Results 3,141-3,160 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Credit Union Bill 2012 : Committee Stage (11 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, to extend the time to 5:45 p.m. in the hope that we can complete the debate on Committee Stage.

Seanad: 90th Anniversary of Seanad Éireann: Statements (11 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I amend the Order of Business to allow this item of business to conclude at 1.55 p.m

Seanad: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund: Motion (11 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft:Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2012, a copy of which Order in draft was laid before Seanad Éireann on 6th December, 2012, be referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in accordance with Standing Order 70A(3), which, not later than 18th December, 2012, shall send a...

Seanad: 90th Anniversary of Seanad Éireann: Statements (11 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: A Chathaoirligh, today we mark the 90th anniversary of the inaugural meeting of Seanad Éireann which took place on 11 December 1922. That year represented a time when the process of building the Irish State had only just begun. Some 90 years later, the 24th Seanad sits at a time when our nation faces another battle, to retrieve its economic and political sovereignty. I sincerely hope that...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Pressure is not being exerted. I have been inundated with requests to attend meetings on both sides of the argument, but I have replied that I will inform myself on the subject. Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to the education cuts under Fianna Fáil and called for a debate on the gap analysis report on third level reform. I will try to arrange for one. Senator Cullinane raised the question of...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Darragh O'Brien called for a debate on perinatal care. I will try to arrange that in the new year. With regard to the budget and the elements relating to social welfare, we will have ample opportunity to discuss that next week during the debate on the Social Welfare Bill. Senator Bacik, Senator Moran and others raised the escalation of violence in Northern Ireland, especially the...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, to be take on the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, statements on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Seanad Éireann, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 and to conclude no later than 1.45 p.m. with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed five minutes each; No. 3, Health and...

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2012: Order for Second Stage (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Trevor's sporting life also extended to soccer and rugby and he played for Munster, Phoenix and Cork County throughout his youth. For 40 years he was chairman of the Dublin University central athletic committee. His vast achievements in sport culminated in a book he later wrote in 1991, The Bold Collegians - The Development of Sport in Trinity College, Dublin. Today, we celebrate the life...

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: As Leader of the House, I am honoured to lead the tributes to the late Dr. Trevor West, a former Member of Seanad Éireann and a prestigious academic at Trinity College Dublin, who, sadly, passed away recently. I extend sincere sympathy to his family, especially his wife, Maura, and the other family members who have travelled here today. Trevor West was an extraordinary person. He served in...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: He would have got another gold medal for his dramatic performance last night. It is no wonder he is so hoarse this morning. Senator Kelly correctly highlighted the fuel rebate for the haulage sector, which is welcome. I know of no one who has not welcomed this measure in the budget. It is important to the entire transport sector. I refer to Senator Cullinane's comments. There were cuts in...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We will stand by the country and do what is right for it at all times. Senator Healy Eames requested a debate on the property tax. I am sure we will have a further debate on it in early course. With regard to the expert group on abortion report, if Members read the Order of Business, they would be aware that time will be provided for a debate later. It will be resumed if speakers are...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: If Members wish to go and see Hillary Clinton rather than attend to their duties in the House, they are welcome to do that.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Members should listen to the Order of Business and they would know the position regarding the debate. What can I say in response to Senator Leyden? Fianna Fáil took the shirts off people's backs and bankrupted the country. There is not much more to add. Senator O'Keeffe asked for a debate on the establishment of an energy efficiency fund. Perhaps we will do so in the new year. Senator...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I am sure I can arrange a debate with the Minister on the closure of barracks and so on. Senator Conway referred to the visit of Hillary Clinton, which everyone welcomes. The Clintons have been good friends to Ireland and they will continue to be. Senator Colm Burke raised an issue he mentioned a few months ago about the number of people failing to turn up for outpatient appointments. That...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: That will not happen under Fine Gael but it might happen under Fianna Fáil. Senator Sheahan made an important point about special areas of conversation and the impact of drilling for oil on the Porcupine Basin and other areas. I am sure the Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be willing to come to the House for a debate on this and I will try to arrange such a debate...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Obviously, the Order of Business-----

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Obviously, the budget has dominated the Order of Business. I listened to the entire debate on the budget and sat in for the last 45 minutes. There were two more speakers offering at that stage who did not get in. In saying that, we have had pre-budget debates which we have not had in previous years. No less time than ever has been allowed this year on statements on the budget but I am...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: That is why we are forced to have difficult budgets. I am looking at Fianna Fáil's pre-budget announcement. It is as vague as Fianna Fáil was when in government in relation to policies.

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Let me give two specific examples. Fianna Fáil proposes to save ¤350 million through non-pay savings under Croke Park and ¤200 million through control and activation measures in social protection. There are no details on where the ¤500 million will come from.