Results 6,441-6,460 of 7,404 for speaker:Mick Wallace

Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: We all have a common interest in reducing the level of crime. A strong spent convictions Bill would help to do this, but a weak one will add to the level of crime. Most of us have been victims of crime at some stage. At one time, when I was undertaking civil works for Dublin City Council, I was robbed 25 times in one year and not once did I get anything back, as it was mostly small...

Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: The report by the UK Drug Policy Commission, an independent advisory body, states possession of small amounts of controlled drugs should no longer be a criminal offence. The commission concludes that such a move would not lead to a significant increase in use. The experts say criminal sanctions should be replaced with simple civil penalties such as a fine, attendance at a drug awareness...

Other Questions: Pyrite Panel Report Recommendations (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: When the fund is set up and money is available, would the Minister consider testing some of the homes in estates where pyrite has been found? If one builder built several houses in an estate - or all of the houses, as was often the case - he probably used the same stone from the same quarry to build them, and it is more than likely that other homeowners in the estate will find out further...

Other Questions: Water Charges (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: It would be worth pointing out that the 2,000 houses with boundary boxes in County Wexford were built in recent years and the owners will have the comfort of knowing that they paid the highest indirect taxation in Europe when they were purchasing their homes. Given that water is not cheap, would it not be a better business plan to fix the pipes from which 40% of the water supply leaks into...

Other Questions: Common Agricultural Policy Negotiations (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: What about that Minister?

Other Questions: Septic Tank Registration Scheme (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: I will definitely be brief. The Minister has indicated that inspection will only be applied to a minority of the tanks yet he says he is serious about cleaning up the water table. How, in God's name, can he be sure he can clean up the water table if he does not inspect all the tanks? On my second question, the Minister has capped the grant at €4,000. We know that in some cases a...

Other Questions: Septic Tank Registration Scheme (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: Fear is a great thing.

Other Questions: Septic Tank Registration Scheme (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: The Minister did not answer my second question. I asked two questions.

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Government Reform (12 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the recent visit by the the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Monitoring Committee, his views on whether Ireland is in compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government; his plans to ensure that Ireland is compliant with the Charter; and if he will make a statement on...

Other Questions: School Guidelines on Mental Health (7 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: An holistic approach and ensuring all teachers are clued into what is going on is a good idea. Gorey Community School is the biggest school in Wexford with more than 1,500 pupils.

Other Questions: School Guidelines on Mental Health (7 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: I coach six of the young fellows who attend the school. The school has a great deal of pressure at present from social problems and social issues. The Minister's hopes to develop a more holistic approach in all schools is good and I agree if every teacher is focused in the right area, and is copped on as to how to deal with these issues, it would definitely be progressive, but it does not...

Other Questions: EPSEN Act 2004 (7 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he will publish and take action on the plan to implement the EPSEN Act 2004 in view of the contents of a report (details supplied) from the Children's Rights Alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11887/13]

Other Questions: EPSEN Act 2004 (7 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: I thank the Minister of State for his reply. We all recognise that children with special educational needs rely heavily on the State. Supports appropriately provided and administered early to improve their educational experience and outcomes are vital. I acknowledge that there is an enormous cost involved in the provision of SNA support. However, current demand for such support is...

Other Questions: EPSEN Act 2004 (7 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: Does the Minister of State foresee the EPSEN Act being implemented this year or is that too optimistic?

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Inspection Reports (7 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the inspection system in place for secondary schools is operating in a satisfactory manner; if he is satisfied with the impact they are having on education standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11888/13]

Other Questions: Road Traffic Offences (6 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: On the issue of the penalty points, the Minister rubbished my assertion that the Commissioner was throwing cold water on the investigation. I will quote the Commissioner in December last.

Other Questions: Road Traffic Offences (6 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: The Commissioner stated, "There is no question of what has been described as a culture of non-enforcement of penalties being tolerated by An Garda Síochána".

Other Questions: Road Traffic Offences (6 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: Can I ask the supplementary question?

Other Questions: Road Traffic Offences (6 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: Would the Minister agree that an independent investigation was more likely to give us accountability and transparency?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Garda Complaints Procedures (6 Mar 2013)

Mick Wallace: If I may respond ---