Results 81-100 of 1,855 for speaker:Frances Black

Seanad: Northern Ireland: Statements (26 Jan 2017)

Frances Black: I thank the Minister for coming here today. He has a very big challenge ahead. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Martin McGuinness, who as we all know was instrumental in the peace process. We all know that he has worked tirelessly to connect with people to whom he has been diametrically opposed politically, most notably the late Rev. Ian Paisley. We may not see his...

Seanad: Order of Business (31 Jan 2017)

Frances Black: I congratulate Mr. Martin Groves on his appointment as Clerk of the Seanad. I thank him for his support, especially when I first came into the House. He still supports me and I appreciate all of his hard work. I thank Senator Catherine Noone for highlighting the issue about which she spoke eloquently - alcohol and pregnancy and the fact that the country was among the top five in the...

Seanad: Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: With the permission of the Chair, I would like to share my time with Senator Alice Mary Higgins.

Seanad: Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I thank the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, for being present in the Chamber. I was very disappointed by the comments made by Senator Jerry Buttimer on the contribution made by my colleague, Senator Lynn Ruane. He was unfair. Senator Lynn Ruane had every right to talk about what more needed to be done. I know that it is a day of celebration, but, unfortunately, Senator Jerry...

Seanad: Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I understand that, but I would like it to be noted.

Seanad: Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: She was not present when he made his comments, but I would like it to be noted that I was very disappointed by his behaviour.

Seanad: Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: Then he should have been more careful in what he said.

Seanad: Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: He did and his comments were unfair. It was not right; it was an injustice, particularly when Senator Lynn Ruane was not in the Chamber to hear them. She had every right to say what she felt. This is a democratic society. I welcome the Bill presented by Senator Gerald Nash. I thank him and the Labour Party for introducing it. It is really appreciated. The Bill asks the State to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (1 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I thank the witnesses for coming in. We know it is vital that companies can continue trading and providing employment across member states. I wanted to know if the increased priority given to restructuring will result in a higher burden being placed on creditors and employees in terms of wage cuts following restructuring. Could the lack of court involvement lead to abuse of the new...

Seanad: Amendments to Councillors' Conditions: Statements (8 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I wish to share time with Senator Dolan, taking three minutes and two minutes, respectively.

Seanad: Amendments to Councillors' Conditions: Statements (8 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I welcome the Minister to the House and acknowledge the planned changes to the members' annual fixed allowance. In particular, I note his acknowledgement that the changes are a response to the increased workload of elected members arising from the local government reforms of 2014, in particular the allocation of new statutory functions. I also welcome the city and county councillors who are...

Seanad: Derelict and Vacant Sites Bill 2017: Second Stage (8 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I thank the Minister for his time today. It has been a long day for him. I also want to give my full support to my colleague, Senator Grace O'Sullivan, and the Bill as I feel it is dealing directly with the housing crisis that our country is facing, something about which the Minister is passionate. I know the Minister is aware that, in 2016, some 20 families were evicted from their homes...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Prisons, Penal Policy and Sentencing: Irish Penal Reform Trust (8 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: My apologies for being late this morning and for missing the first contribution. I will speak about addiction. I have worked in Dóchas Prison and with women who have been in recovery from addiction. I hear what the witnesses are saying and I have a couple of questions, but first I will tell them why I am asking them. I worked with a family that was devastated by their son's...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Prisons, Penal Policy and Sentencing: Irish Penal Reform Trust (8 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: The last committee report. Chairman:The last committee report had recommendations in 2013.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Prisons, Penal Policy and Sentencing: Irish Penal Reform Trust (8 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: How many relapsed?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Prisons, Penal Policy and Sentencing: Irish Penal Reform Trust (8 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: Is that of those who went into recovery?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Prisons, Penal Policy and Sentencing: Irish Penal Reform Trust (8 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: Why do the witnesses think there is a lack of political will in particular in implementing the report?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Implications for Good Friday Agreement of UK Referendum Result (Resumed): Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (9 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I thank the Minister for coming in today and for his commitment and hard work. He has a tough road ahead. I was at an event in Belfast a couple of weeks ago about the Supreme Court ruling. A political scientist, Brendan O'Leary, spoke on Skype. He has a huge interest in this area. He spoke about the fears of a hard border, and his idea is that Westminster in particular does not really...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I want to express my concern and disgust regarding the treatment of Sergeant Maurice McCabe and his family. I just had to mention this on the Order of Business today. As we all know, the greatest fear of any parent is to be accused of mistreating or abusing his or her children. It is an absolute nightmare. The treatment of Maurice McCabe by the organisation he continues to serve and by...

Seanad: Hospital Waiting Lists: Motion (15 Feb 2017)

Frances Black: I also commend Sinn Féin and thank it for tabling this issue in Private Members' time. As we all know, the number of people on waiting lists for essential hospital procedures is a scandal. That has been spoken about a lot today. We also know that thousands of people are being forced to spend months in pain while they wait for an operation or to see a specialist. It saddens me deeply...