Results 6,101-6,120 of 8,212 for speaker:Alice-Mary Higgins

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Housing and Retrofitting: Discussion (10 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I almost like what Mr. Gannon is saying but I am cautious about turning incentivisation on and off when it comes to social housing. I am in favour of predictability and work being sustainable. I presume new housing stock will be coming on board but I imagine that existing housing stock needs to be front-loaded as much as possible.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Housing and Retrofitting: Discussion (10 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: The debate we had on cost optimal reminded me of similar debates I have had around price quality ratio, most economically advantageous tender, and so on. There is a big push around procurement. In procurement, one option is the most economically advantageous tender, which is effectively just about cost, and there is price quality ratio. In the context of procurement, and while I am aware...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Housing and Retrofitting: Discussion (10 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: Levies will also be examined down the line.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Housing and Retrofitting: Discussion (10 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I know, but similar tensions arise. I was using it more as a parallel when balancing price and quality. My last point was around landlords and the tension there which was mentioned. Many of those living in the lowest income households live in private rented accommodation. This relates to the security of Part 4 tenancies. It is a question of how we can encourage retrofitting, for example,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Housing and Retrofitting: Discussion (10 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: The split incentive problem might not be the best frame for this. It may be a public benefit of a different kind, namely, housing security and climate action. If we put it like that, it is a different frame and conversation.

Seanad: Defence Matters: Statements (9 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I will just briefly touch on the issue of pay and conditions because other Members have spoken very eloquently about them. It is clear from the response of PDFORRA and it is clear from the testimony and messages people have been getting, that the Government intervention will not be adequate in the context of allowances. The core issue remains about time, about wages and about having the...

Seanad: Defence Matters: Statements (9 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: While we work with other countries, we previously worked through the UN.

Seanad: Defence Matters: Statements (9 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I also asked about the European defence fund and autonomous weapons.

Seanad: Defence Matters: Statements (9 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I am afraid-----

Seanad: Defence Matters: Statements (9 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: It is a point of order. The Minister of State has said that he addressed the issues. I directly asked about the European defence fund and autonomous weaponry, which is an issue that is related to the Department. Like others, I have stayed here a long time and some people got very lengthy replies. I asked a specific question but did not get an answer.

Seanad: Defence Matters: Statements (9 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I note that my question was not answered.

Seanad Public Consultation Committee: Travellers Towards a More Equitable Ireland Post-Recognition: Discussion (9 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I thank all the speakers. I will try to be brief. Some of the points-----

Seanad Public Consultation Committee: Travellers Towards a More Equitable Ireland Post-Recognition: Discussion (9 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: They are questions. The use of prejudicial language in the media, hate speech and the framing and allowing of debates was outlined well. I was very struck by the fact that a conference would not be covered whereas an individual incident would be. Travellers find the media framing the agenda around them, which may put them in a responsive or defensive position. How does that affect...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (3 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I echo one of the points that was made about dementia.This time last year we had extensive debate on the issue of care and the importance of measures to support care in all its forms. It would be good to have another such debate in advance of budget 2020 in light of the complex issues arising from cuts to respite care, step-down care, and home care packages. These issues affect those with...

Seanad: Redress for Women Resident in Certain Residential Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2019: Report and Final Stages (3 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: The Minister will notice the amendments I tabled on Committee Stage, and which Senator Ruane proposed on my behalf, were not resubmitted on Report Stage. That was also with regard to respecting the particular purpose of this Bill. However, I hope there may be opportunities to engage on those issues that are of great importance such as forensic accountancy and the related economic issues....

Seanad: Redress for Women Resident in Certain Residential Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2019: Report and Final Stages (3 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I am simply speaking to the end of the Bill. I am noting that I did not resubmit my amendments from Committee Stage to Report Stage. I hope to have an opportunity to engage with them in the interim.

Seanad: Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2018: Report and Final Stages (3 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I will be brief. This is a sensible amendment and I support it. I note, however, that a number of the maternal deaths have been in other parts of Ireland and we might need to consider providing additional resources in those parts of the country as well. It behoves us to ensure that all inquests in respect of the national maternity hospital are fulfilled in Dublin. If a large number of...

Seanad: Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2018: Report and Final Stages (3 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I have been indicating and waiting to make this important point. I want to speak briefly. I commend some representatives in the Gallery from the Elephant Collective and other groups as well family members who have been strong advocates of this Bill. I commend Deputy Clare Daly, in particular, on championing this Bill.

Seanad: Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2018: Report and Final Stages (3 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I am sorry, I am referring to the former Deputy, Clare Daly, MEP. I also commend the Minister on engaging with this proposal and allowing it to happen. It would be very positive if this Bill could pass before the summer recess. It is will bring about transparency, as well as an important sense of closure in the form of information for families. It will also contribute to our collective...

Seanad: EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: Statements (3 Jul 2019)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I would love to.