Results 141-160 of 11,433 for speaker:Michael Kitt

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2003)

Michael Kitt: I support the calls for a debate on electronic voting. People have talked about the possibility of inaccuracies but, to my knowledge, there have been many inaccuracies in the current system which were observed in the last number of elections.

Seanad: Order of Business. (11 Dec 2003)

Michael Kitt: In principle, we should be in favour of electronic voting. The day of the long counts should not be allowed to continue. It is not a spectator sport for candidates. Senator Norris raised the matter of the Hospital Sweepstakes earlier in the week and I support what he said, but the Tánaiste provided a financial package to some of the workers. I have been making the same point for many years...

Seanad: Address by Mr. Seán Ó Neachtáin, MEP. (11 Dec 2003)

Michael Kitt: I join in welcoming Mr. Ó Neachtáin and compliment him on the great work he has done, particularly in the agricultural area and in fisheries. He is an MEP for Connacht-Ulster. I hope the people of Clare will not let him down next year in the newly realigned constituency in which it will be difficult for Members to retain their seats. He will need the physical health he has to represent the...

Seanad: Recognition of the Irish Language: Motion. (21 Jan 2004)

Michael Kitt: Tá áthas orm seans a bheith agam labhairt ar an rún seo. Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a rá leis an Seanadóir Labhrás Ó Murchú as an méid oibre atá déanta aige agus na hargóintí atá curtha aige le blianta ag iarraidh go mbeadh an Ghaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil san Aontas Eorpach. Is dócha go bhfuil muid go léir aontaithe sa Teach seo mar gheall ar an...

Seanad: Recognition of the Irish Language: Motion. (21 Jan 2004)

Michael Kitt: Rinne sé sin agus bhí an córas sin sa Dáil le blianta fada fosta. However, Councillor Ó Foighíl succeeded. I was glad because it is important that the Gaeltacht, a large part of which is in County Galway, is represented in that way. Native speakers are involved in local politics as well as national politics. We should also bear in mind areas outside the Gaeltacht where there is great...

Seanad: Recognition of the Irish Language: Motion. (21 Jan 2004)

Michael Kitt: We did not use Irish to try to bamboozle our friends from the House of Commons but when we can use the language in a committee or in the Oireachtas, we should be able to use it officially in the European Parliament where we have played such a significant role over the years. The motion before the House is excellent and I compliment the Members on putting it forward. I hope our efforts are...

Seanad: National Educational Welfare Board. (21 Jan 2004)

Michael Kitt: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I wish to refer to the new National Educational Welfare Board which I welcome. As the House is aware, the Educational Welfare Act 2000 became fully operational in July 2002. I understand a budget of €5.4 million was allocated for 2003. My query relates to areas of concentrated disadvantage — for example, the RAPID areas — and to...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister. I am glad to have the opportunity to contribute on this Bill, which I welcome. We have had much good news from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in recent days. I welcome the Minister's announcement of increased allocations for non-national roads and his efforts, with this Bill, to consolidate legislation. This has not been done for more...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Michael Kitt: I will not give a similar tour of Galway, although I could. The Senator is very lucky to have a Minister of the calibre of Deputy Cullen in his constituency. I thank the Minister for the work he has done. For the first time, smaller towns and centres with a population of 1,000 are getting small sewerage schemes. I would like to see that figure further reduced in order to provide sewerage...

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Michael Kitt: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that business be interrupted not later than 6.15 p.m.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2003: Second Stage. (27 Jan 2004)

Michael Kitt: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business. (4 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: Many Senators have questioned the use of technology and computers. I am raising this issue to try to ensure computers are retained in some of our post offices. The Leader was the Minister for Public Enterprise and she dealt with post offices in the past. I am concerned at the move nationally to take computers and automation out of post offices and reduce them to postal agencies. This will...

Seanad: Third Interim Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements. (4 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the third interim report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. The report refers to the investigation into the Baltimore school and is most important. Senator Fitzgerald dealt with some of the issues relating to Baltimore. The Government has listened to the victims of abuse and an apology has been made on behalf of the State. I hope we can take positive action to redress...

Seanad: Order of Business. (5 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: I accept your ruling that I cannot raise the issue of Kiltormer post office. There is a commitment to review the automated office in Kiltormer in six months' time and I hope that my raising the issue yesterday played some part in that. I agree with Senator Ulick Burke on the issue of the EPA report. I raised in the House last week the amount of voluntary commitment that goes into these...

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: That is true.

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gallagher, to the House. I support electronic voting and counting. As the Minister of State said, this system has been in operation in The Netherlands and in many cities in Germany over the past ten years where it has been shown to be successful in elections. However, when we talk about...

Seanad: Electronic Voting: Statements. (11 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: The emphasis will be on showing how simple it will be to vote in the new way and those of us who were in the Mansion House have seen that. The Minister of State has told us there will be countrywide roadshows or a visit to the provinces. It is very clear that there are benefits from the new system. It is easier to use, very efficient, improves electoral accuracy and administration and, most...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, to the House. I also welcome the Bill. It is fitting that the Minister of State is introducing the Bill here as he has served in the European Parliament, having been directly elected twice to that body for the constituency of Connacht-Ulster. When the former Taoiseach, Deputy John Bruton, appeared before the House recently, I asked him how he...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (12 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: Next Wednesday at 10.30 a.m.

Seanad: Order of Business. (24 Feb 2004)

Michael Kitt: It will be in the Pensions Bill.