Results 5,241-5,260 of 5,294 for speaker:Michael McCarthy

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I do not blame the Government. It gives credence to the arguments put forward by people aggrieved at the budget, particularly when one considers the lack of increases in some areas and the substantial increases in others. The fact that an elected Member of our national Parliament has a medical card makes a joke and a mockery of the system. It is a joke that someone who is on a handsome...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Many people cannot afford private health insurance but are, unfortunately, a couple of euro above the income threshold to qualify for a medical card. It is ridiculous that the person who looked for votes during the election and fought for medical cards has one. It could only happen in this country.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: It is there. It is in the reports.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Yes.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Like her colleague in the Department of Finance.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: That was the former Deputy, Proinsias De Rossa.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Are ruthless.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I agree that they have been targeted.

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I move amendment No. 1: In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following new section:

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I move amendment No. 2: In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following new section: 2.–The Minister shall as soon as may be after the passing of this Act prepare and lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report on the implications of abolishing the means test for a carer's allowance and introducing a top-up carer's payment for those in receipt of another social welfare payment....

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill, 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I thank the Minister for taking time out of her busy schedule to debate this important legislation with us. I wish her well in her portfolio.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: Senator Ryan was not referring to Deputy O'Flynn, but to the Deputy's remarks.

Seanad: Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage. (18 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: That is correct.

Seanad: Order of Business. (17 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I agree with earlier speakers regarding the speed with which it is proposed to debate two Bills of major importance. My colleague, Senator Tuffy, will refer to this matter later. In recent weeks we have heard conflicting reports about the proposed abolition of the dual mandate by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Some people say the Minister will proceed with the...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: That is not equality either.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I support the amendment and reiterate the points made by Senator O'Rourke. The fact that there is a lower fee for associate membership is not the issue. If money was the issue, Senator O'Rourke would not have taught in the school in Summerhill for one third less pay than her male counterpart, which was ridiculous. The marriage bar, which was only abolished in 1975, affected people like my...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I support the spirit of this amendment. Some minutes ago we debated the merits of equality. One of the fundamentals of social justice and equality is freedom of expression, particularly in this context. What would happen if a civil servant had an opinion that was more pertinent, effective and constructive than that of the Minister and there was no modus operandi on the part of the civil...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage. (12 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: I concur with previous speakers in expressing gratitude to the Minister for coming to the House on this and many other occasions recently. I appreciate the spirit and manner in which he analysed and reflected on amendments and his willingness to accept some of them.

Seanad: Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2002)

Michael McCarthy: The Senator is the first Kerryman who could claim that.