Results 3,281-3,300 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Public Expenditure and Reform: Statements (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We cannot have exchanges when the Minister is responding.

Seanad: Youth Unemployment and Public Policy: Address by Professor Christopher Pissarides (Resumed) (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: As Leader of the House in the 24th Seanad, I am honoured to welcome Professor Pissarides. I am delighted that he was able to accept our invitation to address us today. He is a welcome guest. His address has been most informative and engaging for Members. The problem of youth unemployment is raised regularly in the House, particularly by its youngest Member, Senator Kathryn Reilly. I am...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to afford Senator David Norris the opportunity to have his motion debated in the House between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Many Members have spoken about the children's rights referendum and its importance. We all agree that this is one of the most important referendums that we have had. I hope that the fact that it will be held on a Saturday will lead to large numbers coming out in support of it. It is very important, as Members have stated. Quite a number of Members have spoken on the issue this morning. I...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Ministers are being requested to come into this House and when they come only a handful of Members are in the Chamber. The Members who have called for the Ministers to come into the House are not in the House when they come. It is not acceptable. If we want this House to work properly, we will all have to work together and live up to our responsibilities and be here to ask the questions...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: On the matter raised, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be in the House this afternoon. We will also have statements on the economy next week with the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, in attendance, and the Minister, Deputy Noonan, will be in the House to deal with the Fiscal Responsibility Bill. There will be ample opportunity to raise questions on banking and other...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, address by Professor Christopher A. Pissarides, School Professor of Economics and Political Science at the London School of Economics and Nobel Laureate, to commence at 1 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed five minutes and the contribution of one Sinn Féin Senator not to exceed two minutes, at the conclusion of which Professor...

Seanad: Social Welfare Appeals System: Motion (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Ar 10.30 maidin amárach.

Seanad: Alcohol Consumption: Statements (Resumed) (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I will begin by extending a warm welcome to the Minister of State, a former colleague of ours in this House and a very valued Member of the 23rd Seanad. I wish him well in his portfolio. Those inside and outside of this House are acutely aware of the challenges which face the health service. In that context I wish the Minister of State, Deputy White, the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and the...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to cyber bullying. This matter will be the subject of a Fine Gael Private Members' motion next week. We will have ample opportunity for a debate and contributions from all sides of the House on this important issue. Senator Wilson adverted to the future of the Reserve Defence Force. The Minister for Defence, Deputy Shatter, addressed the matter in the other...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Hayden also commented on the children's rights referendum. It is important that we urge all people to go out and vote in this important referendum and secure a "Yes" vote. Senators Jim D'Arcy and Brennan referred to jobs for Drogheda. They are delivering for their constituents in that part of the constituency. Any announcement on jobs in the country is to be welcomed. Let us hope...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I have commented on it. I could say much more but I will not on this occasion. I am sure we will have an opportunity to discuss the report when it is published.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I thought the Leyden was going to give us the acceptance speech of the US President, Mr. Obama.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Mullins and Mary Ann O?Brien raised the issue of Irish Aid and moneys spent in its programmes. The Minister of State, Deputy Costello, will address this matter and others in the House in early course. The issues of payments to chief executive officers of charities and the misappropriation of funds in Uganda were also raised and these too will be addressed by the Minister of State....

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: As I did not interrupt the Senator, I ask him to allow me to finish. If allegations of malpractice are made the appropriate body to deal with them is the Garda.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Bacik mentioned the Minister for Health's announcement of a new children's hospital. I am sure that we all welcome the fact that a decision was made. Everybody in the country wants it to start as soon as possible in order that we can provide medical care for the children of the country.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Every Senator shares that wish. Senator Mac Conghail mentioned Private Member's time so we will have ample time this evening to debate the issue. As he stated, a comprehensive amendment has been tabled and it is an excellent amendment.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I am sure the House will be divided in its opinion but I am sure that the majority of Senators will favour the amendment. I will not enter into a debate on it now. Senator Mac Conghail mentioned philanthropy and asked me to invite two Ministers to attend a debate on it as it would lead to better joined-up thinking. I shall investigate the possibility of having some Ministers here to debate...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: It is not possible to reduce the pension for a very small select group of people, the former CEOs of banks.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Nov 2012)

Maurice Cummins: In addition, it is not legally possible.