Results 5,781-5,800 of 14,127 for speaker:David Stanton

Topical Issue Debate: Energy Production (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: I thank the Office of the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter today and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White, for being present. I really appreciate it. This issue concerns the importance of the oil refinery in Whitegate. It is the only oil refinery in Ireland and, as the Minister knows, it is up for sale. I want to recognise...

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: The purpose of this meeting is to have an engagement on the possible need for a new UN convention on the rights of older people. I am very pleased to welcome Mr. Justin Moran, Ms Brigid Sleap and Ms Lianne Murphy. A briefing has been circulated to members. I will invite the witnesses to make a brief opening statement of about five minutes, and we will then have a question and answer...

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: We must not mention names.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: There is a phone on somewhere. Something is buzzing.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: How would a UN Convention on the rights of older persons impact on the rights and issues raised by Deputy O'Dowd? I think the witness said it will not happen today or tomorrow but these issues are crucial and the convention would be global and overarching. How will it impact on the issues raised by the Deputy?

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: It has to filter down.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: I will let Mr. Moran reply here.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: The abuses that Deputy O'Dowd has raised are illegal. Abuse, whether sexual, physical or financial, would be the subject of criminal investigations. Such abuse is very serious and probably covered already under statute. Will Mr. Moran link those issues to today's theme, which is the UN convention, rather than getting into specifics?

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: Give Mr. Moran a chance to answer.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: The Oireachtas Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade is voting and I want to bring it to the attention of anyone who is a member of that committee. I apologise for interrupting.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: I was wondering where the Senator was going with it.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: Maybe we can get a comment back from Mr. Moran.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: A number of questions arise. The issue of culture and mindset is coming up repeatedly. I remember meeting someone from South Korea a few years ago. They said their culture had been such that older people were respected hugely. The eldest son in the family had the responsibility of minding the parents and looking after them, but that was changing a little there at the time and they were...

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: One is in trouble.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: The average life expectancy in Ireland for men is 78 and for women it is 82. It has been going up quite a bit over recent decades. Is the need for proactive respect and support, rather than passive respect and support, something this convention might bring about, that people might begin to think more positively and in a more focused way about support? Living with dignity is also included,...

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: Cultural change with the public's support is important. That matter arises often.

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: The capacity Bill that is being finalised in the Houses will address much of what Deputy O'Dowd has mentioned. It is challenging legislation, but it is almost through the Houses and will be a major game changer as regards dementia, rights, legal capacity and so forth. Do the witnesses have further comments to make?

Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Joint Sub-Committee on Human Rights relative to Justice and Equality Matters: UN Convention on the Rights of Older People: Discussion (9 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: All done. I thank the witnesses for attending. It is a most interesting, challenging and important topic. As Deputy Ferris stated, we must consider lending our support to it. I get the sense that this is just the beginning, though, as there remains a great deal of work to be done in the public realm - to change people's mindsets and get them thinking and focusing on this - and...

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Easter Rising Commemorations (8 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: 59. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the implementation of the Ireland 2016 centenary programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43544/15]

Written Answers — Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Heritage Projects (8 Dec 2015)

David Stanton: 77. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the main recommendations in the historic houses action plan; how she can help to provide a sustainable future for historic houses which are a hugely important resource for local communities and a vital attraction for tourists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43543/15]