Results 11,281-11,292 of 11,292 for speaker:Colm Burke

Seanad: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2011: Committee Stage (5 Jul 2011)

Colm Burke: I agree with Senator O'Donovan to a large degree. However, my problem with amending the period to three years is that while much work has been done to improve the current procedures on bankruptcy, once a person is declared bankrupt it still takes time to go through the entire procedure of collecting and distributing whatever money is involved. I would be inclined to move to the five year...

Seanad: Whistleblower Legislation: Motion (29 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I thank Senator Mullen for tabling the motion. It is important we debate the issue and that legislation be introduced. Many people employed in the public and private sectors are aware of illegal activities but are afraid to come forward. In the present economic circumstances, people are afraid for their jobs, afraid of damaging promotion...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: I wish to raise again an issue I raised a number of weeks ago on why we are facing a problem with junior doctors. In fairness to the Minister, he has dealt with it in the best way he can in a very short time but the issue which caused the problem was the centralisation of job applications and the lack of consultation between HSE management and local management on what vacancies will arise....

Seanad: Jobs Initiative and Competitiveness: Statements (Resumed) (22 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: I thank the Minister for giving us the time here today to debate this jobs initiative. It is very important that we provide hope. Listening to other speakers, there seems to be a negative view out there, so I should open by talking about events last weekend, when one of our international golfers, Rory McIlroy, won a major international event. I know of one bus company in Killarney that...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: It might not be good news, though.

Seanad: Fair Deal Nursing Home Scheme: Statements (16 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank her for providing that clarification in her speech. I welcome the move by the Minister to restart the processing and acceptance of applications under the fair deal scheme. This move brings clarity to the situation and will be a relief for thousands of older people and their families throughout the country. I hope the 2,900 applications,...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill 2011: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: While an amendment has not been tabled in respect of the issue I wish to raise, will the Minister for Health consider the matter? This morning, I received a comprehensive 31-page legal opinion regarding extra-territorial jurisdiction courtesy of Amnesty International. The opinion is that of Ms Maria McDonald, BL. I am unsure as to whether the Minister has seen it, but careful consideration...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill 2011: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: I congratulate Senator Bacik for bringing forward this matter and for being to the forefront in ensuring it has reached this stage, which is long overdue. As I said earlier in the debate, this issue was raised with me 19 years ago. It has moved on in most other European countries and I am delighted Senator Bacik has brought it forward and pressed on with it. I thank the Minister for having...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: I wish to follow up on a matter raised yesterday by Senator Whelan on the shortfall in the number of junior doctors. He mentioned his area of Portlaoise and the midlands in general. My information is that there will be a shortfall of 450 junior doctors on 1 July. In other words, 450 places will not be filled. I understand this has come about as a result of centralising the applications...

Seanad: Biological Weapons Bill 2010: Second Stage (8 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: Like my colleagues, I welcomed the Minister of State to the House and wish her well in her role. I welcome the Bill. It is important that we put in place conventions that have been passed at international level. I note that in January 2010 an interdepartmental committee was established, which is headed by an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is also...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill 2011: Second Stage (Resumed) (2 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: I congratulate Senator Ivana Bacik on identifying with and progressing this issue and ensuring the Bill was brought before the House. I also thank the Minister for supporting the legislation and introducing it at such an early date. I remember raising the issue of female genital mutilation with Members of the Oireachtas in 1992 or 1993. I did so because an Irish doctor working in London had...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Jun 2011)

Colm Burke: Having come from a Parliament where a person is given only one minute speaking time, I am conscious that many Members in this House would have already this morning used up their entire allocation of speaking time for the year. I support Senator Landy's comments in regard to repetition. Perhaps in calling for Ministers to come to this House to explain themselves, we should by way of reform...