Results 2,161-2,180 of 3,479 for speaker:Emer Higgins

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (Resumed) (14 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I am indeed. I thank Dr. Mulligan for taking us through that. It is really interesting to get her industry experience and valid legal perspectives on this issue, because that is exactly what we are here to listen to. Dr. Mulligan has nailed some of the really big questions that are facing us as members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy. We have the tall order of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (Resumed) (14 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: If I have time left, may I ask a brief follow-up question?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (Resumed) (14 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: Were we to go down the regulatory authority route, would it be possible to make surrogacy easier for people who come through properly regulated agencies? I am picking up on something that Dr. Mulligan said in response to one of my questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (Resumed) (14 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: That was helpful. I appreciate Dr. Mulligan's expertise.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (Resumed) (14 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank the witnesses. I found today so useful and interesting. I will address some of what the witnesses spoke about. It was good to get to the nub of commercial surrogacy. I did not fully understand what that meant. Senator Seery Kearney made an interesting contribution. She spoke about how the entire process is commercial. People have probably gone through IVF and many options where...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (Resumed) (14 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank our witnesses for sharing their professional perspectives with us. It is valuable. Dr. Wingfield said we should not rush this legislation. While we all agree with her on that point, this committee has been given the challenging task of producing a report on international surrogacy within 12 weeks. We can only do that if we engage with stakeholders, and with the right stakeholders....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (Resumed) (14 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I very much agree.

Electoral Reform Bill 2022: Second Stage (Resumed) (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: This is exciting and reforming legislation that will bring about the most significant development in Irish electoral law since 1997. The Bill has the potential to transform our electoral registration process. It will modernise our register of electors and, more importantly, will empower more people to become more active participants in democracy. The Joint Committee on Housing, Local...

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Sports Funding (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: 259. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the length of time it is expected to take for a decision to be made on appeals under the sports capital grant; if she will provide indicative timelines for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18974/22]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Promotion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: 380. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 728 of 1 March 2022, if he will consider re-examining funding options for alternative venues for an exercise class (details supplied) given the positive impact that the classes have had on the health of older people in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18981/22]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Discussion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank our witnesses. This has been a very interesting debate and it is fantastic to be here to participate in it. Mr. Sinnott spoke about his High Court case and I congratulate him on that. The need for us to reassess public consultations to make them more accessible and inclusive is certainly very practical feedback that would make a difference for including people, particularly blind...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Discussion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I will certainly ask, and I will refer back to Mr. Kavanagh with the response.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Discussion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: To comment on that, a thing I worked on with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, over the past year or so was the introduction of a grant towards the price of wigs for people who suffer from alopecia or who have lost their hair due to cancer. If we are able to provide €500 towards the cost of something like that, why are we not providing €500 towards the cost...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027: Discussion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank the witnesses for a really informative discussion. It is great to get so many different perspectives from key stakeholders, which, ultimately, is what we all are. Dr. Crowe spoke about there being 4,500 waterbodies. It is such an enormous task when it is put like that, bearing in mind the large number of stakeholders for each of those bodies and the fact that each body will require...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027: Discussion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: What budgetary estimates are there for that kind of framework Ms O'Brien describes?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027: Discussion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: Before we hear from our guests from Teagasc and An Taisce, I might clarify something regarding the 37% figure. In fairness, and I apologise if I gave the impression otherwise, it includes actions that have not started as opposed to comprising only cases of non-compliance.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Election of Leas-Chathaoirleach (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully, and to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the office of Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on International Surrogacy without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by the House in an impartial and fair manner, maintain order and uphold the rights and privileges of members in accordance with the Constitution and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I am delighted to be here to discuss such an important topic. It is really progressive that we have established this committee, and I am delighted to take on the mantle of Vice Chairman. There are so many families throughout the country, including in my constituency, that have become families through surrogacy. I do not agree with some of the phrases used by the previous speaker. I do not...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on International Surrogacy: Surrogacy in Ireland and in Irish and International Law: Discussion (7 Apr 2022)

Emer Higgins: I agree with Mr. Redmond. I suppose that is what we are all here to do. I am conscious that we are tight on time because we are doing two sessions, so I am happy for the Chair to continue with the meeting, to ensure that all members get their say.