Results 13,461-13,480 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: This issue is far too serious for the political castigations sent across the floor of the House. In my view - this is a personal view - any referendum on children's rights should be, given its importance, held on its own.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: We will have it.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The constitutional review group recommended a wording in 1996, when the Deputy's party was in Government. This is so important we must get it right. A huge amount of work has been done by the all-party committee. I have stated publicly that the Government congratulates it on its work. A number of Departments under the auspices of the Minister of State are working on this matter. In the...

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: They are being recruited.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: That recruitment is currently taking place. Finance to allow this to happen has been provided to the Minister of State. Members will note from the amendment that a number of issues raised by the Opposition in the context of its proposals were accepted by Government. There is clearly an acceptance that the Government will hold a referendum. The issue yet to be decided is the timeframe and...

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: It should be separated on the basis that people have time to adjudicate and evaluate the necessity of such a referendum.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Níl sé socraithe ag an Rialtas - sin an méid.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I have given a response on the referendum issue to the Leaders of the Opposition. The national vetting bureau Bill is at an advanced stage. Work on the heads of that Bill has commenced. Substantial work has also been done on the criminal law (sexual offences) Bill. There is a difference between the considerations of an Oireachtas committee and those of all the relevant Departments....

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The matter is up for consultation. No final decision has yet been made by Government. We will listen to what people have to say. The Minister will make a final decision when the consultation process has been completed.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: With people like Deputy Barrett.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Since 2006, Government policy on whistleblowing has been to address this matter on a sectoral basis and this is taking place.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: It is not a question of one size fitting all. I can recall introducing it in legislation, as have many of my colleagues. The Deputy is aware this is how the issue of whistleblowing is being dealt with within each item of legislation that comes before the House. There is no proposal for overarching legislation.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Thus far, 12 items of legislation have dealt with the issue of whistleblowing. They have been introduced in areas such as justice, consumer affairs, employment, NAMA and so on. The point is that the issue will be dealt with on a sectoral basis as the need arises within each sector.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The Government is awaiting a submission. This subject was a matter of public discourse on a television programme broadcast last Sunday and I am aware the Attorney General is entering into consultations with the Director of Public Prosecutions arising from the latter's public pronouncements.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The matter is being expedited and as the Deputy is aware, a debate will be held in the House on this issue on Thursday.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Yes. While they have been agreed, legislation has not been finalised.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: There is no date as yet.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The Bill is on Report Stage in the Seanad and as soon as its passage there has been completed, I hope to have it in this House.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Members have enough bother when ordering their own business.

Order of Business. (18 May 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I am led to believe that it will go before the Seanad on 1 June. If the Senators can complete its passage, it can come back before this House.