Results 2,021-2,040 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013: Second Stage (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I welcome the Water Services (No. 2) Bill, which paves the way for the fundamental reform of water services delivery in this country, which services currently cost more than €1 billion per annum. Ensuring greater security of quality water supply for the Irish people and the economy is of paramount importance. Having a national public utility providing water services and...

Seanad: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2013: Motion (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I thank the Minister for coming to the House and for his comprehensive report on this issue. We all acknowledge the importance of the horse racing and greyhound industry to this country. As stated by the Minister, there are 24,000 people employed in the industry, which in economic terms generates €1.6 billion. This is very significant. I agree with Senator Ó Domhnaill and...

Seanad: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2013: Motion (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Acting Chairman might allow the Minister of State some latitude and extend his speaking time by five minutes.

Seanad: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2013: Motion (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: In some cases, they are five and six years old.

Seanad: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2013: Motion (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I wish to amend the Order of Business, in view of the Minister of State's comprehensive report, to extend the time until 12.30 p.m.

Seanad: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2013: Motion (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I move: The Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in fraft: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2013, a copy of which Order in draft was laid before Seanad Éireann on 12th November 2013."

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The vast majority of Members referred to the Smithwick report. We are all very grateful to Judge Smithwick for the report. Everybody is saddened and appalled that a person in Dundalk Garda station contributed to the deaths of Bob Buchanan and Harry Breen. In addition, I believe every member of the Garda Síochána, and especially the families of the brave members of the Garda who...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: To put the onus on the victims was absolutely despicable. I note Senator Norris's comments on the need for independent regulation of the Garda. All Members will welcome the fact that the Garda Commissioner is due to make comments on the matter today. We look forward to hearing what he has to say. At present, relations and co-operation between the PSNI and the Garda Síochána are...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: We must never return to the murder, mayhem and horror we witnessed over those very sad years in our history. Let us hope that does not happen. Members have spoken about collusion. In response to Senator Ó Clochartaigh, collusion is collusion. In my opinion, there is no hierarchy where collusion is concerned. It was not a day for Sinn Féin propaganda on the issue-----

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: -----but we should have a comprehensive debate on Northern Ireland as well as the Smithwick report. I will try to facilitate those debates in the House. Senator O'Keeffe raised the issue of tax and VAT receipts and the fact that it is a positive signal that the economy is gradually recovering. That is welcome. She also referred to the Who Cares? report and said the settlement figures...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2013, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. and to conclude no later than 12.15 p.m., with the contributions of Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to reply no later than 12.10 p.m., No. 2, Water Services (No. 2) Bill 2013 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Many members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party have consistently raised the issue of co-funding under Pillar 2 with the Minister. He is working hard to address it. The situation may not be as bad as Senator MacSharry has painted. Perhaps we might even have good news.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I am sure that the Senator will welcome it if it happens.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senators Mullins and Paul Coghlan and others welcomed the re-opening of the beef market in Japan. It will prove to have great potential for our country, including the farmers mentioned by Senator MacSharry. We are hopeful that markets to China will be re-opened in early course. That would be of benefit to our food sector. Senator Quinn referred to digital post boxes and the payments by...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Darragh O'Brien asked about the health service plan. The Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, received the draft service plan from the HSE on Monday, 25 November. The Minister has 21 days in which to review the plan and to either approve it or to issue a direction to amend the plan. The Minister is reviewing the service plan which he can approve or seek to be amended by 16 December....

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Dec 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill 2013 - Report and Final Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business and to conclude at 5.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, Child and Family Agency Bill 2013 - Committee Stage, to be taken at 5.30 p.m.

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Members make their point well. We have raised this with the Minister on a number of occasions. The guidelines for Senators are extremely restrictive compared with those in the Dáil. In some instances there are genuine reasons for that but in others, such as the purchase of an iPad, Members of the other House can claim from their allowances but Members of this House cannot....

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that we will conclude this debate at 1.30 p.m. We will extend the time allowed so that Members can finish this Bill. We were due to finish at 12.45 p.m.

Seanad: Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction (Fixed Penalty Notice) Bill 2013: Second Stage (27 Nov 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Leathuair tar éis a deich maidin amárach.

Seanad: Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction (Fixed Penalty Notice) Bill 2013: Second Stage (27 Nov 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I accept that Senators from all sides of the House try to do their best for fishermen. However, I cannot accept the fact that we have Fianna Fáil Members here trying to change a law which their party introduced when in government. They criminalised fishermen themselves; they have recognised that fact and now that they are in opposition, they want to change their own legislation. I...