Results 8,541-8,560 of 11,441 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I am always happy to debate Seanad reform, but this is not a debate on Seanad reform; it is a very specific debate on a motion put before us. It is unfortunate it came before us in the way it did. I do not see the urgency in having this debate today. I voted against having this debate today and I would much prefer to have had a really meaningful debate in the House with the Minister-----

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: -----present briefed on the issue. This would allow us to have a proper debate on reform of the Seanad. I have debated reform of the Seanad in a range of fora and I will do so again in UCD on 30 June at a conference celebrating 75 years of Bunreacht na hÉireann. My personal position is very clear. I favour reform rather than abolition of the Seanad and I would have preferred to see Seanad...

Seanad: Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I move: That Seanad Éireann resolves that sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 (No. 39 of 1998) shall continue in operation for the period of 12 months beginning on 30 June 2012.

Seanad: Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the Minister to the House and the opportunity to debate again the review of the continuance in operation of the relevant provisions of the Offences against the Stage (Amendment) Act 1998. I declare an interest, having appeared in court representing people in connection with the legislation. I did speak on it last year and on every previous occasion. I said then and I say it again...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: It is not the case that the constitutional convention will only deal with two issues. Those two issues are to be covered in the first phase of the convention, but a range of other issues is due to be discussed under the auspices of the constitutional convention in the programme for Government and those issues will be considered. Many of us will press hard for the convention to be effective...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: There has been plenty of political commentary about people getting on their bikes and spokespersons. I would prefer to be referred to as a spokesperson rather than a spokesman. I urge colleagues to take up cycling as it is the best way to get around. Apart from keeping a person fit, cycling is the best and most efficient way of getting around and national bike week is an ideal opportunity...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: The Senator could cycle from his Dublin base to here.

Seanad: Referendum on the Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution: Statements (14 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this timely debate, coming as it does two weeks to the day since the referendum on the stability treaty was passed on 31 May. This is an appropriate time for reflection on the consequences of the referendum and for a prognosis on what to do next. Listening to Senator Barrett, I am conscious that even in this two week period, dramatic developments...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012: Second Stage (13 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and the opportunity to debate this long overdue legislation which has been broadly welcomed. I am also pleased it has been introduced in the Seanad first. The need for a statutory framework for the rehabilitation of offenders has long been recognised by those working in the criminal justice system. I must declare an interest as I am a...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: That is generous of Senator Daly.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: The Senator asked for feedback on the Bahrain trail. He will be aware I expressed the strong support of this side of the House, which was shared by everyone in the House, for the people of Bahrain and particularly for the doctors who are on trail and awaiting a verdict tomorrow. All of us were very impressed by Dr. Nada Dhaif who spoke on the news last night about the trial and the...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I wish Yeats Day in Sligo and Bloomsday in Dublin the best of luck. In the context of Bloomsday and Yeats Day I call for a debate on cultural tourism. I am conscious that events such as Bloomsday, and we hope also Yeats Day, bring in large numbers of tourists and visitors to different places. On the Adjournment yesterday I raised with the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign...

Seanad: Certificate of Irish Heritage Scheme (12 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for dealing with the matter I raise. I am interested to find out how many certificates of Irish heritage have been issued and paid for since the scheme was initiated. I fully support the Irish heritage certificate scheme, which is a positive and innovative initiative. I am conscious that a number of high profile individuals have been recipients...

Seanad: Certificate of Irish Heritage Scheme (12 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I thank the Minister of State for his full response in providing the relevant figures and more information on the background to the Irish heritage certificates. As I noted, the scheme is a worthwhile and valuable initiative. The Minister of State referred to market research. Is it planned to market and publicise the certificates more widely to encourage increased take-up from other...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (12 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the Minister to the House. I join Senator Cullinane in very much welcoming Senator van Turnhout's initiative in tabling the amendment for debate. I agree with her sentiments although, as Senator Cullinane has said, the issues raised are so complex I am not sure about the wording that has been used. The amendment is welcome because it gives us the opportunity to debate a couple of...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012: Committee Stage (12 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I am reminded of first year criminal law lectures when I was told the difference in the word "judgment" with and without an "e". I was amused by this amendment. When Mr. Justice Gerard Hogan was known simply as Gerard Hogan lecturing in the law school, he was particular about the word "judgment", with "judgment" without an "e" being a court judgment.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I assure Senator Darragh O'Brien that I will convey his comments directly to the Tánaiste. I join him in welcoming Dr. Dhaif and her colleagues and commend their bravery in continuing to stand up for human rights and the right of doctors to perform their medical duties in Bahrain under enormous pressure. As he observed, we have raised this issue in the House on previous occasions. I...

Seanad: Decade of Commemorations: Statements (Resumed) (7 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I would be delighted to.

Seanad: Decade of Commemorations: Statements (7 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, to the House. This is my first opportunity officially to congratulate him on his appointment as Minister. I know he has been doing an excellent job. I welcome the opportunity to debate the important decade of commemorations in the Seanad. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with the Minister. I am taken with...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Jun 2012)

Ivana Bacik: It must be hard to take.