Results 5,621-5,640 of 21,149 for speaker:Mary Lou McDonald

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: The Taoiseach's party has been in government for more than seven years. For the purposes of clarity, the theme I raised was not Christmas so much as the theme of a housing crisis and a homelessness crisis over which the Taoiseach and his colleagues have presided. People took to the streets in vast numbers on Saturday. I am sure all of us are aware that it is not easy to mobilise people....

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: I would like the Taoiseach to address the question I asked about the possibility of a rent freeze. I put it to him again that there is a need to adopt the proposal known as the Focus amendment to deal with the issue of landlords seeking vacant possession to sell houses and homes over the heads of tenants.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: This is one of the main contributing factors, if not the main one, to homelessness and family homelessness in particular. I have mentioned two concrete, innovative, brave and decisive things that the Taoiseach could do if he were minded to get a grip on this situation.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: Can we have a straight answer on the rent freeze as well as on the amendment to the law that has been proposed and with which the Taoiseach is familiar?

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: It has been known as the Focus amendment since it was advanced by Focus Ireland in the first instance.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Dec 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: Traditionally, December is the time of year when we think, in particular, of those who are homeless and, more specifically, those citizens who are sleeping rough. We know from last week's homelessness figures that there are now more people homeless in the state than ever before. We also know that the official figures actually understate the reality of homelessness across society. The rough...

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap Information) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: I also commend Senator Bacik on introducing this important legislation. As my colleague stated, we will support the Bill. Indeed, we share the frustration of the Labour Party with Government foot-dragging on the issue. The gender pay gap is not a new issue. A multitude of research has been undertaken across the EU and in Ireland on the subject. Back in 2002 the Department of Justice,...

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap Information) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: I have far more faith in the commission charged with equality and human rights than I would have in many who have graced ministerial office. I appeal to the Minister of State to support the legislation, allow it to proceed and give the women of Ireland some Christmas cheer.

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Brexit Issues (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: When the institutions collapsed, public confidence in them was at rock bottom. They collapsed because of a perception of corruption and malpractice. The Deputy might struggle with the notion that public opinion reacts adversely to corruption and bad practice, but that is how it happened. If one cares to go and listen widely, people will say with clarity that they did not want a situation...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Brexit Issues (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: 8. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent conversation with the British Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May. [48020/18]

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Brexit Issues (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: When the inquiry reports back on the renewable heat initiative, RHI, scandal, I believe it will record the central role of the DUP. At that stage, the Taoiseach can make his assessment on an informed basis as regards Sinn Féin. What he is doing at this point is simply playing party politics. He says he wishes, in an even-handed manner, with rigorous impartiality - that is what both...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: As we will not agree on the issue of abstentionism, I will not labour the point. I assure the Taoiseach that the people of Foyle in Derry are well represented by Elisha McCallion. He said he met Ms McCallion. It was remiss of me not to mark the very significant contribution of Mark Durkan. Of course, the Taoiseach will not be surprised to hear me say that I was not sorry he lost his seat...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: It is not an empty formula when uttered in the Palace of Westminster.

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: I did not interrupt Deputy Martin. It is entirely different matter than in the nascent Free State when the Dáil was finding its feet. They are different scenarios. We could debate that all day. The core issue on which we can agree is the necessity to get the institutions of government back up and running. To that end for the Taoiseach's benefit, I want to make it very clear that...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Departmental Advertising Budgets (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: It is on an official website. It is on a Government website.

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Departmental Advertising Budgets (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: It is on merrionstreet.ie.

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Departmental Advertising Budgets (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: No.

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Departmental Advertising Budgets (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: That is twisting the point.

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: 4. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent visit to County Derry. [48233/18]

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed): Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (28 Nov 2018)

Mary Lou McDonald: It is most welcome that the Taoiseach visited Derry on that occasion, albeit for a brief spell. I agree that it is extremely important that he and members of his Government regularly visit communities in the North across the board. That in and of itself is an important confidence-building measure. I disagree that the anti-Brexit majority has been silent. The facts speak to the...