Results 7,661-7,680 of 8,986 for speaker:Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Personal Insolvency Bill 2012: Report Stage (6 Nov 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I move amendment No. 10:In page 26, line 8, to delete "€20,000" and substitute "€30,000".The rationale for this amendment is quite straightforward, namely, to broaden the criteria in regard to the debt relief notice. Specifically, organisations such as the Free Legal Advice Centres have recommended that the applicable debt limit be increased to €30,000, as we propose here....

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Back to Education Allowance Eligibility (6 Nov 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review her decision to refuse back to education allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) on the basis that their proposed choice of accredited study os of a lower qualification then they already hold; her views on whether applicants should in a global labour market environment of work and career flexibility, have the option of...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Cyber Bullying (6 Nov 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that are to be undertaken by the frontline officers of an Gardaí Síochána upon receipt of a complaint about alleged cyber bullying. [48355/12]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Cyber Bullying (6 Nov 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm that training has been provided to all of the frontline officers of an Gardaí Síochána on the measures they are to undertake upon receipt of a complaint regarding alleged cyber bullying. [48356/12]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Staff (6 Nov 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the result of the implementation of a National Directive from the Health Service Executive to reduce agency staff by 50% which has had negative implications for the nursing service and provision of care in HSE addiction services; if his attention has been drawn to the fact the directive may take three nurses leaving 6.5 nurses...

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Child Detention Centres (25 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the timeline for ending the detention of children at St Patrick's Institution, Dublin. [46412/12]

Other Questions: Student Visas (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: The number of visa allocations has significantly increased on the 26,000 issued in 2010, which brought revenue of €900 million to the economy. The importance of overseas students to our universities cannot be overstated. My colleague, Deputy Jonathan O'Brien, who is our spokesperson on education, tabled Question No. 8. I urge the Minister to continue co-operating with the Department...

Other Questions: Human Rights and Equality Commission (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I thank the Minister for his response. The UN office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had concerns about the whole approach here. I attended the committee meeting where the selection panel made its presentation and would certainly have no issue with the five members of that panel. Their contribution to public life speaks for itself. I have no doubt about their integrity and the...

Other Questions: Human Rights and Equality Commission (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I thank the Minister for his comprehensive response, particularly his assurances regarding the OHCHR. The fact that the UN is now content with the process is critical for public confidence. There was some confusion around the process, as the Minister said. When does the Minister expect that the process of the panel recommending the new commission and the new commission being appointed...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Restorative Justice (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expand community restorative justice programmes throughout the State; and his views on the contribution these programmes can make to the overall justice system. [46414/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Restorative Justice (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I welcome the Minister's positive assessment of the potential of community restorative justice. A short briefing note from Community Restorative Justice Ireland on the issue states that restorative practices are underpinned, informed and shaped by a value-base of eight key components. These are participation, interconnectedness, honesty, humility, respect, accountability, hope and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Judicial Appointments (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: First, I want to clarify Sinn Féin’s position for the record of the House. We have no ambivalence in standing by the Garda in carrying out its duties. We have been unwavering in our challenge to dissident republicans across this island. In fact, many of our party members have been personally targeted for that approach. Mr. Mitchel McLaughlin, MLA, has had his home attacked on...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Judicial Appointments (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: In fairness, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I had to correct the record of the House on these matters. I accept the Minister’s premise that it would be unfair for someone in the legal profession who has been involved in politics to be excluded from a judicial appointment. The solution is simple. The recommendations of the judicial appointments advisory board do not have to be accepted by...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Judicial Appointments (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: As the Minister knows, thousands of solicitors and barristers have applied to become judges over the past 15 years. There is significant demand and competition for these much valued positions. I accept the Minister’s premise. We want to have people involved in politics but one should not be punished for a contribution to political life. The only way, however, we can restore public...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Judicial Appointments (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to restore public confidence in the judicial appointments process in view of media revelations that as many as one third of judges here have personal or political connections to political parties before being appointed to the bench. [46417/12]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Gangland Killings (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Deputy Collins should take a reddener. He should be ashamed of himself. He would not know the meaning of leadership.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Review of Irish Coast Guard Service: Discussion (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I will leave it at that but there are many more questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Review of Irish Coast Guard Service: Discussion (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I will give way.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Review of Irish Coast Guard Service: Discussion (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: There has been a remarkable series of events since the Deloitte & Touche report in 2002 and we have almost come full circle given that so much has happened. Following that report, it appeared the Malin Head and Valentia Coast Guard stations would be closed. The then Minister, Dermot Ahern was in situ at that time. Around 21 October 2003 it appeared as if he would maintain Malin...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications: Discussion with Irish Aviation Authority (24 Oct 2012)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: I put the question out there with regard to some type of assistance for the families that cannot afford to continue the training as we speak. I did not get a response. The authority has a healthy financial position so could anything be done?