Results 2,401-2,420 of 3,645 for speaker:Michael Collins

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (18 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: It is a fact.

Section 39 Organisations: Motion [Private Members] (17 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I am happy to speak on this motion. As we all know, not-for-profit organisations provide vital services for all communities throughout Ireland. They provide healthcare, social inclusion, community development and support services for people with disabilities, the youth and the elderly. These groups took the lead when the Government did not. I fully understand and see first-hand the good...

National Surplus (Reserve Fund for Exceptional Contingencies) Act 2019: Motion (17 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion this evening. This rainy day fund is a tool developed by the Government to act as a buffer against fiscal shocks. In general, these funds are used to set aside money during good economic times to support the economy during downturns. I accept that there are uncertain times ahead following the UK elections and the backing the electorate gave...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. As I said earlier, the people of Bandon are rightly angry. Year after year there has been under-investment in their town. The flood relief scheme is now under way, long after the destruction of business properties and many hard working people having been put out of business. The southern by-pass remains unfinished despite Government promises that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: In the programme for Government of 2016 many promises were made in the area of education. The Government said it was committed to delivering a school capital investment programme for extensions and refurbishment to cater for additional school places. It also stated significant funding has been secured as part of the capital plan. To the people of Bandon and its surrounds these promises...

Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2019: Second Stage [Private Members] (11 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill, which proposes to criminalise the purchase of a controlled drug from a child and criminalise the act of causing a child to be in possession of a controlled drug for sale or supply, and to provide for related matters. As we are well aware, the misuse of illicit drugs has reached a level in this country we have not seen before. It is...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (11 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: On the programme for Government, page 122,-----

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (11 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: Okay. We had severe winds and rain on Sunday night last. Irish trawlers from west Cork came home to tie-up in Castletownbere and other piers.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (11 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: What has shocked fishermen throughout the country was where dozens of foreign vessels took shelter between Bantry and Castletownbere. No one begrudges any foreign vessel taking shelter in a storm but when up to 50 massive foreign trawlers are in for shelter in Castletownbere it is no wonder this has led to an outcry by fishermen. I will cut my contribution short.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (11 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: Every fisherman or woman knows he or she is in serious trouble. I have called for a stand-alone Minister for fisheries to concentrate the Government 100% on Irish fisheries. Will the Taoiseach immediately appoint a Minister for fisheries?

Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019: Second Stage [Private Members] (10 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in support of this Bill. It has been confirmed that a majority of those who are becoming homeless are from the private rental sector. There were 10,514 people homeless across Ireland by the end of September. This figure included adults and children. More than one third of those in emergency accommodation are children. A huge proportion of my...

OECD Report on SME and Entrepreneurship Policy in Ireland: Statements (10 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I do not know how I will follow that. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this matter. As we know, SMEs are a critical part of the Irish economy. The OECD report tells us, "There were approximately 250 000 active enterprises in Ireland in 2016." It states that SMEs make up as much as 56% of manufacturing employment and 74% of services employment in Ireland. Unfortunately, however,...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: Will the Taoiseach explain why bingo has been denied to the ordinary people throughout west Cork in the past few days?

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: Four public houses have been refused.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I will avoid referring to the programme for Government. Last Wednesday night, to allay many serious concerns throughout the country the Minister withdrew aspects of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019 relating to bingo. We were assured that was that but, for many genuine bingo players in west Cork, this is not the case. Four public houses in Cork South-West have been informed...

Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (4 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I thank the Minister of State for allowing the Bill to be recommitted. I respect that he was out of the country and it was difficult to catch up with what was going on when he got back. Clarity on the issue was definitely required because a lot of people were concerned. Deputy Byrne's comments were not helpful. He talked about lobby groups. We can make up our own minds and do not need...

Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (4 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I want clarity on what is being proposed. It relates to the lottery permit. Anyone who is involved in community or voluntary organisations knows about the permits and the laws that must be abided by and there is no problem with that. I presume what is being proposed does not include the local lottos. Prize money is being looked at. GAA clubs and the local community and voluntary clubs...

Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (4 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: And to amendment No. 9. The legislation also states "the maximum number of tickets sold is not more than 1,500". If that is referring to bingo, we would appreciate clarity on that. There is quite a degree of bingo activity in south-west Cork and there is considerable confusion about this Bill. The Minister of State might clarify that. People are genuinely going out to play the game with...

Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Bill 2019 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (4 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: On a point of order, and I will be as brief as possible, there is serious concern regarding this issue. My previous history with the Minister of State has demonstrated that he is a fair and honest person who will clarify something if it needs to be clarified. There is a serious concern among people who play bingo. Most of the voluntary groups I am familiar with in west Cork organise and...

Environmental Impact of Quarries and Incinerators: Motion [Private Members] (4 Dec 2019)

Michael Collins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. Ireland's reliance on exporting waste cannot continue. I ask the Government not to rush too heartily into pushing waste electricity facilities without diligently researching the impact the sites would have on the local communities and the environment, and so we do not see a scenario where the alternative is worse for people's health and the...