Results 1,301-1,320 of 5,294 for speaker:Michael McCarthy

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Michael McCarthy: Yes. With regard to the public sector strike, if we want lessons about social solidarity or pointers on how to get out of this economic crisis, we need not look to our colleagues in IBEC. Senator O'Toole stated correctly and consistently that the six largest members of IBEC brought us to the brink of economic collapse. It is a damned cheek for them to suggest people should lose medical...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Michael McCarthy: Says she who was appointed by the Taoiseach.

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (Resumed) (25 Nov 2009)

Michael McCarthy: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey. I record my appreciation of the agreement of Senator Brendan Ryan, whose Private Members' Bill was due to be debated this evening, to a discussion on this urgent matter. I am aware issues arose in the other House in terms of the length of debate on this issue. However, I am delighted this House - it is most important I say this - has been...

Seanad: Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: Problem solved.

Seanad: Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and commend Senator Ryan on his research ahead of this Bill and on introducing it in the House. It is one of those issues that exercises everyone's mind at one stage or another. Unfortunately, when we get over the initial reaction to an individual situation, we tend to move on and forget about the problem's root cause. This matter affects us all....

Seanad: Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: He is wise to put it on the record.

Seanad: Export Credit Insurance (9 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: The Minister of State's five minutes is almost up.

Seanad: Export Credit Insurance (9 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: The Minister of State's time is up.

Seanad: Export Credit Insurance (9 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: I ask the Senator to be brief as another Minister of State is ready to take the next matter.

Seanad: Higher Education Grants (9 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: Senator Doherty may ask a brief question.

Seanad: Higher Education Grants (9 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: The brief question has been asked.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: Is Senator Butler replying to the Order of Business?

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: He proposed an amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: I appreciate the Cathaoirleach's indulgence at this late stage on the Order of Business. I have a question for the Leader on the budget but before going further, there is one myth I wish to correct. It has been said consistently since the budget was announced yesterday that pensioners have not been touched. That is a lie. In April the Christmas bonus was abolished. This equates to a 2%...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: No. Bob Dylan.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: I support Senator Norris's amendment. I will read it into the record because it merits doing that. The amendment states: "No person shall have his/her jobseeker's allowance reduced on the grounds of refusal to apply for a job unless the job declined is both suitable and appropriate." Such a proposal is never as clear-cut as the Minster intends it to be. Other factors may be worth...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: I thank the Minister for her reply. What would happen if a person made a spurious allegation and it transpires the allegation about the person purported to be in the black economy, breaking the law or receiving a payment to which he or she is not entitled is not true, are sanctions taken against the person who makes that allegation knowing it not to be true?

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: I asked if sanctions apply to a person who makes a false allegation.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: Absolutely.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (16 Dec 2009)

Michael McCarthy: I share Senator Norris's horror at the fact that anyone would park outside someone's door at 7 a.m. Whatever the excuse, that is hideous activity. I thank the Minister for her replies thus far. Are sanctions imposed on a person if his or her complaint is not upheld? Do sanctions in law exist in the event of a person making a false complaint? I refer to cases where a complaint is not...