Results 741-760 of 1,997 for speaker:Frances Black

Seanad: Private Nursing Home Sector: Statements (16 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: We must also speak about the protection and empowerment of older people living in nursing homes. People living in residential care communities often need support in asserting their autonomy and expressing their desires and concerns. This requires robust regulatory, advocacy and decision support frameworks to operate in tandem with one another. It is vital that the Assisted Decision-Making...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: I wish to raise a powerful briefing I attended yesterday by Comhar na nOileán CTR, which was facilitated by Deputies Connolly and Ó Cuív. The group came in to speak about a campaign that is being run by the islands of Ireland for the past 38 years. They want the islands to be recognised as a specific sub-regional area. The briefing actually blew me away and I believe that...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the UK Government's Plans around the Human Rights Act: Amnesty International UK (10 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: I thank our three witnesses for coming in today. The work Amnesty International UK has done in this area is so vital. It is appreciated by all of us here. We all agree that this Bill is an outrage. The unity that has been shown by political parties North and South in opposition to this Bill is really striking. It is exceedingly difficult to get them on the same page, which signals just...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the UK Government's Plans around the Human Rights Act: Amnesty International UK (10 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: I thank Mr. Reavey.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the UK Government's Plans around the Human Rights Act: Amnesty International UK (10 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: I thank Mr. O'Hare. I have a few questions for Ms Teggart. She spoke a little about the timeline of the Bill and the urgency of the Government moving to take the inter-state ECHR case. Does she have any idea at all of how the Minister and the Department are thinking? I know she is awaiting a meeting but is there any indication at all as to their thoughts?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the UK Government's Plans around the Human Rights Act: Amnesty International UK (10 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: Will the Chairman indicate whether I am have any time remaining? I have just one more question for Ms Teggart, if I may.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the UK Government's Plans around the Human Rights Act: Amnesty International UK (10 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: Before asking that question, I note that Deputy Tóibín has proposed that the committee send a letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs calling on the Government to state publicly that it will take a case. I second that. My final question relates to the fact that Britain's commitment to the ECHR seems uncertain, which is a frightening prospect. The Home Secretary made the...

Seanad: Safe to Create Programme: Statements (9 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: I warmly welcome the Minister to the Chamber. I agree with my colleague regarding disabled artists and it would be great if we could start up the conversation around getting those extra supports. I am really pleased to be able to speak on this incredibly important issue. I pay tribute to the incredible creative activists who brought this issue to the public's attention. Theirs is a...

Seanad: Safe to Create Programme: Statements (9 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: As a woman, a musician and a politician, the stories that have come out about the harassment, bullying and mistreatment have had a deep impact on me. I am thankful I never experienced abusive treatment during my own music career. I was surrounded by many caring and protective people, including members of my family. I felt very safe but it is sad to say I was probably one of the lucky ones....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: General Scheme of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones)) Bill 2022: An Garda Síochána (9 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: I thank the Cathaoirleach letting me come in a little early. Unfortunately, I will have to leave for something happening at 11 a.m. I thank our witnesses for coming in. I have only a couple of questions. I wish to ask about New Zealand. Recently, New Zealand introduced a version of safe access zones. Breaches of those zones are punishable by fines of up to 1,000 New Zealand dollars....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: General Scheme of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones)) Bill 2022: An Garda Síochána (9 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: In the submission it was mentioned that consideration should be given to the register of service providers to target the enforcement of safe access zones. I agree with that as it is a very good idea. I imagine that this list would be incredibly helpful to those who seek to access abortion services but it might also run the risk of attracting additional protests. Does the delegation think...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: General Scheme of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones)) Bill 2022: An Garda Síochána (9 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: I thank the Chair and members for allowing me to comment and ask questions. Finally, I thank the witnesses.

Seanad: Housing for All: Statements (Resumed) (8 Nov 2022)

Frances Black: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Like my colleagues who spoke before me, I would love to see Housing for All work. I believe the housing crisis is probably the largest single failure of the modern Irish State. It is difficult to speak about it because it feels as if we are in a state of perpetual dysfunction. The debate in this House can sometimes feel a bit like a stage play...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Architects of the Good Friday Agreement (Resumed): Senator George J. Mitchell (27 Oct 2022)

Frances Black: Thank you very much for that introduction, Chair. It truly is an honour to meet Senator Mitchell today, even though it is online. He has been an inspiration to many for many years. I say a huge thank you to him for all the work he has done on the Good Friday Agreement. I met him a few years ago through Jim Zogby in Washington. Again, it was only online, but I hope some day to meet him in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Architects of the Good Friday Agreement (Resumed): Senator George J. Mitchell (27 Oct 2022)

Frances Black: I refer to what is happening at the moment with regard to Brexit, Westminster and Stormont.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Architects of the Good Friday Agreement (Resumed): Senator George J. Mitchell (27 Oct 2022)

Frances Black: I thank Senator Mitchell very much for his response. As we approach the 25th anniversary, I have always wanted to know which aspect of the Good Friday Agreement is Senator Mitchell most proud of?