Results 781-800 of 2,118 for speaker:Michael Mullins

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Role and Functions: Debt and Development Coalition Ireland (1 Apr 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome our guests. The figures on the level of debt in their presentation are staggering. I note in 2012 the level of debt in global southern countries had increased by US$400 million. For what level of debt cancellation or debt reduction is their organisation advocating? I note that US$110 billion worth of debt has been cancelled. What sort of figure would make an impact in these...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join with colleagues in expressing sympathy to the McFadden family, particularly Caren and Eoin, Gabrielle and Áine, on the sad passing of Nicky yesterday. All of us who knew Nicky were aware that she was a special lady. We all felt better having met her and conversed and interacted with her. She was an outstanding public representative, with lots of ability, who was very much in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Report on Access to Finance for SMEs: InterTradeIreland (25 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: We had a lengthy discussion a few weeks ago with the Minister, Deputy Bruton, about the one-stop-shop on the Internet for information on supports available. There is a real urgency about bringing that on stream. Senator Quinn spoke about financial support, financial advice and the lack of it. Is there an issue with the quality of financial advice that is tailored to small business? There...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Report on Access to Finance for SMEs: InterTradeIreland (25 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: Are there any statistics available on the worst offenders? There is anecdotal evidence that some of the large multiples are really squeezing small producers and putting them under pressure by not paying on time and operating policies in their stores in respect of returns and so on.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Situation in Ukraine: Russian Federation Ambassador (12 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: Full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2139 would resolve the issue. It is incumbent on the ambassador's government to push for that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Situation in Ukraine: Russian Federation Ambassador (12 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join with colleagues in welcoming the ambassador and his colleagues here. One can see from the contributions made by various members that they are only interested in peace and seeing that there is no loss of life. The only thing I found surprising about the ambassador's contribution was his surprise at the EU and US positions. Obviously the EU is deeply concerned about the violation of...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join with Senator Leyden in extending our good wishes to the Irish throughout the world on St. Patrick's Day weekend. This is the last sitting of the House before St. Patrick's Day and it is appropriate that we wish Ministers embarking on the promotion of our country abroad all the best. Some 88 high level political meetings will take place, there will be 180 public diplomacy events and...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join with colleagues in extending our sympathy to the family of the late Christine Buckley. Her bravery in bringing institutional abuse to the fore must be admired by every Member of the House. She succeeded in helping so many deal with it over the past number of years. I support the call for a debate on the fluoridation of water. As I travelled to the Seanad this morning, I heard two...

Seanad: County Enterprise Boards (Dissolution) Bill 2013: [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil] Report and Final Stages (Resumed) (6 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I am pleased to support the amendments. I certainly agree with Senator Barrett. We must continue to innovate on how we create jobs. Nothing stands still, and I acknowledge the fine contribution the county and city enterprise boards have made over the years. Some very fine people worked in those organisations and it is only right and proper that we would resolve their pension...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join with colleagues in welcoming our visitors from the European People's Party, EPP, throughout Europe. Sixteen Heads of State, 2,000 delegates and 500 members of the press will attend, which will give a significant boost to the economy of Dublin. I have no doubt they will be well looked after and I hope they will bring back a positive message of Ireland on their return home. I share...

Seanad: Action Plan for Jobs: Statements (5 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join in welcoming the Minister and compliment him on driving Action Plan for Jobs. It builds upon the action plan that was put in place in 2012, following the change of government, to tackle the massive unemployment crisis when we were shedding 1,600 jobs per week. What marks this out from other plans is that is has a whole-of-Government approach and every Department is charged with...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I congratulate the manager of the Clare hurling team, Davy Fitzgerald, on his openness and frankness in his speech to students at the Limerick Institute of Technology in recent days on the issue of alcohol and other substance abuse in sport. He is in a great position to demonstrate that when a group of players decides to pursue a path of abstinence from alcohol and other substances, it can...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Action Plan for Jobs: Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (4 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the many positive initiatives in Action Plan for Jobs. The action plan for 2013 has delivered significantly and we clearly ought to build on its successes. I welcome the Minister's comments in regard to regional strategies. I come from a region that has suffered significant job losses over the past decade despite its location in the centre of Ireland and excellent access to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Recent and Forthcoming Foreign Affairs Councils: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (4 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: Is the Tánaiste satisfied that United Nations Security Council resolution No. 2139 is being observed? I have been told it has been breached.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Recent and Forthcoming Foreign Affairs Councils: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (4 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join in welcoming the Tánaiste and thank him for his comprehensive report. I strongly support his condemnation of Russia's actions in Crimea. I welcome the fact that the Tánaiste called in the Russian ambassador today. He outlined Ireland's unease and unhappiness with the Russian actions, but what sort of response did he get from the ambassador? Did he indicate that we are...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Mar 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join colleagues in asking the Leader to organise a discussion with the Tánaiste next week on the crisis in Ukraine. I compliment the Tánaiste and other EU Foreign Ministers on their quick actions in organising meetings to discuss the ongoing situation. This crisis will demand real skill and diplomacy to bring about a resolution. One thing we all wish to see is democracy...

Seanad: ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill 2013: Committee and Remaining Stages (27 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: Next Tuesday at 2.30 p.m.

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: I thank the Leader for arranging the debate next week with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, on the Action Plan for Jobs. It is only right that in 2014, the Government places a major emphasis on job creation, the promotion of entrepreneurship and additional manufacturing. I wish raise an issue a constituent raised with me this week and ask the Leader to arrange...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Role and Functions: Trócaire (26 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome Mr. Meehan and his colleagues. I wish him well in his new role. I acknowledge the good work of the outgoing chairman, my good friend, Bishop John Kirby, from Clonfert, who was chairman for many years. He was deeply committed to promoting Trócaire and to ensuring fund-raising, particularly in east Galway, was always well supported. Is there any evidence from the...

Seanad: Fines (Payment and Recovery) Bill 2013: Second Stage (26 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Hayes, to the House. In welcoming the Bill, it would be appropriate to compliment the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, for bringing much innovation to his Department since assuming office a little under three years ago. This is another commitment in the programme for Government that is being delivered. As has been said, it is a...