Results 26,741-26,760 of 26,792 for speaker:David Cullinane

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (15 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: I would hope some of the modest proposals which we in Sinn Féin have put forward in regard to speaking time are taken up by the Leader. There would be something ironic about having a discussion about people from outside this House coming here to speak when those inside the House do not have the same opportunities. I can give the example of the smaller Independent group of five Members. If...

Seanad: Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 (Certified Money Bill): Second Stage (15 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: I welcome the Minister of State and congratulate him on his elevation to his new position. I am always happy to clear up any confusion for the Labour Party in respect of Sinn Féin's proposals. Mention was made of our proposals on pensions. We make no apology for wanting to standardise pension reliefs, which would mean that high earners would enjoy the same percentage of relief as low and...

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Statements (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: Like others, I welcome the Minister of State to the House. He might know that, last week and before that, many Senators raised the issue of the protection and rights of children on the Order of Business. Recently, we discussed the Ombudsman for Children's report on children's rights. She is advocating for those rights. As repeated in the Chamber, she stated that lawmakers should stop and...

Seanad: Special Educational Needs: Statements (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: While I understand it is difficult for members of the new Government to make these cuts, surely the Members opposite must recognise that cutting back on education and on the rights of children is the wrong thing to do. It is morally wrong and I cannot understand how any party, especially the Labour Party, could stand over cuts that will impact on children's right to education and may...

Seanad: Hospital Services (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: In 2009, the 19-bed St. Brigid's ward in St. Patrick's Hospital, Waterford, was closed by the HSE on foot of a report from HIQA which cited concerns in regard to health and safety. At the time, many public representatives, including myself as a councillor for Waterford city, as well as the Friends of St. Patrick's, a support organisation that was in place, and a campaign group which had been...

Seanad: Hospital Services (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: The last line of the Minister's response states that provision will be considered "in the context of". Every time I hear a Minister or Department member state something will be considered "in the context", I am concerned that the "context" will be that funding will not be available and that all sorts of reasons will be cited as to the reason for that. I pointed out earlier that the ward was...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: He is a Minister, with respect.

Seanad: Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: I again welcome the Minister to the House and note he is one of the most frequent visitors to the House due to the nature of his portfolio. It was unfortunate that Senator Bradford again used the occasion to give us a distorted history lesson. At some point Senator Bradford and his colleagues might reflect on the involvement of the British state, British authorities and British armed forces...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: Like previous speakers and on behalf my party colleagues, I extend our sincere sympathy to the family of the late Deputy Brian Lenihan. It is welcome that the Leader of the House will provide time tomorrow, for which I thank him, to speak extensively about Brian, his life and achievements. I extend my sympathy also to the family of the late Liam Kelly, a former Member of this House. He was...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: As the Leader is aware, consultation with the social partners is under way. While it is welcome that the Minister is engaging in consultations with the social partners, he should hold discussions with Members also. It is important, therefore, that he come into the Chamber as soon as possible, preferably next week if the Leader can make the necessary arrangements. Like Terry Senator Leyden,...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: There have been numerous calls for the Minister for Health to come into the Chamber to discuss these important issues. That must happen as quickly as possible.

Seanad: Progress on the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language: Statements (9 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: Díospóireach fíor-thábhachtach an díospóireacht seo. Is cuid dár saibhreas cultúrtha í an Ghaeilge agus ní mór go gach Seanadóir a chuid a dhéanamh chun an teanga a chaomhnú. I mo chontae féin, i bPort Láirge, tá Gaeltacht na Rinne agus is mór an tairfe a bhaineann pobal an chontae ar fad as, ó thaobh an chultúrtha, an teanga agus na turasóireachta de. I welcome the...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: It is very difficult to follow the maiden speeches of Senators Marie-Louise O'Donnell and Martin McAleese, whom I commend for their thought-provoking and powerful contributions. Senator Martin McAleese called for this House to act, be relevant and ensure it does its business. When Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about active citizenship, I was reminded that Margaret Thatcher had suggested there...

Seanad: Biological Weapons Bill 2010: Second Stage (8 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. It is her first time here in her capacity as Minister of State, and I sincerely wish her the best of luck in her new job. I agree with what was said by Senator Bacik. This Bill has cross-party support, which is very important for issues such as this one. I welcome that the Bill brings Ireland into line with its obligations under the biological...

Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: I second the amendment. I welcome the Minister's appointment as someone from the south east. My wife, who is a councillor in Kilkenny Borough Council, recently attended an event at which he was honoured but I hope he will look after Waterford as well as Kilkenny in his role as Minister. I agree with him that Fianna Fáil Members have brass necks to set out their opposition to water charges...

Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: I will explain what Sinn Féin would do. No one interrupts the Fianna Fáil Senators but they have a habit of interrupting everybody else. If Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill gives me the opportunity, I will spell out exactly what Sinn Féin would do.

Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: The Senator received his answer in the by-election and the general election.

Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: I am glad to hear it.

Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: The Senator is addressing me. People voted for change and, in fairness to Fine Gael, it was upfront during the election campaign in regard to supporting water charges. However, the Labour Party was not as upfront or purposeful before the election. It campaigned against the universal social charge, which has devastated a considerable number of families, but it appears to be prepared to...

Seanad: Water Charges: Motion (8 Jun 2011)

David Cullinane: The Minister is taking money from the pockets of people who do not have it to give. He is giving with one hand and taking away with the other. Fine Gael is ready to do this and is supported by the Labour Party. I call on Independent Members and those who advocate on behalf of all those who are marginalised in our society, who have been let down by the crowd who made a mess of the country in...