Results 10,661-10,680 of 11,695 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: The Labour Party views the budget as being deeply regressive, anti-family, anti-children and, in particular, anti-young people. The Minister for Finance has picked on the softest targets by slashing benefits for the young unemployed and child benefit, as well as making across-the-board cuts in welfare payments that will drive many families deeper into poverty.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: Will the Leader arrange for a specific debate on another day, as today's is general? In light of budget cuts, we need a specific date on third level funding and the budget's impact on students attending third level.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I was concerned by the proposed cuts in student grants, particularly the back-to-education allowance for people currently attending college. These cuts will have a severe impact on education, integration therein and ensuring access to education for the most vulnerable.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: That the Minister honoured the Kennedy family while attacking Irish families in this way was ironic.

Seanad: Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the Minister of State. I hope he will accept the Bill as I am aware he has expressed sympathy for the principle of it. As Senator Boyle said, there has been some criticism of the timing. The timing of the introduction of the Bill is perhaps unfortunate in that it clashes with the budget, but it is appropriate that it be debated in December. It is the busiest month for gift...

Seanad: Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: The hotel I mentioned was outside Dublin but I will not say in which county.

Seanad: Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: The Minister of State is a brave man.

Seanad: Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (9 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: On a day when we are all awaiting the budget with trepidation, we see a carbon tax is likely to be introduced. We will have to see the format it will take. It would be an important component of any package aimed at reducing our carbon emissions. In that context, I note the Leader has scheduled a debate on Thursday on climate change. Can the Leader tell the House when the Government Bill...

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I thank the Minister for giving it his considered attention. As he stated, it is a lop-sided provision, especially if the DPP himself is appealing. Although section 10 provides for the court to make the retrial order, I suppose the DPP could appeal. In that situation, it seems even more unbalanced that he would be the one then certifying that the determination involves a point of law of...

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I move amendment No. 16: In page 19, line 35, after "section" to insert the following: ", and only where the Director of Public Prosecutions is contemplating the making of an application for a re-trial order under section 8 or section 9 of this Act.". This arises out of Committee proceedings which did not include this amendment. In the debate on section 16, however, I stated that I would...

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I am disappointed that the Minister will not accept the amendment in principle, although I take his point that section 9 should not be included. I also take his point that it would require a similar amendment to section 17, as well as to section 18 which allows for a search warrant. It is set up as an exception to the general safeguard provided in section 15. I drafted the amendment as a...

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I move amendment No. 17: In page 24, line 15, before "arising" to insert the following: "which gives to a directed verdict or which prevented the jury from considering evidence which was properly admissible or a misdirection of law to the jury". This amendment was debated on Committee Stage, and I believe the Minister accepted it in principle then. It is based on the expert group report on...

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I am grateful to the Minister for accepting the principle of this amendment and I will withdraw it in the light of what he has said, although I am sorry he was not able to bring it forward in this House. None the less, I am grateful to him for accepting the principle, which is important, again given that this is a radical departure from the current procedures and will allow with-prejudice...

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I move amendment No. 18: In page 24, line 24, after "Court" to insert the following: "if satisfied that the Director has given the person concerned all reasonable notice to facilitate his or her appearance and".

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I, too, thank the Minister for taking this Bill through the House. We have had some very constructive and useful debates on the provisions within it. I am particularly grateful to him for accepting my amendment on the victim statements, thus ensuring a family can give evidence on the impact of the offence upon somebody who has died following an injury and having survived for some time....

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I spoke already on Committee Stage to the effect that I did not agree with Senator Regan on this matter. I have listened to his persuasive arguments in favour of his amendment but I stand by what I said earlier. This is such a radical departure from the current long-standing rules of criminal law and the principle against double jeopardy I do not believe it would not be appropriate to make...

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I move amendment No. 14: In page 13, line 38, after "Court" to insert the following: "if satisfied that the Director has given the person concerned all reasonable notice to facilitate his or her appearance and".

Seanad: Criminal Procedure Bill 2009: Report and Final Stages (8 Dec 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I move amendment No. 15: In page 18, lines 8 and 9, to delete ", the Attorney General or the Director". The wording to this amendment is different from the one I tabled on Committee Stage on section 14, an appeal on a point of law to the Supreme Court. On Committee Stage, I agreed the amendment could be better drafted. I have since redrafted it to encompass what was raised during those...