Results 1,481-1,500 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the fact that we are having a debate, but I want more time for the Minister to answer the many questions that will arise. I hope the Leader can manage to arrange this. The floods show that people will pull together and that communities can work together. Irish people will respond when they are shown leadership, but we need to see leadership on this and the other issues I have raised.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Very accommodating.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I hope the Minister can explain it.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is a vote of confidence in Fine Gael.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: There have been many recommendations which the Government has ignored.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Our proposals are well known. Let us hear the Government's.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Let us hear the Government's proposals and the response to what we recommend.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Let us hear the Government's proposals.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Leader is prepared to answer.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: In fairness, there has been a change.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I assume the Government will make time available as necessary.

Seanad: Guardianship Payments (26 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I also welcome the Minister of State. I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me this opportunity to raise the issue of guardianship payments. I am raising it in the light of the fact that the current criteria exclude some legal guardians and others, particularly grandparents caring for and raising children, from availing of the payment. The latter's circumstances tend to involve parents who...

Seanad: Guardianship Payments (26 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the fact the Minister of State has stated each case is decided based on individual circumstances. He also stated "the level of the parents' involvement in the welfare of the child" forms part of the criteria. Will he bring to the attention of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs that in some areas any contact with the child — as I stated, even the giving of a present to...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: In view of the appalling and traumatic circumstances facing so many individuals, families and communities as a result of the flooding, I ask that the Order of Business be amended to enable the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to be invited to come to the House today to give a report on the up-to-date position. Significant questions arise about delays in making...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yesterday we saw one news media organisation claiming it had an exclusive on the Government's approach to the budget — there would be a 10% cut in child benefit and a 5% cut in all social welfare payments. On the same day we saw the possible strike being averted, which I welcome, and a new proposal on unpaid leave being made. I have a number of questions on these issues. It appears a...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yes.

Seanad: Mental Health (Involuntary Procedures) (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (2 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the focus this Bill has brought to mental health issues. Judging from the comments of the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, he will need support from all sides of this House if he is to maintain funding for mental health. We are at present discussing the quality of mental health...

Seanad: Mental Health (Involuntary Procedures) (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (2 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I support Senator Boyle's comments. It is important that any consultation involves the user groups. We must also hear the views of the professionals involved in the area and it is critical that the consultation be comprehensive. We are coming from a position with psychiatry where user groups did not have the kind of voice they needed, although I am thankful this is changing. There is a...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: In recent days the Government has shown nothing short of endemic incompetence. We have a divided Cabinet and the pattern of failure seems to go on and on. The Government failed to manage the boom and now is failing to inspire confidence. Families and parents want nothing more than to have confidence in the country. They do not want to see their children emigrating. If the Government were...