Results 6,681-6,700 of 11,422 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: The Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill.

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: In the circumstances, as-----

Seanad: Water Services Bill 2014: Second Stage (18 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I propose a suspension until 12.30 p.m.

Seanad: Tributes to Member of Staff (18 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: On behalf of the Labour group, I join the others in wishing Andy Fitzgerald well on his retirement and complimenting him on his long service. I echo the words of colleagues on the important work the ushers do in this House and their unfailing courtesy, good humour and calmness under pressure. These traits are a lesson to all of us in what can often be a very fractious working environment....

Seanad: Electoral Commission: Motion (17 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, to the Seanad. I very much welcome the motion tabled by our colleagues, Senators Mac Conghail and van Turnhout. It is an important motion that has given rise to a debate that has reinvigorated not only the Minister, Deputy Kelly, but all of us in this House. I certainly find it reinvigorating and stimulating to hear the interesting views...

Seanad: Electoral Commission: Motion (17 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: We will brush over that one. To give some context, an electoral commission is something about which there is a great deal of consensus. It was promised in the programme for Government in 2007 to 2012, as pointed out by Senator Mooney. The then Minister, John Gormley, commissioned the report that many of us have commented on and read. The Preliminary Study on the Establishment of an...

Seanad: Electoral Commission: Motion (17 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: That is a function an electoral commission should capably be able to take over. The independence of an electoral commission would be key. Others have also commented on the Constitutional Convention, of which I was proud to be part. In May and June 2013 the convention debated the issue of Dáil reform and as part of that, considered the question of an electoral commission. There was a...

Seanad: Electoral Commission: Motion (17 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Electoral Commission: Motion (17 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Hear, hear. I thank the Minister.

Seanad: Electoral Commission: Motion (17 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I remember that.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Yesterday's news of the appalling massacre of more than 140 people, including in excess of 130 children, by the Taliban in Pakistan means that again today we must express horror at this appalling outrage and despicable massacre of children, and I am sure others will join me in that. The Taliban has reached a new low in its series of atrocities in other countries over some years. Other...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I am sure all colleagues will join with me in expressing sympathy to those who were bereaved, traumatised or injured after the siege in the cafe in Sydney, which was finally ended in a tragic manner last night. I welcome the fact that the Cabinet will be discussing the referendum on marriage equality to be held in 2015. It is not yet clear whether a date will be announced following today's...

Seanad: Sitting Arrangements: Motion (11 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders relative to Public Business, the Seanad shall meet on Monday, 15th December, 2014 at 2.30 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply:(1) (a) Standing Orders 29 and 30 shall stand suspended;(b) there shall be no Order of Business; (c) the business to be taken shall be confined to–(i) the Second Stage of the Health...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: The Senator might circulate the wording by e-mail and the group leaders could then check to ensure their members sign up to it. Senator David Norris raised the issue of the brutal interrogation techniques used by the CIA, as revealed by Senator Diane Feinstein in her report for the Senate Intelligence Committee. I am sure we all commend the Senator for her painstaking work in what was a...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Any matter relating to committees should be taken up-----

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I thank the Senator. The Senator also referred to the issue of water services and public ownership of same. The Water Services Bill, the debate on which in the Dáil is due to finish today and which is due to be brought before this House on Monday, contains provisions on the need to hold a plebiscite to ensure Irish Water remains in public ownership. All of us in the Seanad are...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: The Senator also spoke about the Áras Attracta issue; I am only trying to be fair.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I have given a full response on the issue of Childline. I suggested to Senator Jillian van Turnhout that we might draft a cross-party motion which we could convey to the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I will do that, too.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Senator Paschal Mooney will be aware, because I have written to him previously, that I do follow up on matters raised.