Results 5,981-6,000 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: The economy would not be in such a state if the Government had managed the public finances properly and prudently instead of wasting taxpayers' money on schemes such as PPARS and electronic voting machines, to which Senator Coffey referred, and many other daft projects which were not thought through in a meaningful or serious manner. One need only consider the establishment of the many...

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: I call on the Minister of State to respond. I ask him to conclude briefly and if there is time, we will allow a round of questions. We must finish by 5 p.m.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: I ask the Minister of State to conclude as soon as he can, as we hope to get in a round of questions before 5 p.m.

Seanad: Economic Policy: Statements (Resumed) (9 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: As it is now 5 p.m., we cannot take any questions. We must move to the next item on the agenda.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: I join Senators Regan and Bacik in respect of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill. Although the Intoxicating Liquor Bill will complete its passage through the Dáil only tonight, its Second Stage debate in the Seanad will take place tomorrow. How much time will be made available to table amendments on Thursday? How much time will be available between Committee and Report Stages to allow...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: The manner in which the business of the House is ordered for the week is deplorable. Although the Government is trying to rush through this legislation, its record on introducing legislation to either House has been deplorable in the past 12 months.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: Although the number of Bills that have been put through this House is disgraceful, an attempt is being made to rush through the House the Intoxicating Liquor Bill in a couple of days. It requires more careful scrutiny. If one speaks of Seanad reform——

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: ——that is no way to go about it. This House has met many times in the week after the Dáil has risen and there is no reason Members should not return next week to discuss this Bill properly.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: I ask the Deputy Leader to consider that course of action. It is unfair to staff, let alone Members, to introduce Committee and Report Stage amendments in the amount of time allowed. The staff are being asked to work overnight.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: A sitting next week should be considered as a matter of urgency if the Deputy Leader is serious about proper debate on Bills, of which few are passing through the House. If a proper debate is required, the Deputy Leader should be prepared to allow Members to return next week to discuss the Bill.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: Closing hospital wards.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: They have been practising that for years.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: It is the fault of Fianna Fáil.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: When?

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: There is more.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: Come clean. Do not go back.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: I am speaking about in this House.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: Alcohol is a different subject matter. It is not specific to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: On a point of order, what has been said is incorrect.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Maurice Cummins: I raised the Intoxicating Liquor Bill and he has not referred to it.