Results 21-40 of 2,065 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Michael Collins

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. The Taoiseach said he fully accepted the sector is struggling. Unfortunately, VAT is the problem here. The Government does not seem to understand that since the VAT rate went up, restaurants and cafés all over the country are shutting down. Door after door is banging shut. The Taoiseach does not grasp the crisis here. On his election as...

Disability Justice: Motion [Private Members] (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Our commitment to parents and compassion extends to everyone, regardless of their abilities. However, the proposed tiered payments based on perceived work capacity have significant flaws. They lack meaningful consultation with the disabled individuals who are the very people most affected by these policies. Without their input, we risk overlooking critical aspects of their needs and...

National Cancer Strategy: Motion [Private Members] (16 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I would like to first of all welcome the Minister of State to his new position and wish him the very best in the future. The aim of the national breast screening programme is to detect cancer early and to provide treatment for women who show no symptoms of the disease. There are only five mobile breast units in the whole of Munster and while we all agree that they are doing marvellous...

Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024: Second Stage (10 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: The future Ireland and infrastructure funds are nice, glamorous ideas but the reality is people and communities need the funding spent on infrastructure right now. I totally agree with Deputy Gould. We talk about infrastructure. Why is a future fund for infrastructure being created when we need funds now for urgent works that need to be done and have needed doing for many years, maybe...

Taoiseach a Ainmniú - Nomination of Taoiseach (9 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: In my view that will lead to further closures of pubs and cafes and those who support him would be equally responsible for such closures in their constituencies.

Taoiseach a Ainmniú - Nomination of Taoiseach (9 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I start by wishing the former Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, and the former Minister, Deputy Coveney, the very best in their future. This will be the third Taoiseach since the Government was formed in 2020. This, in itself, shows how dysfunctional this Government has been in the past four years. This Government lacks understanding and lacks the ability or hunger to look after the ordinary...

Taoiseach a Ainmniú - Nomination of Taoiseach (9 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: There are many more issues, such as student accommodation, hate speech and migration. All these issues need to be discussed properly before anybody would support Deputy Harris as Taoiseach.

Accommodation for International Protection Applicants: Motion [Private Members] (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: Excuse me, I am speaking.

Accommodation for International Protection Applicants: Motion [Private Members] (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: We did not interrupt when the Deputy was speaking.

Accommodation for International Protection Applicants: Motion [Private Members] (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: The Deputy over there has a brazen neck on her. Ceann Comhairle, is it possible to speak in the Dáil or not?

Accommodation for International Protection Applicants: Motion [Private Members] (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: Does the Deputy want to dictate what happens in the Dáil?

Accommodation for International Protection Applicants: Motion [Private Members] (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: The Deputy knows nothing about shame because she is not in touch with her electorate. That is one thing for sure. The Social Democrats motion has brought to light the pressing issue of asylum seekers in Ireland. However, the motion seems to be rooted in a utopian vision where-----

Accommodation for International Protection Applicants: Motion [Private Members] (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: The motion seems to be rooted in a utopian vision where Ireland has an infinite capacity for accommodation and can continue to absorb the world's suffering by accepting an unlimited number of asylum seekers. It is totally nuts to think that we can keep bringing people here to Ireland. Reality paints a different picture. Ireland has reached the limit of its capacity. We no longer have...

General Practice and Local Health Services: Motion (20 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: The Rural Independent Group's Private Members' motion last month called on the Government to act immediately to address the severe shortage of general practitioners across rural Ireland. We are happy to support this motion. This crisis has been escalating for over four years, with recent data revealing that over two thirds, 66%, of rural GPs are currently unable to accept new patients. I...

Road Traffic Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (6 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: Mother of God, I would appreciate if there was a little bit left. There was talk earlier about speed limits, which are a very serious concern in my constituency. We have great sympathy for anyone who gets hurt in an accident and it is a concern but there has been a low rate of deaths in west Cork, and I pray to God that this continues for the people there. However, we are driving in...

Housing Targets and Regulations: Motion [Private Members] (6 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: Ireland is in the midst of a severe housing crisis, with the political establishment seemingly incapable of delivering on housing need. The homeless population now exceeds 13,000 and is growing rapidly, yet nothing substantial is being done to reduce the number. The Government's flagship strategy, Housing for All, has goals that include increasing housing affordability and reducing...

Supporting People with Disabilities and Carers: Motion [Private Members] (5 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: As we stand on the precipice of this Friday's vote, Ireland's fate hangs in the balance with a pivotal referendum that could redefine the very fabric of our society. It centres around replacing Article 41.2 of the Constitution with Article 42B. This proposed article recognises that care provided by family members to one another forms a bedrock upon which our common good rests. It...

International Women's Day: Statements (5 Mar 2024)

Michael Collins: International Women's Day, celebrated annually on 8 March, serves as a powerful reminder of the strides women have made in various fields, be it politics, science, arts or social justice. It is a day to honour the trailblazers who shattered glass ceilings, the activists who fought for equality, and the everyday heroes who uplift their communities. Yet, against this backdrop, the...

RTÉ: Statements (28 Feb 2024)

Michael Collins: There are two sides to this story, which I will tell the Minister. We are aware of the debacle and the scandals going on with RTÉ. To be honest I do not know where it is going. As far as the public is concerned it is going nowhere. The public have lost complete confidence. I will take you all back a little bit to 1970, when a transmitter and antenna on a wooden pole was erected...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (28 Feb 2024)

Michael Collins: The cost-of-living increases have pushed many families to the edge every week. VAT on hospitality has had a shockingly negative impact on businesses, with cafes, pubs and restaurants closing one by one, as our Government stands idly by, not even providing a sympathetic ear. On 31 March, the excise duty on fuel is going to jump the price of fuel up. For the working father and mother or...