Results 3,721-3,740 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Bacik also alluded to the comments made this morning by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, which also clarify that matter. Senators Norris, Mooney, Mullen, Bradford, Noone and others raised the constitutional convention. As Members are aware, the aforementioned convention is being set up and while the first two items to be discussed will...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I have stated that I will arrange a debate and will do so. Senators Conway, Brennan and Mullins raised the issue of the Gathering. Tourism certainly is a very important part of the economy and my office already has been in contact with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to invite him to the House to discuss this important initiative. Senator Mooney also spoke on the...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I agree completely with the Senator that there is no such need. Senator O'Keeffe called for a debate on the register of lobbyists and I certainly will try to arrange such a debate on this highly important issue. Senator Mullen indicated his intention to introduce a Bill next week on the disclosure of overpayments and Members will have ample time to discuss that issue next week. In response...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: That never happened previously and so will not happen again. Senator Leyden referred to the boundary commission and while it certainly will be a cause of joy for some, it undoubtedly will create challenges for many others. In respect of European Union proposals, as I stated previously I am fully in favour of having a debate on European issues and directives in this House. Only yesterday did...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: If the Senator will allow me to answer, I will come to that as well.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: In this House we usually allow people to respond to the questions asked. Permitted staffing of the private offices and constituency offices of Ministers of State was reduced and at its first meeting the Government decided to reduce the Taoiseach's pay to €200,000 and reduce the pay of Ministers and Ministers of State pro rata.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: It happened.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Government also decided to cut down on the costs of special advisers close to Ministers. It succeeded in reducing the cost by about 23% when compared to the previous Government regime. Special advisers in this Government are on a lower pay scale when compared to the previous Government rates and the practice of paying attraction allowances has been abolished. The biggest reduction in...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: -----almost halving the cost, with a reduction of 47% in the cost of advisers. That is the answer in respect of advisers.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I hope the Senator pays heed to that because I gave that answer before.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: Obviously, it did not sink in. I hope the answer sinks in this time. Senator Mullins mentioned The Gathering. I will arrange for a debate on this matter. I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business, proposed by Senator MacSharry. He is right; it is a very serious matter that we have 218,000 people awaiting an appointment for a consultant. That figure which came out...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We could never get that type of information.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: We could never get that kind of information when the Members opposite were in government. I hope they accept the transparency of the Government-----

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: -----in the provision of these services.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I respect the protection given to me by the Cathaoirleach. Senator Brennan spoke about small rural roads and speed limits. I agree with him that one can drive along motorways where in areas there are 60 km/h speed limits but one can leave these and go onto a small country road where two cars can barely pass and where the speed limit is 80 km/h. I understand a review of speed limits is...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: It is very dangerous to take rumours for facts but I will find the information for the Senator. Senator D'Arcy spoke about DEIS status for certain schools that were not awarded that status in 2005. He will raise this as an Adjournment debate motion which is the appropriate way to raise the subject.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion regarding the proposal for a directive on the freezing and confiscation of proceeds of crime in the European Union, to be taken without debate on the conclusion of the Order of Business; No. 2, statements on "A Decade of Commemorations", to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 and to conclude no later than 1.45 p.m. with the contributions of group...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: It is well known.

Seanad: NAMA and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Transparency Bill 2011: Second Stage (6 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow.

Seanad: Business of Seanad (6 Jun 2012)

Maurice Cummins: I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to discharge the Order of the House in regard to No. 1, which is the substantive motion re proposal for a directive on the freezing and the confiscation of proceeds of crime in the European Union. The motion that ought to have been moved is No. 24, which is the motion to refer the item to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality,...