Results 2,841-2,860 of 5,732 for speaker:Fidelma Healy Eames

Seanad: Child Abuse: Motion (29 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I welcome the Minister. I thank the Independent Senators for tabling this Private Members' motion and I also welcome the Government amendment as both are mutually supportive. Everybody has said that we are mostly singing off the same hymn sheet this evening. Child sexual images are on the Internet in our living rooms and in children's bedrooms and that is the new crime scene, as Senator van...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Today is a day to think we are lucky people. The Constitution yet again has given the Irish people the opportunity to have their say on Ireland and its place in Europe, and to give leadership on this issue. I believe we should vote "Yes" - vote "Yes" for Ireland, for our future and for Europe, because what we decide will have an impact on the whole of Europe. We should also use this moment...

Seanad: Order of Business. (29 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: What does it have to do with the referendum?

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: This is an interesting debate, although I am surprised that the CPP took this decision without consulting Members.

Seanad: Standing Order 18: Motion (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: If we are to provide an opportunity to reflect in silence to suit some Members of this House while maintaining the prayer to suit others, all we are doing is sticking together two pieces to keep people happy. It is a bit phony to act in that way. Would it not be preferable to reflect on what Senators have said today and craft a new formula of words that brings together all traditions and...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Let us have a debate on the truth then. Bring it on.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: We are in government.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I was at the meeting yesterday. Why did Senator Daly not ask the Minister himself?

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Where was Senator Daly then?

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, is disappointed by An Bord Pleanála's decision regarding the children's hospital. A great deal of time has been lost and an expert group was convened. We are discussing the urgent treatment of sick children. Given the waiting lists, we cannot afford to waste time and money. There is merit in the suggestion that the Government should explore the...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: As part of the Pathways to Work initiative, the employment service of FÁS will be housed in the Department of Social Protection. This is a positive step, as a new relationship will be built with employers. However, I caution the Minister. If she is planning to make employers pay for sick leave, she will endanger that relationship. She is on to a good thing, but let us proceed carefully...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Will he proceed to arrange for that debate?

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: It was on Twitter.

Seanad: Media Standards: Statements, Questions and Answers (22 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I realise the Minister has to leave. This media standards debate is important but it should include social media as well. Free speech is essential for a liberal democracy but the new media has increased its effectiveness greatly as well. Let us consider the Twitter revolution in Moldova in recent times and the Arab spring. These offer examples of how much free speech is enabled by social...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The Senator is living in his own world.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The Senator stated, "designed to fail".

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I acknowledge the progress made on DEIS urban schools - it is significant that 235 posts have been protected. However, more needs to be done for rural schools. We need to ensure that there is equality of education provision across. I welcome the constitutional convention established by the Taoiseach. The debate on the Seanad should also form part of the remit of the constitutional...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: We need to determine if our Constitution is now fit for purpose. The Seanad sits within the Constitution and it is not appropriate to leave it out.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I call for a debate on the constitutional convention. I do not know which Minister should attend - perhaps it is the Taoiseach. Nothing is more important as a roadmap for us than our Constitution and the Seanad must form part of that. It is a very good move and let us ensure it is broad enough to include the Seanad.

Seanad: EU Fiscal Compact Treaty: Statements, Questions and Answers (Resumed) (16 Feb 2012)

Fidelma Healy Eames: That is important.