Results 4,801-4,820 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Jobs Initiative and Competitiveness: Statements (Resumed) (22 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, to the House. Job creation is central to Ireland's economic recovery. The programme for Government has job creation at its core. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, as we have heard on many occasions. There are currently some 250,000 small businesses, employing approximately 700,000 workers. The appointment of Deputy Perry as...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Senators Darragh O'Brien and Mac Conghail referred to the petitions committee. That matter will be discussed by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, next week. It is the intention that - regardless of its title - such a committee will be established and that people will come before it to make representations. It is also intended that relevant individuals will be invited to come...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: It is a fact that 75% of defined benefit pension schemes are going to be in deficit. The Minister for Social Protection is due to come before the House tomorrow to take the debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill and perhaps she might comment on some of the points made by Senator Darragh O'Brien in respect of that matter. I dealt previously with the recommendations relating to the...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Harte referred to the difficulties soccer fans are experiencing in respect of obtaining visas for the game with Russia in particular. This is a matter which is close to my heart and I have received representations from quite a number of people about the previous occasion on which the national team played in Russia. The other team which the Republic is due to play - the name of which...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: The Senator may be more au fait than I with regard to the legal aspects of the matter. I am informed that at present it is not possible to hold a "preferendum" and that a referendum is the accepted model. However, the position can be clarified at a later stage. Senator Conway referred to the astronomical increase in the prices charged for hotel rooms when major events, concerts, etc., are...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: I hope that those who own and run hotels and who might be charging exorbitant prices realise that the country's reputation is at stake. This is an extremely important matter. I already informed Senator Cullinane that the Minister for Health is due to come before the House on 7 July next.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: On JLCs, the House is to resume its debate on the jobs initiative and competitiveness following the Order of Business. I suggest that the topic of JLCs could be addressed during said debate. Senator Landy also referred to the cost of hotel rooms and to the cost of tickets for GAA matches. As someone on the Opposition benches stated, it was not possible to mention the GAA in the House when...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, statements on the jobs initiative and competitiveness (resumed), to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business and conclude not later than 1 p.m., with eight minutes for spokespersons and five minutes for all other Senators, and the Minister to reply not later than 12.55 p.m.; No.2, statements on European affairs and the European Union's role on...

Seanad: Harbours Acts 1996 to 2009: Motion (21 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: I move: That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Harbours Acts 1996 to 2009 (Transfer of Functions of Dundalk Port Company) Order 2011, copies of which have been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 1st June, 2011, be referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht, in accordance with Standing Order 70A(3),...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, spoke about special needs assistants. We had a debate on this only last week. I have some correspondence from the Department on that matter. I will read the first page and provide a copy of this correspondence to Senator O'Brien. - Schools are being advised this week of their allocation of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) for the coming...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: There have also been questions about progress on the Croke Park agreement. As we stated, there is a lot done but more to do in that area. Questions were also raised about the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill. This will be dealt with in the House on 29 and 30 June.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: That is another request that will be honoured. Senator Ivana Bacik asked about constitutional reform and reform of the asylum system. This is a matter that the Minister for Justice and Equality is examining at present and I am sure he will be happy to come to the House at a later stage to discuss it. Senator Jillian van Turnhout mentioned SNAs, as did quite a number of people. I have given...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: It is a serious issue and we will try to have a discussion with the Minister for Finance in the context of the debate we are trying to organise. I have no objection to bringing in the chairman of NAMA if the Committee on Procedure and Privileges permits an expansion of the category of people that can come in here. However, we should hear from the Minister for Finance on the subject first....

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, motion of referral to the Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht regarding the Harbours Acts 1996 to 2009 (Transfer of Functions of Dundalk Port Company) Order 2011, to be taken without debate; and No. 13, motion No. 1 regarding Seanad procedures, which is resumed from last week and which will conclude not later than 5.45 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: The Leader of the Opposition referred to the 100 day milestone, a matter mentioned and discussed by a number of Members today. I am glad that Senator Terry Leyden has noted that the first 100 days have passed and that he recognises the Government will go the full length without doubt.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: I am pleased to note his confidence in the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: I assure Senator Darragh O'Brien the Government is engaged in ongoing negotiations on the interest rate reductions which it will continue in a balanced way. Senator Ivana Bacik referred to the burning of the bondholders. Senator Darragh O'Brien also referred to the Croke Park deal, on which significant progress has taken place, on which I compliment everyone concerned. As the Fianna Fáil...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: A lot more remains to be done in that regard.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: We held a debate in the House last night on law and order and a resolution concerning the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009. The Minister is strong on law and order. He moved a resolution dealing with section 8 which was renewed last night. He has also given a firm commitment that if further legislation is necessary to combat this appalling crime, he will address the matter. For now...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

Maurice Cummins: He is flying high. We will also examine the question of Terminal 2. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames raised the important issue of job creation and the serious problem of banks not lending to companies. There is a credit review mechanism in place for the banks. I suggest the company in question take up the matter in that context.