Results 1,301-1,320 of 9,145 for speaker:Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Judicial Appointments (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to restore public confidence in the judicial appointments process in view of media revelations that as many as one third of judges here have personal or political connections to political parties before being appointed to the bench. [46417/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Judicial Appointments (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: First, I want to clarify Sinn Féin’s position for the record of the House. We have no ambivalence in standing by the Garda in carrying out its duties. We have been unwavering in our challenge to dissident republicans across this island. In fact, many of our party members have been personally targeted for that approach. Mr. Mitchel McLaughlin, MLA, has had his home attacked on...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Judicial Appointments (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: In fairness, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I had to correct the record of the House on these matters. I accept the Minister’s premise that it would be unfair for someone in the legal profession who has been involved in politics to be excluded from a judicial appointment. The solution is simple. The recommendations of the judicial appointments advisory board do not have to be accepted by...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Judicial Appointments (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: As the Minister knows, thousands of solicitors and barristers have applied to become judges over the past 15 years. There is significant demand and competition for these much valued positions. I accept the Minister’s premise. We want to have people involved in politics but one should not be punished for a contribution to political life. The only way, however, we can restore public...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Restorative Justice (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expand community restorative justice programmes throughout the State; and his views on the contribution these programmes can make to the overall justice system. [46414/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Restorative Justice (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I welcome the Minister's positive assessment of the potential of community restorative justice. A short briefing note from Community Restorative Justice Ireland on the issue states that restorative practices are underpinned, informed and shaped by a value-base of eight key components. These are participation, interconnectedness, honesty, humility, respect, accountability, hope and...

Other Questions: Human Rights and Equality Commission (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I thank the Minister for his response. The UN office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had concerns about the whole approach here. I attended the committee meeting where the selection panel made its presentation and would certainly have no issue with the five members of that panel. Their contribution to public life speaks for itself. I have no doubt about their integrity and the...

Other Questions: Human Rights and Equality Commission (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response, particularly his assurances regarding the OHCHR. The fact that the UN is now content with the process is critical for public confidence. There was some confusion around the process, as the Minister said. When does the Minister expect that the process of the panel recommending the new commission and the new commission being appointed...

Other Questions: Student Visas (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: The number of visa allocations has significantly increased on the 26,000 issued in 2010, which brought revenue of €900 million to the economy. The importance of overseas students to our universities cannot be overstated. My colleague, Deputy Jonathan O'Brien, who is our spokesperson on education, tabled Question No. 8. I urge the Minister to continue co-operating with the Department...

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Invalidity Pension Appeals (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) and if she will review same. [46815/12]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Discussion with Irish Aviation Authority (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I thank the sitting committee members for allowing some of us to attend the meeting today and to put questions on behalf of our constituents. Mr. Humphreys was very upfront and honest in his assessment when he spoke about the precarious business element of these schools. It was alarming to hear that existing legislation technically allows for a type of Ponzi scheme to develop. Deputy...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Discussion with Irish Aviation Authority (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I appreciate the assistance of the Chair. I am almost finished. Mr. Purcell referred to those who remained and are availing of training in Florida and Ireland. They are paying more money for this training. What is the situation for families who cannot afford to pay further? This is the nub of the issue. I do not wish to attribute responsibility to the Irish Aviation Authority for what...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Discussion with Irish Aviation Authority (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I put the question out there with regard to some type of assistance for the families that cannot afford to continue the training as we speak. I did not get a response. The authority has a healthy financial position so could anything be done?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Discussion with Irish Aviation Authority (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I accept the legal advice. Has the authority considered reporting the accountancy firm to the relevant regulatory authority?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Discussion with Irish Aviation Authority (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Will that be considered?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Discussion with Irish Aviation Authority (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: That is fine. I propose that the committee considers referring the Shemburn company and companies held by it to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement for investigation. I also propose that the committee should recommend that the accountancy company Cooney Carey be investigated by the relevant regulatory authority arising from the reports given to a regulatory body of this State.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Discussion with Irish Aviation Authority (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I appreciate why that is being done. I ask that the following three proposals be considered by the inquiry, first, the timeframe for completion of that report be defined as soon as possible; second, to refer the company and its accountants; third, that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar consider a compensation package unique to the students in view of their...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Review of Irish Coast Guard Service: Discussion (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: There has been a remarkable series of events since the Deloitte & Touche report in 2002 and we have almost come full circle given that so much has happened. Following that report, it appeared the Malin Head and Valentia Coast Guard stations would be closed. The then Minister, Dermot Ahern was in situ at that time. Around 21 October 2003 it appeared as if he would maintain Malin...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Review of Irish Coast Guard Service: Discussion (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I will leave it at that but there are many more questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Review of Irish Coast Guard Service: Discussion (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I will give way.