Results 51,261-51,280 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Seanad: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: I was just thinking that.

Seanad: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: Providing one survives the procedure.

Seanad: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: I jest.

Seanad: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: There are EU issues involved.

Seanad: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage. (26 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: It might have already recommended that I do it or I might have done it as a result of an earlier recommendation. The Bill phrases it so that for every single report sent to me, there is an obligation to make a recommendation which I may already have made. It is somewhat long-winded.

Seanad: Health Services: Motion. (26 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: I am pleased to have the opportunity to put in context the investment and reform programme the Government has been promoting since the launch of the national health strategy in November 2001. It is a matter of record that there have been significant increases in public investment in the health services in recent years. In 2003 the Government is investing €8.9 billion of current and capital...

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: The Bill, as drafted, amends sections 24, 25, 33 and 34 of the Principal Act to bring their provisions clearly into line with the European Union directives on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. These directives were transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instrument No. 1 of 1991 and Statutory Instrument No. 135 of 1996. Sections 6 and 9 of the Bill provide for the...

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: The same provision applies to Members of the Oireachtas. It appears to be an age-old provision. We are amending the Act to keep in line with EU Council directives on mutual recognition of professions across member states. My understanding of the term "has not been declared bankrupt" is that the person concerned is not bankrupt. I will revert to the Senator with further advice on the matter...

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: I do not, thank God.

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: Historically, the phrase has been used in the context of criminal bankruptcy. However, we added Deputies and Senators to the list, in terms of eligibility for membership of outside bodies. In that regard, many Acts contain a standard provision referring to criminal bankruptcy and membership of the Oireachtas almost in the same sentence. The Senator may have a point in the generality of the...

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: Under the broader Act, I believe the opticians' board would potentially have a role in that area. To which section is the Senator referring?

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: I apologise.

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: It does.

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: It is in connection with the carrying out of professional duties.

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: The section also refers to a person who "is of good character and repute and has not been declared bankrupt". That would obviously cover it.

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: No, because they do not work in hospitals. They are private contractors.

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: They are private contractors. The list the Senator read out consists of people who work in hospitals.

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: No, they are not. The Act is very specific.

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: When I was here last, I made the point that the Bill was not the legislative mechanism through which the three named drugs would be allowed; they would be allowed through amendments to medicinal regulations. The Bill removes the absolute prohibition on the utilisation of some drugs by optometrists included in the parent Act. From the outset we recognised that unanimity on the issue of the use...

Seanad: Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (25 Feb 2003)

Micheál Martin: I am not an expert on drugs.