Results 4,621-4,640 of 5,294 for speaker:Michael McCarthy

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Michael McCarthy: They did not applaud here.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2005: Motion. (1 Dec 2004)

Michael McCarthy: The Government is still penalising carers.

Seanad: Order of Business. (1 Dec 2004)

Michael McCarthy: The Motor Insurance Advisory Board issued its final report yesterday. Some of the functions of that authority will be transferred to the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. It would be timely and appropriate for us to debate the whole industry, particularly the findings of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board and where we go from here. Ms Dorothea Dowling gave a very good interview...

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Section 58 deals with powers and protections relating to witnesses and evidence. I draw the Minister of State's attention to subsection (4)(c) regarding collecting evidence before a committee, which reads, "as otherwise allowed by those rules, including by means of a live-video link, a video recording, a sound recording or any other mode of transmission." Regarding giving evidence and...

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Perhaps the Minister will revisit the matter on the next Stage.

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: This section concerns the need for the High Court to confirm any sanction against a member of any profession. If the person against whom the sanction is directed does not appeal, why need the matter still go to the High Court? For the sake of simplicity and to avoid the obvious demands and burdens that a High Court hearing might place on people, is it really necessary to go to the High Court...

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: In cases where the sanction is not being appealed, common sense should prevail. Perhaps the provision might not be used. I accept the Minister of State's reference to constitutional rights, which are reflected in that section. However, for the sake of simplicity, we must be clear on the issue.

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: This section deals with access to and publication of registers. It would be a worthwhile gesture to include the Internet in that respect. We are in an era when information technology drives much of the economy and the Government. It is a medium through which people should be expected to declare whatever they need to. It is an avenue of knowledge that was not there for a number of years, but...

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Section 47 is about the recognition of education and training programmes. I say that in the company of a former Minister for Education and Science. Do sections 47(6) to (8), inclusive, mean that the Minister can make the council recognise a course? If that is the case, is there a similar provision in courses like law, medicine and engineering?

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Section 51(2) of the Bill states that "a complaint may be made under subsection (1) on the grounds of professional misconduct or poor professional performance even though the matter to which the complaint relates occurred outside the State." If something happens outside this jurisdiction, how can it be pursued and investigated here? What grounds would there be for such an investigation? Would...

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I note the Minister of State's reply, but it is important to ensure that the provision in section 51(2) is realistic. I refer, for example, to the functions which are available and the legal ambit in which such an investigation would take place. We need to be mindful of this matter in the context of the remaining Stages. We need to be assured that it will be possible to pursue a complaint...

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: Can I make an observation about section 53, which relates to the preliminary filtering of complaints? The section states: "If the preliminary proceedings committee is of the opinion that there is not sufficient cause to warrant further action being taken in relation to a complaint, it shall inform the Council of that opinion." However, it does not refer to malicious complaints. We are all...

Seanad: Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: It is not as if Fine Gael has a problem with that.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I wish to raise the issue of the Chernobyl Children's Project. During the last few days some signals have emanated from Belarus to the effect that the number of children travelling to Ireland under that project could be restricted. This project is successful, worthwhile and important for the wellbeing of the children in that badly blighted area. Perhaps the Leader would raise this issue with...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: He has been decentralised.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (25 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: It is abysmal.

Seanad: Hospital Services. (4 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue on the Adjournment. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, and congratulate him on his reappointment. I raise the issue of the proposed 14-bed extension to Schull Community Hospital. The hospital was opened in 1942 and serves the people of Schull, Ballydehob and Goleen. It has 21 beds for providing continuing care, including...

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Second Stage. (4 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I welcome the Minister. Generally, this is good legislation which is both long and detailed. It is significant in what it aspires to do. On that note, I concur with previous speakers in regard to the level of consultation. I appreciate it is almost impossible to gain full approval for any legislation, particularly from the groups affected, but for the sake of this legislation and its passage...

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: I mentioned the issuing of licences for drugs, in respect of which enormous costs are involved in terms of manpower and expertise. However, the issue of co-operation as between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom needs to be addressed. For example, some drugs are designed for occasional use only. This might mean that while a veterinarian in Newry could use a medicine, his or her...

Seanad: Veterinary Practice Bill 2004: Second Stage (Resumed). (4 Nov 2004)

Michael McCarthy: There are vested interests, but I believe there is a serious issue to be considered. The legislation is long and detailed and obviously I will be tabling amendments where I believe it needs improvement. I welcome the thrust of the Bill and appreciate what it aspires to do. I know the former Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Walsh, first proposed it in 2001. There was a press release...