Results 2,081-2,100 of 3,479 for speaker:Emer Higgins

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Rights of Children: Discussion (12 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank all of our witnesses for being with us. We have a very tough task as a committee in terms of the time limitations on us. It will only be possible for us to produce our report after hearing from expert witnesses such as those who joined us this morning. We really appreciate their being with us. As our next witness is not due to join us online at 11 a.m., we will go into recess...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Analysis of the Issues Paper (12 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: We will resume in public session. Our second session will consider the issues paper furnished to the committee by the relevant Departments. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Conor O'Mahony. Before we begin, I am required to repeat the note on privilege and housekeeping matters. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Analysis of the Issues Paper (12 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank Dr. O'Mahony for being with us today and for his comprehensive opening statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Analysis of the Issues Paper (12 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I remind Dr. O'Mahony he is here to discuss the issues paper so I ask he keep his comments relevant to that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Analysis of the Issues Paper (12 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I am very pleased that Professor O'Mahony has had the opportunity to appear before the committee to provide his explanation of his report which is distinctly different from its interpretation in the issues paper provided to the committee. I agree that non-regulation is not fair. I agree with him on the need for bespoke legislation to deal with that. I also agree with Mr. Justice O'Donnell...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Analysis of the Issues Paper (12 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I apologise to Professor O'Mahony but I must stop him in full flow. As everyone has been so good about sticking to the time allocated, I had better lead by example and call Senator Seery Kearney.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Analysis of the Issues Paper (12 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank Professor O’Mahony. I call Senator Seery Kearney.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Analysis of the Issues Paper (12 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank all our members for attending today and for engaging on what is an exceptionally important topic. I say a special thank you to Professor Conor O’Mahony, the special rapporteur on child protection from the School of Law in University College Cork for joining with us and for sharing his own legal expertise with the committee.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I have raised previously in the Chamber the provision of menopause supports. I do so again today because right now the women of Ireland are experiencing a shortage of hormone replacement therapy, HRT, medicine. It is a matter of huge concern to women who rely on HRT to combat menopause symptoms, especially those who experience severe symptoms. Currently, however, we are seeing extreme...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Exemptions (11 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 81. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the tax exemption for those renting a room in their home to encourage persons to rent a room in their home to those coming to Ireland from Ukraine. [23764/22]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Departmental Priorities (11 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 93. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will outline proposals to support small businesses to cope with the increasing costs of heat and electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23766/22]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Ukraine War (11 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 130. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will engage with the HSE to examine if the site in Crooksling, Brittas, County Dublin is suitable for medium-term accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. [23763/22]

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Ukraine War (11 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 195. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider reducing the amount of time that a person must be on the live register in order to qualify for a community employment scheme given the shortage of community employment applicants in areas including Dublin, and the influx of Ukrainians who may want to avail of this scheme as in the case of a centre...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Childcare Services (11 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 209. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline proposals to increase the number of childcare providers in the Newcastle, County Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23765/22]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Dental Services (11 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 261. To ask the Minister for Health if supports are in place for persons who are diagnosed with an eating disorder and require dental treatment as a result of their eating disorder but do not have the financial means and do not qualify for a medical card. [23761/22]

Affordable Housing: Motion [Private Members] (10 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: I wish to record my support for the help-to-buy scheme and my total dismay at the idea of abolishing it. This is what is being put forward by the Opposition. The help-to-buy scheme does exactly what it says on the tin: it helps people to buy their first homes. It has been a welcome financial contribution for many families, some 32,000 people to be exact. Almost €600 million has...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Consumer Protection (10 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 166. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the consumer rights protections in place for consumers who fall victim to fraudulent activity online and to consumers making purchases online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23257/22]

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Tax Code (10 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 237. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that a person paying their motor tax in three-or six-month intervals will pay more over the course of a year when compared to a person paying in one yearly lump sum; if he has considered addressing this matter in the context of the rising cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23185/22]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects (10 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 514. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for the delivery of the new school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23171/22]

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Early Childhood Care and Education (10 May 2022)

Emer Higgins: 577. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason for the decision to change the provision of the early childhood care and education scheme to children from over two years and eight months on either 1 September or 1 January 2021 to just one date for entry, the first of September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22835/22]