Results 3,481-3,500 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Irish Water and Related Reforms: Statements (Resumed) (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I knew the Leas-Chathaoirleach would not interrupt me on that point. Problems with the existing water infrastructure, including the ongoing issue of pipe leakages, must be addressed. It is ridiculous to put systems in place to charge for water while large volumes continue to be lost through leakages. I welcome the undertaking that there will be considerable investment in infrastructure to...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I agree with the Senator that we should invite the relevant Minister to give an update on current projects. I welcome Senator Ó Clochartaigh's review of the Galway newspapers and thank him for informing us which Garda stations may close. In this House we deal in fact, not speculation.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We will endeavour to have the Minister for Justice and Equality come here at a later stage. Senator Ó Murchú again raised the matter of small businesses being the backbone of rural society and the need to reduce red tape for them. The matter can be raised during our debate with the relevant Minister. Senator Conway welcomed the announcements made in the past two days about the creation...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, raised the question of health cuts. He criticises the Minister because of overruns in the system and also when measures are taken. However, the Minister is there to reform the system and will continue to do so. In reply to Senators Darragh O'Brien and David Cullinane, Second Stage of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill will...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: It will not make any difference which Minister takes it as the Government works in unity.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The issue of job creation and unemployment was raised by a number of Senators. I will endeavour to have the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, come to the House to address the issue. It is the most important challenge facing the Government and the number one priority is the creation of jobs. We had a healthy debate during which some laudable suggestions...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on Irish Water and related reforms, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 1.45 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 reply to the debate not later than 1.35 p.m.; and...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Marie Moloney spoke about social welfare matters. As I mentioned at the start of the Order of Business, the Minister for Social Protection will come to the House on 18 October. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames also called on the Minister to come to the House. She will address the matters raised on 18 October. Senator Katherine Zappone will have ample time to relay her ideas on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The vast majority of Members who spoke welcomed the announcement of the children's rights referendum. The purpose of the 31st amendment to the Constitution is to expressly recognise children in their own right within the Constitution. I certainly welcome Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin support for the referendum and the wording. It is important that the referendum be passed. It is the...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The new property charge will be fair. We need to carefully consider the various issues in introducing a property tax and the Government will not be rushed into making decisions on the matter. The only decision taken by it regarding the property tax is that it will be administered and collected by the Revenue Commissioners and that it will take effect in the middle of 2013. No further...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I welcome Senator Martin McAleese's suggestions and would welcome suggestions for future innovations. He has outlined the innovations that we have had to date. Of course, I would welcome suggestions for future innovations in the House within Standing Orders. I thank the Senator for his remarks in that regard. Senator Rónán Mullen dealt with the referendum, but he also commented...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Sep 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming everybody back for the new term. The Order of Business is No. 1, Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 5 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 21, Private Members' business, motion No. 8, to be taken at 5 p.m. and...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (20 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I thank all of the staff of the House, particularly Deirdre Lane, Jody Blake and the ushers who are so kind to us all. I thank all of the Senators for their help and assistance. The 24th Seanad has been in operation for almost 14 months and I believe we are doing excellent work despite what others may think. I wish everyone a deserved rest and I hope we will come back suitably refreshed...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I am open to the views of the House.

Seanad: Friday Sittings: Motion (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I move: (1) That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, on Friday, 20th July, 2012 the Seanad shall meet at 10 a.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) Standing Orders 29 and 30 shall stand suspended; (b) there shall be no Order of Business. (c) the business to be taken shall be confined to (i) Committee and remaining Stages of the...

Seanad: Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012: Order for Second Stage (19 Jul 2012)

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

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I doubt it.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator O'Sullivan is being very provocative.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Thomas Byrne welcomed the pyrite report, which was raised yesterday by Senator Darragh O'Brien. We hope that, as a result of the report, many of the people affected by this issue will be facilitated. I admit this is long overdue but hopefully, now that we have the report, we will be in a position to act upon it. The Minister is taking steps to rectify the HSE budget deficit. He...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jul 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I am usually castigated by the Opposition for ordering all Stages taken together.