Results 6,801-6,820 of 7,359 for speaker:Katherine Zappone

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I have two questions for the Leader. I welcome the increase in the polls with regard to the referendum on marriage equality. According to The Irish Times, 71% of the electorate would now vote in favour of marriage equality. That is a finding which reflects the remarkable social and cultural change that has occurred in Ireland during the past 30 years. The Government has also acknowledged...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2014: Second Stage (4 Dec 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Harris, to the House. I commend the work of the Minister for Finance during the very challenging years for Ireland. I also commend the Minister of State's most recent work. It has been a difficult time for the Irish people and the Government. The fiscal discipline of the Minister, Deputy Noonan, has been a prime asset, as has been his ability to...

Seanad: Finance Bill 2014: Second Stage (4 Dec 2014)

Katherine Zappone: Any irregularities, such as the unfair tax treatment of personal retirement savings account pension schemes with regard to the universal social charge liability of the employer's contribution, need to be amended. I will bring forward recommendations relating to this issue on Committee Stage. We all want the end of austerity. We want to be able to provide for our families and lead the best...

Seanad: Homelessness: Statements (3 Dec 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Minister for coming to the Seanad. My hope is that the fruits of our exchange this evening will assist him in his preparations for the homelessness summit which has been convened for tomorrow and any work subsequent to that. An immense ethical imperative has arisen in the wake of Jonathan Corrie's death. It obliges all those with homes to be involved in supporting a solution for...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Aggressive Begging from a Public Order Perspective: Discussion (3 Dec 2014)

Katherine Zappone: This has been a very informative and helpful exchange and the unification of intent is impressive. I have two questions. If there was only begging and not aggressive begging, would that be considered a solution?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Aggressive Begging from a Public Order Perspective: Discussion (3 Dec 2014)

Katherine Zappone: Yes. In light of the various comments about a task force or a forum, is it the case that there is no evidence or research which could be of assistance in terms of the problem of aggressive begging? If that is the case, does responsibility for that lie with Government, business, civil society groups or elsewhere? When we review legislation, which is one of the key calls made to us,...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2014)

Katherine Zappone: As the news story of the 43-year-old man who died in a doorstep during the Dublin winter of 2014 was told by reporters, the words "in the shadow of Leinster House" were repeated continuously. In the shadow of Leinster House, as already has been mentioned, more than 160 others in Dublin city are sleeping rough, which is a rise of 20% on the same period last year. Each Member could cite...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: Is there research where there are metrics for other forms of diversity other than gender? I am especially interested in class as it is right up there as a major issue.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: Everyone's presentation was excellent. Dr. Cahillane's recommendations for reform are so clear and comprehensive. We have just gone through a recent process of judicial selection for our new court. Does Dr. Cahillane want to make any comments about her suggestions for reform in light of the recent process? Are there one or two things that she found particularly wanting, or was she...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the witnesses for their succinct, clear and stimulating presentations. I thank Senator Ivana Bacik for bringing the witnesses to meet us. My first question is a general one. I note that Dr. Carroll MacNeill suggested we might look at some of the recent recommendations in the reports of GRECO and the judicial appointments review committee. As someone who is familiar with those and...

Seanad: Water Sector Reforms: Statements (25 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. On 11 October, I marched peacefully alongside thousands in Tallaght. I listened to many people's warranted outcry over water charges and other matters. Since then I have spoken to many people in my community, including a grandmother in Jobstown who is willing to pay for water but knows that her adult children starting their own families simply...

Seanad: Access to Finance for SMEs: Statements (19 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I welcome the Minister of State and I thank him for the enthusiasm and vision he has brought to his work. I want to focus my remarks on one aspect of the access to finance for SMEs, which the Minister of State referred to in his speech as the "market disrupter", namely, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. I would make three points in regard to it. First, I congratulate the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training: Motion (19 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Minister. I again apologise for being slightly late. It does not appear that there is any downside to the proposal, which I support. Could the Minister elaborate more on the reform of governance in line with the principles laid down? Will the Minister share with the committee whether there will be one or two practical implications?

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: At the outset, I thank Senators Bacik, Moran and others for their comments on what happened over the weekend and for that support. Just as I was walking into the Chamber I met Deputy Twomey, who asked me whether it was as bad as it looked. I replied that it was. However, I wish to raise an issue today related to the Central Bank of Ireland's proposed mortgage rules, which I believe all...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I applaud its intent and acknowledge the need for regulation and prudence. However, I am concerned that the proposed changes could be devastating to an entire generation of young people seeking to buy their first homes. As Members are aware and as many have raised in this House, rents are soaring and this issue also must be addressed urgently. However, most working couples are not in a...

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I would like to draw on Standing Order 55 on the closure of debate by moving that the question be now put. As I interpret the procedure set down in the Standing Order, if I move that the question be now put and my motion is accepted, I can propose that the question be put to a vote. My interpretation may be incorrect.

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I have a record here of what the Taoiseach said yesterday on the working group. He said the group will comprise "persons who no longer have a vested interest in the Seanad but who served there". That confirms that it will not include us.

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: When will we complete the debate this evening?

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I would like to move that the question be now put.

Seanad: Seanad Bill 2013: Committee Stage (12 Nov 2014)

Katherine Zappone: I understand that but I would like to move that the question be now put. Should I do it later?