Results 3,241-3,260 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator O'Sullivan raised the matter of the closure of the Government Publications Sales Office and the securing of ¤300,000 in savings as a result. Senator Darragh O'Brien mentioned the salary of an adviser.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We are talking about ¤1 million in savings in respect of the boards and ¤300,000 in savings in respect of the Government Publications Sales Office.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I understand that the bulk of business in the Government Publications Sales Office is done online and that is one of the reasons the office is closing. Senator Darragh O'Brien is very good on publications this morning and the Cathaoirleach has told him that the other publication which indicates he was elected to this Seanad is being published and that he will have it soon. Senator Norris...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the discovery of Ash dieback disease in the context of the importance of the forestry and forestry products industry, to be taken at 12.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 2 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other Senators not to exceed five minutes and the Minister to be called on to...

Seanad: Civil Defence Bill 2012: Order for Second Stage (14 Nov 2012)

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

Seanad: Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2012: Second Stage (14 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Next Tuesday.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (14 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Paul Coghlan asked about people who were in situ in the banks during the disastrous time when the banks were guaranteed. Certainly there were caps on bankers' pay that should be addressed and adhered to. I concur with his sentiments in that regard. Senator Denis Landy raised the issue of local government reform and asked when the boundary commissions would be appointed. The...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (14 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: They will report by the spring. Therefore, people will have at least 12 months in which to plan for local election campaigns. Senator MacSharry called for a debate on banking matters. Members have had ample time to outline their views on these matters in recent months when we have had Ministers in on various subjects. I do not think anybody can say that we have not had sufficient time to...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (14 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: If the Senator needs more we will have more and we will certainly have one on 5 December. Senator Quinn has raised the issue of lower limb amputations, people going blind as a result of diabetes and the non-filling of posts where money has been allocated. That is a serious matter which I will raise with the Minister and invite him to the House to discuss. Why the posts have not been filled...

Seanad: Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill 2012: Motion (14 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I move: That the General Scheme of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill 2012 be referred to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for scrutiny, with particular reference to those parts of the Bill coming within the functions of that Committee.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (14 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, raised the topic of Bank of Ireland raising ¤1 billion in funding on the bond markets. It is an important milestone on the path to full independence for the banks. It is the first time since October 2010 that Bank of Ireland has been able to access the international debt markets in a benchmark public issue. The issuance is further...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (14 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I will certainly bring this matter to the attention of the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re referral to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill 2012, to be taken without debate at the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2012 - Second Stage, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 and conclude not later than 2 p.m., with the...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We cannot debate something that has not been published and put before us but I assure the House that when Professor Higgins's report is published, we will have a debate on it. Senator Higgins raised the issue of inspections by officials of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister if she provides me with the details she...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Senator is a gas man for raising the issue.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senators MacSharry and Cullinane called for a debate on the hospital groupings report when it is published.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: How can we have a debate on a report before it is published?

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: That will be reflected in the budget for 2013. Senator Hayden spoke about budgetary debates, of which we have had a number of these on areas such as social welfare. There will be a debate on the economy this afternoon. The Senator and others complimented the Government on receiving a seat on the executive of the Human Rights Council in the United Nations, which should be welcomed by all. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I have already addressed the point on the adoption Bill. Senator Mullen spoke about human rights and marriage equality, which is a debate for another day. With regard to the alleged information on family planning clinics, the Senator has mentioned that the matter is in the hands of the Garda.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Any malpractice in clinics must be investigated by the Garda, which is charged with investigating any such malpractice. As I stated last week,I have the utmost confidence in the Garda in the matter. Senator Healy Eames spoke about banker pensions and there is no doubt that there is anger and resentment among the public and politicians about the matter. I am confident a way will be found in...