Results 11,441-11,460 of 11,509 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: The Government needs to do another U-turn on this matter. For Senator Mary White's information, the chair of the Irish Childcare Policy Network stated the new announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, does not go far enough to meet the needs of the community child care providers. Further U-turns are needed in this area.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: I join with other colleagues in congratulating Senator Norris on the launch of his archive. I attended the event yesterday, which was a great occasion. I wish to raise two issues on which we have held debates before and which I hope may be debated this week. The first is a motion seeking the release of Íngrid Betancourt, which I believe has all-party agreement in the House. If it could be...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: Senator Kelly may have got some more. I do not want to precipitate such a flood of e-mails again. However, there will be real concern among the groups supporting the Bill. We can blame the Leader and not me if that is the case.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: What happens when it goes to Committee Stage?

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: I thank Senator Cassidy.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: I wanted to raise an issue that the House has already debated. On a day that we are due to debate integration, it is appropriate to ask the Leader to convene a debate in the new year on the Government's child care policy, in particular the changes proposed to subventions to the community child care scheme. I and other colleagues from both Houses attended a very helpful briefing yesterday...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: I am obliged. It is important that we return to this issue in the new year and debate it again.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: The ICPN made a very specific request that this decision be deferred until the end of next year to enable further negotiations and consultations to take place with the Minister and other interest groups. We could help that process in this House by debating it. I would also like the Leader to respond to the motion that was agreed on Ingrid Betancourt. I know the deputy Leader of the House...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: I am grateful to Senators Harris and O'Toole for raising the issue of yesterday's debate. It is important that when we have a debate on drugs, mandatory testing and other issues, it would be conducted in a rational and civilised manner. I was very disappointed yesterday to be subjected to the sort of barracking that took place. It was a lazy response. I was delighted that last night's...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: I support the calls made by Senators Norris and Hannigan for a debate on extraordinary rendition. The report of the Irish Human Rights Commission makes serious claims which should be debated in the House as a matter of urgency. It is important we ensure Ireland does not breach human rights obligations in this regard. In response to the calls for a debate on the drugs issue, while all...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: A strong case can be made for roadside drug testing as we already have roadside alcohol testing. The knee-jerk hysteria we hear whenever the issue of drugs is discussed is not the way to tackle the problem or help the real victims.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: Accusing people of being soft on drugs is typical of the kind of hysteria that accompanies this debate and does not help anybody, especially the real victims such as the unfortunate couriers and others shown on the streets in the "Prime Time Investigates" programme last night.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: Our concerns should be with the real victims. The Simon Community has produced a report showing that many people are homeless on the streets as a result of drink, drugs and psychiatric problems. Homelessness is linked to the issue of prison. If the House debates homelessness, and I called for such a debate last week, it should also debate prison policy because many of those who leave...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: There appears to be cross-party support for a motion calling for the release of Íngrid Betancourt. I am delighted Senator Fitzgerald and others have raised the issue again. Yesterday, I asked the Leader to invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House for a debate on prison reform. A sum of €14 million has been allocated in the budget for the expansion of the...

Seanad: Order of Business (6 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: The Leader said yesterday, in the context of the drugs debate, that there is unanimity about the need for tougher measures and mandatory sentences. I do not believe there is. I do not believe mandatory sentences for drug and other offences serve a purpose in terms of rehabilitation. The three young mothers, whose cases were reported yesterday, were sentenced two days ago to long terms of...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: I support calls by Senator O'Toole and other Members for the release of Íngrid Betancourt. I raised this as a matter on the Adjournment in this Seanad's first week. The last official statement of Government policy was the answer given to me then by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on Ireland's calls for the release of Ms Betancourt. There is a cross-party consensus for the Government to...

Seanad: Order of Business (5 Dec 2007)

Ivana Bacik: Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for a debate on prisons policy? It is generally overlooked as the cliche is that there are no votes in prisons. People are locked up for long periods. Last night, three young mothers in Cork were locked up for long sentences. The question never asked is what purpose does this serve? While the Minister is proceeding on...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2007)

Ivana Bacik: As the only Senator in the Chamber from the University of Dublin panel, it is certainly news to me that I represent people of any particular religious ethos. As somebody who was brought up a Catholic and is now firmly lapsed and an atheist, I am very proud to represent people of all religions and none. I hope all Senators here feel the same way. It is dangerous to start talking about...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2007)

Ivana Bacik: On a point of order, the Leader misunderstood the point I raised. I was referring to structures to support these women.

Seanad: Report on Seanad Reform: Motion (28 Nov 2007)

Ivana Bacik: I wish to share time with Senator Quinn.