Results 3,561-3,580 of 3,759 for speaker:Michael Collins

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Fertiliser Costs (9 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: While I appreciate some of the steps that have been taken, this issue is unfortunately taking many farmers who are purchasing fertiliser at the moment right over the edge. I also appreciate the steps the Minister has taken to provide cheap finance to farmers, but I am aware that some farmers who are looking for such finance are being turned down by banks. While the provision of €150...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Fertiliser Costs (9 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: The Minister has said that giving farmers relief in respect of the increased cost of fertilisers caused by tariffs "does not have widespread support" in Europe. This is one of many serious issues for Irish agriculture at present. What steps are being taken by the Minister to deal with those issues? It looks to me that something is being done this year, but what has been happening in the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Money Advice and Budgeting Service Restructuring: Discussion (Resumed) (9 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: I welcome the witnesses to our meeting. I could be seen to have a slight conflict of interest here because I served on the west Cork citizens information board a number of years ago. I do not really understand where all of this is coming from and I fully agree with many of the sentiments expressed earlier. In terms of the service in Cork, in 2015 there were 10,834 callers and 18,635...

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Agriculture Schemes (9 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: 24. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce details of an aid package to be paid to grain farmers in counties that had suffered from serious weather conditions during the harvest of 2016, further to a vote in Dáil Éireann vote on 19 January 2017 in which a majority of the members of the Dáil voted for such a package to be put in place....

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Seaweed Harvesting Licences (9 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: 145. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason there was no environmental impact assessment or public consultation carried out by his Department before issuing a ten year kelp harvest licence to a company (details supplied) [12664/17]

Health (Amendment) Bill 2017: Second Stage (8 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: I fully support the Bill, which will allow for some the provisions of budget 2017 to be introduced. I fully support the provision of a medical card to all children in receipt of domiciliary care allowance. Domiciliary care allowance is granted to children aged under 16 years with a severe disability who require ongoing care and attention substantially over and above the care and attention...

National Educational Psychological Service: Motion [Private Members] (8 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: I support the motion before the House. It is long established that early intervention is crucial to give a child the best opportunities. For early intervention, we first need an assessment of needs. Otherwise, we are putting the cart before the horse. Early assessment means that the children will be offered suitable resources and supports that will enable them to reach their full...

Insurance Industry: Motion [Private Members] (1 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: I thank Deputy Michael McGrath for bringing the motion to the House. The increase in motor insurance prices over the past three years is unjustified and unsustainable, and is placing major financial stress on citizens and businesses. Up to July 2016, motor insurance costs had increased by 38% year-on-year. The CSO figures over a three-year cycle show an increase in the range of 70% in some...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs: Sustaining Viable Rural Communities: Discussion (Resumed) (1 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: The Minister of State said to join him on a journey. I have been on many journeys through rural Ireland in my lifetime. The last journey I joined was Mr. Pat Spillane's journey. It did not work out, though not through any fault of his. He was passionate, wanted it to work out, but it did not happen. I am worried that this plan is very much a copy and paste or whatever it is called. The...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs: Sustaining Viable Rural Communities: Discussion (Resumed) (1 Mar 2017)

Michael Collins: JobPath, Turas Nua, or whatever it is. They all have fancy names. The bottom line is that it has been the ruination of community and voluntary groups in my area. If somebody is in JobPath, Turas Nua or whatever we call it, that person is firstly taken off the live register but still does not have a job. Secondly, that person cannot take a community employment, CE, job, a rural social...

Questions on Promised Legislation (28 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: In the past couple of years the State has blocked a mother's efforts to keep her daughter alive and free from suffering. Vera Twomey will reach the border between counties Cork and Tipperary today. She is highlighting this issue at a critical time. I ask the Taoiseach to personally intervene in the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Protected Disclosures (28 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: 159. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if a disclosure can be made by a member of the public regarding the Courts Service of Ireland under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. [10240/17]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (28 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: 163. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to implement the remaining recommendations made in the report of the working group on improvements to the protection process, including direct provision and other supports for asylum seekers; when it is expected that all the recommendations will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10313/17]

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Pensions Legislation (28 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: 488. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will restore public service pensions fully by mid-2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10310/17]

Motor Insurance Costs: Motion (16 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: The increase in motor insurance prices over the past three years is unjustified and unsustainable. It is placing major financial stress on citizens and businesses. Up to July 2016, motor insurance costs have increased by 30% year-on-year. The CSO figures over a three-year cycle show increases in the range of 70%. In some cases, insurance premiums and quotes have risen by as much as 200%...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (15 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: I advise members to switch off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and the broadcasting of proceedings. The Chairman will be present in approximately 45 minutes. I propose that we go into private session to deal with a number of items.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs: Returning Emigrant Support Services: Discussion (15 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: We will now consider with representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Safe Home Ireland emigrant support group the issues facing emigrants returning to rural Ireland. I welcome Mr. Ciaran Staunton, chairman, Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform; Ms Karen McHugh, chief executive, Safe Home Ireland immigrant support group; Ms Maureen O'Sullivan and Mr. Michael McMahon and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs: Returning Emigrant Support Services: Discussion (15 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: I thank Mr. Staunton for his very detailed presentation. Before I go to members, I will ask Ms Karen McHugh to say a few words.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs: Returning Emigrant Support Services: Discussion (15 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: I thank Ms McHugh for her opening statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs: Returning Emigrant Support Services: Discussion (15 Feb 2017)

Michael Collins: I thank Deputy Heydon. We will take one more for now and then we will allow the witnesses to answer. I call Senator Conway-Walsh.