Results 4,921-4,940 of 14,127 for speaker:David Stanton

Seanad: Legal Metrology (Measuring Instruments) Bill 2017: Report and Final Stages (9 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: I thank Senators for their patience on Tuesday, 24 October last, when the Seanad was only able to take Committee Stage and was unable to take Report and Final Stages. The background is that since the Bill was initiated by the Tánaiste in July last, the name of the Department was changed from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to the Department of Business, Enterprise and...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Equality Issues (9 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: As the Deputy will be aware, computer literacy is not a protected ground of discrimination under the Equality Acts. Accordingly, I have no ministerial responsibility in relation to this issue.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (9 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: The on-going implementation of the McMahon Report recommendations in relation to the facilities in State provided accommodation is contributing to greater privacy and autonomy for all residents, including young women and girls.  To date, improved facilities have been or are being implemented in Ballyhaunis and Mosney (full independent living and food hall), Milstreet (independent...

Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: Yes.

Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: It is daft.

Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: We all share the common objective of wanting to protect all persons living in Ireland from discrimination in their daily lives. As the House is aware, we have robust protections in place in the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2015 and the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2015 to protect equality and to combat discrimination in employment and in access to goods and services. If we are to amend...

Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Report Stage (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: Amendment No. 3 would requires the Minister to lay a formal statement before the Houses in respect of a decision regarding a change of index but only where the decision was not to change the index. The thinking appears to presuppose that the reasoning behind the decision on the index to be used in catastrophic injury cases would not be made public or that there would be a reluctance to...

Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Report Stage (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: The Leas-Cheann Comhairle's guidance would be helpful. The Deputy has spoken on both amendments together.

Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Report Stage (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: That is fine.

Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Report Stage (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: Is it the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's advice that I speak to both amendments now?

Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Report Stage (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: On amendment No. 1, unfortunately I cannot accept this amendment. Section 51L(2) provides that a review of the efficacy of the HICP index be carried out after an initial five-year period. Deputies Wallace and Daly's proposed amendment would reduce that to three years. I am sure Deputies will recognise that to get an accurate representation as to whether the HICP index, as the reference...

Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2017 [Seanad]: Order for Report Stage (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Seanad: International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee Stage (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: At some stage I would like to speak on that section, if that is possible.

Seanad: International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee Stage (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: Of course.

Seanad: International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: I am happy to listen to Members.

Seanad: International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: I am very pleased to be here to address the House on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, who unfortunately cannot be here today due to prior engagements. I thank the Senators for their comments earlier on. As regards the comments that Senator Kelleher made, we are very aware of the situation globally and we are working as hard as we can to address that...

Seanad: International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: The Houses of the Oireachtas passed the International Protection Act 2015 which included changes to the family reunification provisions. I am aware that some Senators have said that they did not support all elements of the Bill at that time. However, it was passed. The 2015 Act brings Ireland closer into line with the provisions under the EU Family Reunification Directive while retaining...

Seanad: International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: As Senators alluded to earlier, we are working as hard as we can to improve direct provision. I have yet to see an alternative which will work and which will ensure that a person who comes to Dublin today and looks for asylum will be guaranteed a bed, food, heat, safety and comfort tonight. As Senators know, the system is under ferocious pressure. We are running low on numbers. If...

Seanad: International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: The Government opposes this amendment. Under current administrative arrangements a sponsor can bring new information to the Minister's attention, which would be considered under and expedited process as part of a new application for family reunification by the sponsor. I wish to be clear that under current administrative arrangements a sponsor can bring new information to the Minister's...

Seanad: International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

David Stanton: The Cathaoirleach will not be surprised to learn that the Government opposes this amendment based on the Government's opposition to the Bill as a whole.