Results 7,361-7,380 of 11,469 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I thank my women colleagues in this and the other House who attended the Seanad Chamber earlier today at 1.30 p.m. for an event to mark the 95th anniversary of the 1918 general election, the election in which women first had the right to vote and Constance Markievicz was elected as the first woman MP-TD. We had a great turnout, with the Chamber half full of elected women. An official...

Seanad: European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2013: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: This is ridiculous.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I note the Senator's support for my candidacy.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I thank the Leader for indicating, when replying to the debate on yesterday's Order of Business, that he will arrange a debate on Syria for next week. I welcome this development, particularly in the context of the peace talks that are due to begin today in Switzerland. I know Senators will wish all those involved the best of luck in seeking to resolve the appalling conflict in Syria which...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: The Minister made his comments in the context-----

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: -----of the operation of the charitable lotteries scheme established in 1997. It is in the public interest that he made those comments because the figures to which he referred are a matter of grave concern. This is a matter for us, as legislators, to deal with. Ministers often make announcements in fora in which it is inappropriate to do so. On this occasion, however, we are talking about...

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Will the Leader make arrangements for a debate on the issue of climate change and the targets relating thereto as soon as possible? There have been some very worrying developments at EU level in this regard. EU leaders appear to be rowing back on the adoption of binding targets relating to carbon emission reductions. Environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth, among others, have...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the news that the Minister for Education and Skills has brought to Cabinet today his plans for the creation of the technological universities. These have long been in the pipeline following the merger of some institutes of technology. It is a welcome sign. There is further good news on the education front from Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, which is showing better times...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: It is important to note that we have had very good news on the international front with the upgrading of Ireland’s status and the increased ability of foreign investors to invest in Irish bonds. That is very important. It is a real testament to the great work of a very few diplomats and staff in our embassies and our consular and diplomatic network. The Minister has often spoken of...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Tom Arnold (16 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: It is the Joint Committee on the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Tom Arnold (16 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I am delighted to welcome Mr. Tom Arnold to the House in his capacity as chairperson of the Constitutional Convention.  Many of us had asked for the opportunity to invite him to address us, and this is a good moment to do so as the convention moves to the final stage of its deliberations.  It has completed the original tasks set for it with two sessions still to be held. I am...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Tom Arnold (16 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Women, not ladies.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I will come to that point. The law has changed to enable single fathers to obtain guardianship in a much easier way. That is welcome. It is a point we might well raise during the debate on the children and family relationships Bill which the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs have promised, which I hope will come before the House in this term....

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I know our Government Whip has many powers but I do not think he has the power to draft or expedite legislation. I will certainly make inquiries as to the projected date for that Bill. It appears in the Government's legislative programme but there is no publication date. As with much legislation, publication is being pushed forward. Any pressure we can put on the Departments would be...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: Senator Marc MacSharry raised the issue of storm damage, particularly in counties in which the damage was not so severe as in others. I agree with him that it is important that this matter be tackled wherever there was storm damage. People were enduring terrible conditions as a result of the damage from severe weather between 13 December and 6 January. The initial estimate for cleaning up...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: The Order of Business is No. 1, address by Mr. Tom Arnold, chairperson of the Convention on the Constitution, to be taken at 11.45 a.m. in accordance with the arrangements set out in the motion passed by the House yesterday, 15 January 2014, and No. 2, Private Members' business, Valuation (Amendment) Bill 2013 - Second Stage, to be taken on the conclusion of No. 1; the time provided for this...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: With Senators Maurice Cummins and Darragh O'Brien, I wish all colleagues in the House a happy new year. I hope we will have a productive and fruitful year. Let me refer to the controversy over Irish Water which has been the subject of considerable public debate. I very much welcome the fact that two Oireachtas committees are examining it and scrutinising the consultancy payments in greater...

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Jan 2014)

Ivana Bacik: I listened to the Senator. I have the figures for each county also and it is very clear that there has been an increase, of over €4 million. The amount for the budget this year is over €38 million.