Results 401-420 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I appreciate the Members' motivation but the USI and the student bodies have been very much involved, during my tenure and those of my predecessors, in policy frameworks and decisions and in putting forward their perspective. This legislation, for example, was very important to them. However, the issue in this case is that this is not a representative group or body. This board would be...

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: However, it does not preclude one from appointing a student.

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: That is the problem.

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I am not saying that the student body in this country would not be sufficiently competent. That should not be taken to be my response. This appeal board will probably only meet on an odd occasion. It will be a small board composed of experts. Most of those experts would have been students at one time; otherwise they would not be experts as they would generally require a third level education.

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The Deputy is a fair expert at present but in 1964 there was not even word of a union. Things move on, even in this House. However, I have a concern about this. Over the years I have had the opportunity to appoint a number of independent appeals boards. The absolute integrity of such boards is based on the fact that members of the board would not in any way benefit or otherwise from a...

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: He was one of them. A number of us were political and student activists and a few who preceded us did very well. The student body in this country has been most mature and very involved in policy formation and frameworks. I admire what the students are doing. That is their job; they must prepare for the future. However, I am uncomfortable about accepting this amendment.

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I move amendment No. 35: In page 33, line 46, to delete "education or administration of schemes of payments" and substitute the following: "education, administration of schemes of payments or fair procedures". This amendment is designed to include a knowledge of fair procedures among the criteria for those eligible to be appointed to the appeals board. Amendment No. 36 provides for the...

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I move amendment No. 36: In page 34, between lines 21 and 22, to insert the following: "(13) A member of the Appeals Board shall cease to be qualified for membership of the Appeals Board and shall cease to be such member if he or she— (a) is adjudicated bankrupt, (b) makes a composition or arrangement with creditors, or (c) is sentenced by a court of competent jurisdiction to a term of...

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I thank my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Haughey, for the work he has done on this legislation. I also thank my colleagues in the House. People have been waiting for this legislation for a considerable period but I believe it will provide something very valuable for our citizens. That is clearly what we must achieve in this country. I wish to thank the stakeholders,...

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: No.

Student Support Bill 2008: Report and Final Stages (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I asked the Leader of the Seanad if he could facilitate us with this Bill in the beginning of the next term. I have been advised that the single scheme will be available for September 2011.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: It is proposed to take No. 9d, motions re Standing Orders 39, 116 and 117; Nos. 10 - 28, inclusive, motions re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of taxation agreements - back from committee; No. 29 - motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (No. 2) Regulations 2010 - back from committee; No. b5 - Appropriation Bill 2010 - Order for Second Stage...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I am not in a position to say when the finance Bill will be published. It is being worked on by the Minister and the officials in the Department. It will be brought before the Cabinet and published thereafter. I appreciate that all Members of the House would like to know what the date for the general election will be. Perhaps the people are not as enthusiastic about it.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Having said that, it is a matter for the Taoiseach.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: When the Taoiseach has made his decision, he will let us all know.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: Legislation on this issue is being prepared.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: I am aware that this matter was discussed by the joint committee. It is important to point out that 27,500 people in this country rely on this industry and the ancillary sectors.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The Minister agrees with the view of Opposition Members that we need to provide legislation.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: The Minister is of the view that legislation has to be introduced. It was mentioned in the Budget Statement.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2010)

Mary Coughlan: That legislation will be brought forward in the new year.