Results 2,161-2,180 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the issue of the return of two Roma children to their families last night. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, gave a comprehensive reply in this House yesterday when we were discussing the Private Members' motion. It is important to establish whether lessons can be learned from these events. The Minister has asked for a full report into...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I am not looking at any particular side of the House but at all sides. Fifteen people asked for a debate but there were only eight contributors when the Minister came to the House. However, I take on board what Senator O'Donovan said about the fishing industry. We will arrange a debate on that matter with the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney. However, in view of the fact that he was in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; and No. 2, Private Members' business, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and to conclude not later than 1.45 p.m.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Statements (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Taoiseach is very welcome to the House. I am delighted that he has taken the time to come to the Seanad to listen to the views of Members on the changes that could be made to enhance the contribution this House could make to the legislative and parliamentary process. The main business of this House is legislation. That is and must remain our primary function. To date, the Government...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senators Colm Burke and Walsh referred to the powers of local authorities with regard to commercial rates, etc. The Local Government Bill will come to the House before Christmas and that will provide an adequate forum for every Member to comment on those issues. Senators Mullen and Walsh spoke to an amendment to the Order of Business facilitating debate on credit unions in Ireland. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Darragh O'Brien and other Senators expressed their sympathy to the wife and family of the late Gary Wyse, a young councillor and a father of four young children who died suddenly yesterday. I join with those expressions of sympathy to Michelle and her family. His death was a deep shock and occasion of sadness for everyone. He was a young man going about his business and he was...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Does the Senator wish to respond? She asked questions and now she is trying to give the answers.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: I agree, but so have I.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Comiskey asked about the construction companies and subcontractors. Senator Quinn's Bill on contractors has passed both Houses. I will find out whether it has been enacted. Senator Mooney spoke about the differential between the price of alcohol in the North and here and which is a problem for people on this side of the Border. This matter can be discussed further when the...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: We will need to examine that problem also. Senator Barrett spoke about the trade agreement between the EU and Canada and the obvious benefits for Canada. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, is pushing for a larger trade agreement between the EU and the US. I note the Senator's points about the 20th anniversary of the Shankill bombings. We will assist...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Money we do not have.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Senator's party made many commitments.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on Seanad reform, to be taken at 2 p.m. and conclude not later than 4 p.m., with the contributions of all Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Taoiseach to be called on to reply not later than 3.50 p.m.; No. 2, statements on the Common Agricultural Policy, to be taken at 4 p.m. and conclude not later than 5.30 p.m., with the contributions of...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Yes, briefly. I understand he will speak for two or three minutes.

Seanad: Gas Regulation Bill 2013: Second Stage (17 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Next Tuesday.

Seanad: Gas Regulation Bill 2013: Second Stage (17 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: At 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday next.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Ó Clochartaigh dwells on the negatives irrespective of what happens. If he won the national lottery, I do not know how he would sell it to people.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Clune spoke with authority about supporting businesses and called for a debate on the new jobs action plan. We have asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to come to the House to debate this. Senator Leyden spoke about the withdrawal of the free telephone allowance. When one sees what Fianna Fáil had planned in respect of social protection - the €1.5...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: This must be addressed. I am sure everybody on the other side of the House would like to see medical cards being issued to the people who need them and I hope that this matter would be addressed. That is what the Government is about. Senator Jim D'Arcy spoke about maintaining the pupil-teacher ratio and protecting the Protestant ethos in schools. I am sure the Minister for Education and...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Oct 2013)

Maurice Cummins: The acting leader of the Opposition, Senator White, spoke about the Irish-Russian adoption crisis. I know the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, is doing everything possible to try to resolve this sad and regrettable situation. She has met her counterparts in Russia with a view to finding a resolution. I know her heart is in the right place. I am sure anything that can be done in this case will...