Results 6,201-6,220 of 7,404 for speaker:Mick Wallace

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Asylum Support Services (18 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: 534. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the recent comments by the Ombudsman in relation to the treatment of asylum seekers; his plan to address her concerns; if, in view of the events at the asylum accommodation centre in Millstreet, County Cork, he will order an investigation into the system of direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36247/13]

Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2013 [Private Members]: Second Stage (Resumed) (17 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: Speaking yesterday, the Minister failed to acknowledge or address the third objective of the Bill, as set out in the explanatory memorandum, namely, to reduce ministerial control and political influence over the Garda Síochána. He emphasised his view that because the Garda is responsible for State security and law enforcement, he could not risk the proposed board being involved in...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: National Gas Grid (17 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: 23. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 67 and 68 of 11 June 2013, his views on whether any lapse in standards for the depth of a high pressure gas main at a depth of 1.2 m would be a very serious matter and one which should be of concern to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35079/13]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources: National Gas Grid (17 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: 29. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will request Bord Gáis Éireann to explain why it is placing a high pressure gas main at a depth of 1.2 m along main residential areas in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35078/13]

Private Members' Business - Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2013 [Private Members]: Second Stage (16 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

Private Members' Business - Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2013 [Private Members]: Second Stage (16 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: I wish to share my time with Deputies Clare Daly, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and Catherine Murphy. I am disappointed the Minister, Deputy Shatter, is not here. I did not think he would flunk this debate. I would like to start by thanking those who have helped to bring the Bill to this point, namely, Leah O'Leary and Alison Spillane, who work in our Dáil office. I would like to...

Report on Promoting a Sustainable Future for the Post Office Network: Statements (16 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: The situation was well described by the Irish Postmasters Union which stated:Post offices are an important strategic asset for Ireland and we must ensure that the network is sustained for the future. The Grant Thornton report highlights how important the post office is for communities, especially in rural areas and for the elderly, disadvantaged and financially excluded. The network of post...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Planning Issues (16 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: 90. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the timescale for the investigation of planning procedures and practices in six local authorities to be carried out by independent planning consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33664/13]

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (11 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: We have discussed different issues regarding the possible termination of pregnancies and the Minister has argued it is not possible to deal with them owing to constitutional difficulties. However, this was an area he could have addressed. With this new legislation, there was no reason he should have left this draconian law in place. Current criminal law does not deter women from resorting...

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (11 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: I wish to put on the record of the House a quote from the Irish Family Planning Association:In many countries where abortion is legal, the exercise of conscientious objection has frustrated and delayed women's access to lawful abortion, or women have been refused care. Because the issue in question is the refusal of care where there is a risk to a woman's life, the legislation must provide...

Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2013: First Stage (11 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: I move:That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to strengthen the independence and functions of the Office of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and to provide for the establishment of a body to be known as the Garda Síochána Independent Board with monitoring, oversight and supervisory functions over and...

Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2013: First Stage (11 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: This legislation is a significant step, but so much more has to be done. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, has made the point that it is not possible to do more because of the Constitution, a claim we do not accept. The criminalisation of abortion has not been removed. The notion that a person can receive 14 years in prison for importing an abortion pill is...

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: The Minister says Ms X tragically miscarried but I would say she was tragically raped. Given that she wanted to terminate her pregnancy, I do not believe the miscarriage was her greatest misfortune. Nobody is saying that abortion is a treatment for suicide. Although a woman can become suicidal during a crisis pregnancy, are we supposed to tell her, “Listen, woman, an abortion won't...

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage (10 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: I do not understand how the right to life of the unborn and the right to life of the mother can be separate items at the point when the unborn cannot survive outside the womb. How can they be separate? We all like to think that we cherish the gift of life. It is an awful pity we were not as worried about the million people that have died in Iraq in the last 20 years, which we facilitated...

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage (10 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: In my two and a half years in the House, this has certainly been the most talked about issue. Nothing else has garnered quite so much speaking time in here. The most striking point at this stage is that we seem to be no closer to clarity than we ever were. Confusion seems to abound. So much work has gone into the new legislation, yet we do not even know whether the life of Savita...

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage (10 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: I will not speak all day. There will be others who will speak for a lot longer than I will. It is deemed acceptable for 4,000 women to go to England every year but if a woman imports an abortion pill and it is discovered, she will be thrown in jail for 14 years. How can one rationalise that? I do not understand how rational people could come up with such a provision. I have one...

Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013: Report Stage (Resumed) (10 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: As we all would probably agree, ideally, we need a referendum to remove the Eighth Amendment to allow for a woman's right to choose. At a minimum, Amnesty International has stated that until Ireland's laws allow for abortion in cases of rape and incest, risk to a woman's health, or fatal foetal abnormality, they will be out of line with international human rights standards. I will not...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Job Creation Numbers (10 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: 37. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the number of jobs that were created here as a result of Presidency initiatives, during Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council; the number of Presidency initiatives that created jobs for young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33545/13]

Other Questions: Mortgage Interest Supplement Eligibility (9 Jul 2013)

Mick Wallace: 86. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the mortgage interest supplement scheme in view of the increased numbers of homeowners in difficulty with their mortgage repayments who cannot afford an interest-only arrangement for 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33206/13]