Results 821-840 of 2,118 for speaker:Michael Mullins

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: I wish to refer to an optimistic report that was published by Deloitte in recent days. Nine out of ten chief financial officers of various companies throughout the country who were surveyed said they believe the Irish economy has returned to growth, or will do so during the coming year. They also believe that exports, gross domestic product, foreign direct investment and employment levels...

Seanad: Charities Sector: Statements (4 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister and his statement that regulation will be addressed very quickly. It is a scandal that a few greedy people have done so much damage to the charitable sector in recent months. It is also a disgrace that, after more than 90 years as a sovereign State, we have not yet managed to regulate charities, which channel large sums of money nationwide. We must acknowledge that...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join colleagues in calling for an update from the Minister of State with responsibility for primary care, Deputy White, on the progress of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill in light of the "neknomination" craze of the past week or ten days. I join in extending sympathy to two families who have been bereaved as a result of it. Many people have been very quick to criticise and blame Facebook...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join Senator Gilroy in expressing concern about the flood damage in Cork. Twelve months ago, I raised the possibility of establishing a central fund for flooding with the insurance companies. If someone has the unfortunate experience of being injured in a road traffic accident where the other driver is not insured, the motor insurance bureau will provide compensation to the injured party....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Peer Review of Ireland's Development Co-operation Programme: OECD (4 Feb 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the delegation. Is the review that is being undertaken primarily concerned with Ireland's long-term development assistance, or will account also be taken of our contribution to urgent humanitarian crises that arise from time to time? Will there be an examination of both aspects of the State's aid budget? The delegates spoke about transparency and accountability. As part of...

Seanad: Humanitarian Situation in Syria, South Sudan and Central African Republic: Statements (30 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister of State to the Seanad for this debate on the fast deteriorating situations in Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. I thank him for his comprehensive update, detailing the extent of the Government’s contribution to humanitarian aid and relief, as well as his personal commitment to making real progress, in these troubled areas. The humanitarian...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Role and Functions of the Passport Office (29 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: There should be sporadic or continual reminders for people who intend to travel to the effect that they should look at their passport regularly in order that we avoid all the difficulties the office has been trying to come to terms with in recent years. Thankfully, the office seems to have a handle on them at the moment.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Role and Functions of the Passport Office (29 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I apologise that I had to slip out of the meeting earlier. I welcome our visitors and compliment Mr. Nugent on the significant progress that has been made in recent years. There has been a significant improvement in the service to the public. On the issue of turning passport applications around quickly in emergencies such as bereavements or serious illness, would it be possible to extend...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: Members will agree that access to a supply of safe, clean drinking water is a basic human right. However, householders and business people in Kilreekil having been fighting for this basic right for 30 years. Unfortunately, they are now considering taking a case to the European court, given the failure of successive Governments to address their plight. Approximately 140 homes, a primary...

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: He got that one wrong.

Seanad: Order of Business (28 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I strongly support the words of wisdom uttered by Senator O'Donnell this afternoon. I call for an early debate on the youth guarantee. Youth unemployment must be tackled. There is much wisdom in this House that can help feed in to the action plan. I would like the Leader to arrange an early debate on Action Plan for Jobs 2014 with Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy...

Seanad: Recent Severe Storm Damage: Statements (23 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister. I support my colleagues, especially those in Galway West, Senators Naughton and Ó Clochartaigh, and my colleague from Clare, Senator Conway. These were the two areas that suffered the worst impact of the high winds and storms over Christmas and in early January. Thankfully, the eastern part of the county, which I represent, escaped relatively unscathed on this...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I join other Senators in remembering the awful tragedy in County Louth 12 months ago when Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe lost his life. I hope media reports in recent days suggesting there might soon be a breakthrough in the investigation are accurate, for the sake of Detective Garda Donohoe's family, the gardaí who lost a trusted colleague and the community around Lordship in County...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2013: Second Stage (22 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I call the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch. Senator Daly will be called to reply to the debate at 5.56 p.m.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2013: Second Stage (22 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: It is a matter for each Senator to decide which language he or she wishes to use.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2013: Second Stage (22 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. I also welcome the people seated in the Visitors Gallery, particularly the people from the deaf community. I call Senator Mark Daly and he has ten minutes.

Seanad: Order of Business (22 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I agree strongly with Senator Bradford. The most important inquiry that will take place in this country in this decade will be the banking inquiry. It is appropriate that both Houses of the Oireachtas would be considered to supply Members who would sit on that particular inquiry. As the Senator rightly said, the people of this country endorsed Seanad Éireann in a recent referendum....

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: That is a separate issue and needs to be debated.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I am told that Ms D'Arcy will be released if she gives an undertaking not to encroach onto the runway at Shannon in future.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Jan 2014)

Michael Mullins: I ask those who support Ms D'Arcy's cause to encourage her to enable her release as soon as possible. She is undergoing treatment for cancer and it is not appropriate that she be in prison. I encourage her early release, but she must come part of the way and meet the requirements of the prison authorities. I join in welcoming today's announcement by the Tánaiste of an expansion in our...