Results 8,081-8,100 of 8,196 for speaker:Alice-Mary Higgins

Seanad: Agricultural Prices and Decision by UK to Leave EU: Statements (25 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: My colleague has already addressed some of the concerns relating to the mushroom industry and rural employment. It is an issue that I am aware of, having worked with young unemployed people in rural areas and seen the importance of such industries there. The mushroom industry is one in which standards have been strengthened, particularly in terms of workers' rights. It is important that we...

Seanad: Agricultural Prices and Decision by UK to Leave EU: Statements (25 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I have to correct the Minister on the phrase "conspiracy theory". We need to be very careful in the language we use. I hope the Minister is not suggesting that is anything to do with the Seanad.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I will bracket for a moment my own questions because I need to come in on this. I might then come back to my original questions. It is very important that we are clear on that question. Mr. McKeon cites European public procurement rules. While I recognise that there have been some ameliorating attempts in the way the contracts have been designed, there are a couple of fundamental issues....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: In terms of long-term education, for example, college education, do they get referred back into the system?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I know there is a time limit of a month on the-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: In terms of choice-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: Should we suggest that to our 18 year old graduates coming out of secondary school then in that context?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: It is the fundamental question of reversibility. That is all.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: Will the Department have the option of returning to public delivery fully? I am interested in this from a legal and commercial perspective. Mr. McKeon has spoken about the Department's obligations under procurement directives. I am now speaking in terms of investment directives because there is an area of future projected profits.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I was asking about the setting of a precedent. We can come back to it another time.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: We can come back to this in detail because I think it is somewhat technical.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: Yes. I apologise for spending so much time on that question, in particular. I welcome Mr. McKeon's statement that he may come back in on more specific detailed questions, so I am not going to ask many of them. I would like to reflect on the crucial and fundamental principles and assumptions that are at work here. I am noting a fundamental issue and question that arises here. There is a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: The sanction is new.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I am certainly not suggesting it is the general practice among staff and I certainly do not want to engage in fear-mongering, but when we give information that there is a perception, it is important because people are very vulnerable in these situations. Perhaps there might be a need for a stronger information programme in which we can look to clarify the position. I would happily be able...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: The particular cohort is qualified adults.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I thank the officials again. I am not trying to start a philosophical debate to doubt what they are saying. It is important that we look at these assumptions. I have a question about equality monitoring. At the moment, we have a public duty when it comes to equality and human rights. What mechanisms are being put in place across the Department to look at the equality of outcomes for...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Labour Activation Measures: Department of Social Protection (20 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: If people know the route back, it would be practical information. Perhaps it could come further down the line, as the witness mentioned, in addressing perceptions. If people knew it was not the right scheme for them, they might want to know how to get back.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Second Stage (19 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I am very happy to get an opportunity to speak on this issue. It is an issue of core principle because it is one of equality and justice, and it is important that we underscore that equality. I commend all those who have already been commended, particularly Senator Mark Daly and others who have put this principle on the agenda repeatedly. During times when we have been told to roll back...

Seanad: Judicial Council: Motion (19 Oct 2016)

Alice-Mary Higgins: I welcome the Minister of State and I also welcome the motion. My colleague, Senator Black, is our spokesperson on justice and equality and she would normally have contributed but she is unable to be present. I had the opportunity last week to participate at the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe in the election of new judges to the European Court of Human Rights. It was...