Results 9,121-9,140 of 11,441 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: If Senator O'Brien's government had dealt better with the bills it had we might not be in the mess we are in.

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: I commend the Leader and the PCC's public consultation process we undertook on Thursday. Nine different groups addressed us to advocate the rights of older people. It was an instructive and enlightening process. We have moved ahead hugely in terms of knowledge about what is required. We heard a great deal about the draft UN convention and the various needs of older people. It is an...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Senator O'Brien asked for clarification on the mortgage arrears implementation strategy. I am glad to inform him that the Government is moving forward as a matter of urgency with the strategy. It is launching two mortgage-to-rent schemes on a pilot basis initially to test how they will operate ahead of a wider roll-out. One of the pilot schemes will cover a broad range of 500 households....

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: I appreciate that we have been trying to get him to come to the House and I ask Senators to accept the good faith there. I think that has covered-----

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of Ministers' expenses, which is a debate we could well have. Ministers - certainly the Labour Ministers with whom I have discussed it - are very concerned about the issue and want to see it reformed. As the Senator knows there have already been significant cuts in ministerial pay since the Government came into office, but it would be very good to...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Senator Ó Domhnaill also raised an issue relating to last night's debate, which I did not cover. As the Cathaoirleach said, what is said in the House is on the record of the House. If any Senator has a difficulty and disagrees with a statement to the press by another Senator, clearly he or she should take that up by issuing a counter-statement and if necessary including a transcript. I...

Seanad: Address by Dr. Mary Robinson (24 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: On behalf of the Labour Party group, I am delighted, Dr. Robinson, to welcome you very warmly back to the Seanad after some years. After hearing Senator O'Brien describe his intermediate certificate year in 1990, we all feel like elders in this House. I am so glad you are here today. Your career has been a credit to Ireland. You have represented us so well on the international stage and...

Seanad: Address by Dr. Mary Robinson (24 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: As Deputy Leader, I am deeply honoured to be asked to make some brief concluding comments and thank Dr. Robinson on behalf of the Leader of the House, Senator Cummins, and all our colleagues. We are so grateful to Dr. Robinson for accepting Senator Cummins's invitation to come before the Seanad to address us. We all thank her very much for her powerful advocacy over many years in promoting...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: The Order of Business is No. 1, address to the Seanad by Dr. Mary Robinson, president of the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice, former Senator in this House and a colleague to some Members who were present at that time, President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to commence at 11.45 a.m. in accordance with the arrangements as set out in the motion...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Some of us do not need much sleep.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: I join with Senator Darragh O'Brien in welcoming yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, of an inquiry in the Fr. Reynolds case. It is good that all Members acknowledge that such an inquiry needed to be established. Regarding Senator Darragh O'Brien's call for a pre-budget debate, there was one yesterday with the Minister...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Of course, we all disagree across the floor of the House and we, when in opposition, had disagreements with Fianna Fáil Party Ministers. However, we do try to treat people with respect. In my time here, the Seanad has had a positive tradition of treating people with courtesy and respect when they are making points with which others may not agree.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Here is another example of disagreeing respectfully.

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: While I believe we should have pre-budget debates, some of which have already been facilitated such as yesterday with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, and last week with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, they must be conducted with a modicum of courtesy, even when there is disagreement as there should be. Regarding this morning's headline on a...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: As the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, said last week, it is important to acknowledge that other areas need to be examined. When she suggested creative reforms that will save the Exchequer money, such as the reform of sick pay arrangements which many employers may welcome because it will give them more control over absence due to sickness, it is important both sides of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Fianna Fáil does not know the meaning of the word "amnesia".

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Will the Leader organise a debate on foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East? I welcome the release last week of Dr. Rafah Nached in Syria. I had called for it in this House and circulated a cross-party motion on it. I will circulate an updated motion to take account of her release and the ongoing appalling oppression in Syria.

Seanad: Tribunal of Inquiry: Motion (17 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: I am glad to have the opportunity to speak to the motion and grateful to the Minister for facilitating this debate. I welcome him to the House and I am delighted to support the motion on behalf of the Labour Party. It vindicates the position adopted in the debate in June. At the time the Minister said that if circumstances required, an extension of the timeframe would be considered. He...

Seanad: Alcohol Pricing: Motion (16 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: He is summing up.

Seanad: Alcohol Pricing: Motion (16 Nov 2011)

Ivana Bacik: Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m.