Results 11,281-11,300 of 11,695 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: ——it would be far more important if we did our patriotic duty as citizens of the world by not buying Israeli goods and services. Israel deserves to be treated as a pariah state.

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I was among those who called for an end to diplomatic relations with Israel at the height of the appalling carnage that occurred. That was an appropriate call to make at the time. The Seanad could take a strong role — I am aware that there is cross-party support for this — in the context of trying to hold Israel accountable in respect of what was done. I also wish to request a debate on...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I ask the Leader for a debate on what can be done in the aftermath of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza. In the general doom and gloom of the news over Christmas and the early part of this month, the worst news of all was undoubtedly of the carnage inflicted upon the people of Gaza by Israel.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I also support the amendment. It is an excellent idea that this sort of measure would be adopted. We have all agreed, on both sides of the House given the speeches I have heard in the debate, that accountability is key and that those at the top of Anglo Irish Bank responsible for effectively poisoning the entire banking sector in the State should be held accountable. Issues of criminal law...

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: On a point of order, I did suggest there may have been a run on the bank. It is one of the matters about which there has been speculation——

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: ——and Members have received no clear information one way or the other. Consequently, I would like an answer.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I wish to follow on from the Minister of State's comment that there was no run on the bank. However, in answer to the question as to why the bank should be nationalised, he stated: "Market confidence in the bank was further eroded and this was reflected in a limited weakening of Anglo Irish Bank's funding base in recent weeks and the increased risk of knock-on effects on its credit ratings."...

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Committee and Remaining Stages (20 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: The Minister of State should clarify exactly what the words, "a limited weakening of Anglo Irish Bank's funding base" mean. Although it is not clear, this is the clearest explanation that has been given as to the reason Members are being asked to nationalise a bank that they were told 25 days ago would not require nationalisation.

Seanad: Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Bill 2009: Second Stage (20 Jan 2009)

Ivana Bacik: I ask the House for permission to share half of my time with Senator Doherty. I welcome the opportunity to put my thoughts on the record about this Bill. I echo the words of others on this side of the House to the effect that it is a real shame there is not more time to debate such detailed legislation, which we have only seen in a rushed manner. We are debating in the absence of a great...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I echo calls from Senators on both sides of the House for a cross-party motion on Pamela Izevbekhai. I attended the meeting in the audio visual room yesterday when she spoke so powerfully and eloquently about her dreadful experiences in Nigeria and her fears for the safety of her daughters, Naomi and Jemima, who are here in Ireland with her. There is enormous compassion and sympathy for her...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I agree with the Senators who are seeking a debate on the economy. As I recall it, the Leader promised that the House would debate the economy on a regular basis.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: If I am not mistaken, he promised that we would have such a debate every month.

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I ask the Leader to support the calls made by Senators on both sides of the House for a debate on the economy. I ask him to confirm that in the new year, he will hold a debate on the economy once a month. We need to discuss economic matters that regularly, at least. I join Senators Fitzgerald, Prendergast and others in calling for a debate on the HSE plan. All Members must be deeply...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: ——and speak up for the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society. We need a debate on this global issue. It seems to be more than a coincidence that the bodies being closed have been critical of various aspects of Government and State action. This House should ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to justify the decision to dismantle these organisations. Why is he...

Seanad: Health Bill 2008: Second Stage (12 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill, although I fundamentally oppose the changes it introduces. It represents a full-frontal attack on the principle of equality and on the principle of universal access to social services, in particular, health services. It is an immensely regressive measure. Listening to some of the speeches from those on the Government side, I think they share...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Report and Final Stages (11 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I appreciate the Minister of State's intentions but I wish to express my concerns about this provision. As a criminal lawyer, I am concerned that we are creating a new criminal offence which will be difficult to defend. I am particularly concerned that no provision is made for the defence of good faith. We are far too quick to create new criminal offences that purport to impose liability...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Report and Final Stages (11 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: On a point of order, I raised two constitutional concerns about a provision and I am entitled to raise them on the record. I am also entitled to have the Minister of State answer them. I did not engage in any criticism of the drafters but simply raised these points. In the spirit of fairness, it is appropriate in the Seanad that we raise points such as this. I do not intend to have a...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Report and Final Stages (11 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I thank Senator Mullen but I do not require a lecture on the rules of canon law. It is not appropriate to this amendment.

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Report and Final Stages (11 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: In the spirit of consensus, I echo the words of other Senators in welcoming the Minister of State's helpful amendments. I also echo Senator Buttimer's words, as it is important to note that there may be political appointments of councillors. I hope it does not become an exercise in cronyism or jobs for the Fianna Fáil boys, not just members of Fianna Fáil. I hope for a balanced set of...

Seanad: Charities Bill 2007: Report and Final Stages (11 Dec 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I, too, welcome the passing of the Bill which will provide for the better regulation of charitable organisations, its primary purpose. We all accept it is generally a positive Bill. Putting in place a proper framework, in statutory form, for the regulation of charitable organisations is long overdue and in that regard the Bill is to be welcomed. I have some regrets, including that the Bill...