence.
- Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities (19 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: I accept the response of the Minister of State but I do not like it. It is worth remembering it was at the invitation of the State that these people provided the services. Applying the basic business common sense I may have, I do not see how we expected Wisdom Services to run a deficit they would subsidise from the religious order and at the same time, in spite of the fact that they did...
- Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities (19 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Surely then, we should wait until we see that review before we allow Wisdom Services to disengage.
- Seanad: Services for People with Disabilities (19 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Are we potentially downscaling the service?
- Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Following on from the comments of others I call for a debate on the constitutional convention that the Government plans to establish. I have concerns as to the superficiality of the issues to be discussed, including the reduction of the age for voting and the reduction of the term of the President. It is not that these are not important issues but if we are to go to the trouble, cost,...
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: I am glad to have the opportunity to make a few points and welcome the Minister of State the House. On the Order of Business this morning, I mentioned that far too often in Irish history, the Government of the day has been guilty of using Parliament as a tool, rather than the Government and Cabinet being the tools of Parliament and its people. While I noted all Administrations probably were...
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Members should think of that level of democratic subversion because this is what is taking place today and there is no excuse for it. I do not hold Senator Cummins responsible as Leader of the House, because I acknowledge he shares many of my views. However, what has sickened me in my ten years as a Member is the manner in which the political hierarchies of Fine Gael, of Fianna Fáil in its...
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Why are the active Members who have often spoken about Seanad reform and the need for the constitutional convention to include this issue not present today to participate in this debate? It was because they were told to stay away. Moreover, Senator Bacik would have Members believe the Government sent in the poor, honourable Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, who is not briefed on the...
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: I have known the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, for as long as anyone in this House and he certainly is as well briefed as any other Minister. It is a disgrace that we are stifling debate and democracy, giving a Harvey Smith to democracy and downright manipulating a process that will ensure Seanad abolition. Shame on Fine Gael in particular, and also on the Labour Party for allowing...
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Is the incoming Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, as well briefed?
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: According to Senator Bacik-----
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: They are not allowed. They have been told not to speak.
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Some of your Members were telling us that was what the Whip was saying.
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Hear, hear.
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Without interruption, please.
- Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)
Marc MacSharry: Hear, hear.