Results 2,001-2,020 of 2,118 for speaker:Michael Mullins

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Oct 2011)

Michael Mullins: There is often a reluctance to discuss the after care needs of patients once they are discharged from hospital. The practice of excluding the family in the recovery programme must change. Those are issues we must tease out in this House with the Minister. Given the numbers of people losing their lives through suicide, which is probably three times as many as the numbers killed on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Oct 2011)

Michael Mullins: At a time when we hear negative comments on the developments in the health service, I welcome the fact that over 1,200 pharmacists have completed training to enable them to deliver the seasonal 'flu vaccine this winter. Community pharmacists have stepped up to the mark in response to Government policy. We all realise there is more than enough work within the system for every health...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Oct 2011)

Michael Mullins: He is involved in the extremely important business of State in trying to sort out the ferocious mess that is the HSE. I compliment him for the positive developments and look forward to having some very constructive dialogue with him on 27 October.

Seanad: Sport: Statements (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Mullins: I will keep my question short as well. I join in the words of welcome for the Minister of State. It is great to have a Minister of State in the Department who is so enthusiastic and up for every challenge. There is no better man. There are some great facilities throughout the country in most reasonably-sized towns. One concern is how to maximise the use of these facilities and get young...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Mullins: Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Finance to attend the House so that we might discuss with him the taxation system as it applies to charities? The charity sector employs more than 100,000 people and contributes hundreds of millions of euro to the Exchequer. Charities play an important role in providing funding for people who look after the aged, the sick, people with...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Mullins: There is VAT on giving. Charities pay VAT on the money they invest in their activities. The House might not realise it, but the Society of St. Vincent de Paul made irrecoverable VAT payments of €4 million last year. It is a significant amount.

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Mullins: Will the Leader organise a debate? Another issue is that of illegal-----

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Oct 2011)

Michael Mullins: -----organisations and the regulation of charities. We need this discussion. I am most anxious that the tax system be geared so that charities can maximise their take in these very difficult times.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I also cannot support the amendment because there is a need for some flexibility. I was once stopped by a garda on my way out of the country. In such circumstances it is not possible to be back within two days. I am somewhat concerned over the Minister saying that when the plastic cards are introduced, a driver failing to produce a licence there and then will automatically be prosecuted,...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2011: Committee and Remaining Stages (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I support strongly much of what Senator Mooney said. We have all noticed the poor lights on many vehicles on the road. As public representatives, it is incumbent on us to highlight the need for people to examine the tyres and lights on their cars, especially as we approach winter. People tend to cut corners in difficult economic circumstances and this contributes to road traffic accidents....

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: Senator Ó Clochartaigh should note that from my brief discussions with the Minister, Deputy Hogan, recently-----

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I am sure the Minister, Deputy Hogan, will have good news to relay to him in the near future. I have been getting positive vibes on the issue recently.

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I emphasise that-----

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I am pleased the Leader has secured a date for the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, to come to the House and no doubt he will asked many questions by every Member. I share the concern expressed about the fact that nurses are on strike in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick. I consider it to be a major management failure and a breakdown of relations between management and...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I call on the Leader to include the topic on the agenda for the Minister when he comes to the House. On a lighter note, Senator Noone referred to the Jack B. Yeats painting, "A Fair Day, Mayo". I remind Members that fair week in Ballinasloe starts this Saturday and we look forward to entertaining as many people as possible in Ballinasloe over the weekend.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: Like previous speakers, I congratulate Senator Norris on winning the nomination and I wish all seven candidates the best of luck. The Fine Gael candidate undoubtedly would be delighted, were Senator O'Sullivan able to see his way to supporting him this time. It obviously will be an intriguing election and the printing industry, which has been going through a tough time, certainly will...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I want the Acting Leader to ask the Minister to reconsider one element, namely, the abolition of the €3 travel tax, which was suspended until such time as a greater commitment could be received from the airlines that they could increase passenger numbers. We are going in the right direction and if progress could be made with the tour operators and airlines, the €3 tax issue should be...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: He feels a little lonesome.

Seanad: Hospital Services. (27 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, back to the House and call on Senator Denis O'Donovan to propose the first motion.

Seanad: Army Barracks (27 Sep 2011)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister for Defence, Deputy Alan Shatter.