Results 101-120 of 658 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Emer Higgins

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency Bill 2023: Second Stage (28 Sep 2023)

Emer Higgins: I begin with some alarming statistics on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I ask that, as I share these figures, the Minister of State and everyone else considers the human stories behind each number. Globally, one in three women encounter partner violence. This shocking figure equates to more than 1 billion women across the world. Furthermore, 38% of all women murdered globally...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (27 Sep 2023)

Emer Higgins: This day last week I sat in the schoolyard of Gaelscoil na Camóige. Thankfully it was not a day like today because regardless of the weather, the 30-year celebrations for this school would have to have happened outside because it has no other option. After 30 years, there is still no permanent building for Gaelscoil na Camóige. Unfortunately, it is just one of a long list of...

Children's Health Ireland - Patient safety concerns and reviews in paediatric orthopaedic surgical services: Statements, Questions and Answers (26 Sep 2023)

Emer Higgins: Last week's revelation detailing the severe complications faced by 19 children at Temple Street Hospital is nothing short of a nightmare for families. Revelations like this challenge the very fabric of trust on which our healthcare system is built. I was reassured to hear Bernard Gloster, the CEO of the HSE, confirm that planned spinal surgeries are not being postponed but we must...

Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023: Second Stage (21 Sep 2023)

Emer Higgins: As we are all aware, from the young family just starting out, to the pensioner who has given so much to this country, the escalating cost of living and surging energy prices are being felt right across the board. With back-to-school costs and winter approaching, many feel like there is no end to the financial strain. The hard-working people in my communities, especially in areas like Lucan,...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Sep 2023)

Emer Higgins: State childcare providers throughout the country, including in my own local community, will close in response to concerns around their core funding. If childcare services are not adequately funded we will not be able to provide parents with adequate access to childcare. My area is growing, with a great deal of new building in such areas as Lucan, Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Newcastle and...

Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill 2022: Second Stage [Private Members] (13 Jul 2023)

Emer Higgins: I congratulate Deputy Matthews. I thank our Dáil clerks, our committee clerks, our ushers, our audiovisual staff, our IT experts, our catering teams, our cleaning teams and everyone else in this building. On behalf of all Members, I thank all of our staff who do such incredible work for Deputies here in Leinster House and in our constituencies. Many will think we are finished for the...

Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill 2022: Second Stage [Private Members] (13 Jul 2023)

Emer Higgins: Thanks Deputy and the same to you.

Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill 2022: Second Stage [Private Members] (13 Jul 2023)

Emer Higgins: We have 30 minutes for debate. Members may take up to ten minutes, but if that happens we will not get everybody in. I ask them to be mindful of that. We have four or possibly five speakers. I call Deputy Bacik.

Situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory: Statements (13 Jul 2023)

Emer Higgins: I will begin by saying that I wholeheartedly condemn the violent attacks we are currently seeing in the occupied Palestinian territory and in Israel. Many Irish people feel a particular affinity with the people of Palestine. I certainly feel that strongly. It is truly heartbreaking to hear of the number of innocent people who have died and had their lives destroyed - children who have...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (13 Jul 2023)

Emer Higgins: Right now across Ireland, there are 307 medicines in short supply, including tablets people rely on for their blood pressure, cholesterol or mental health and medicines people require to regulate their hormones, their breathing or their insulin. People with medical conditions are facing a record shortage of drugs. That is causing huge anxiety for them, their families and their pharmacists....

Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023: Second Stage (Resumed) (11 Jul 2023)

Emer Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this legislation. I am glad we are debating it before the summer recess because we have waited long enough for the Bill. We first started discussing safe access zones in the wake of the eighth amendment referendum in 2018, some five years ago. In the interim, while we have seen some women finally receiving access to necessary and essential healthcare,...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (6 Jul 2023)

Emer Higgins: I raise the issue of housing adaptation grants for older people and people with disabilities. I know from my office that people who avail of these grants find them massively beneficial in terms of making their homes more accessible, suitable and comfortable. We all know the cost of doing work has increased dramatically and what has not increased is the value of the grants towards that cost....

LGBTQI+ Equality: Statements (20 Jun 2023)

Emer Higgins: I am delighted to speak in this debate today. I wish to start by wishing everyone a happy Pride month, especially all those who will celebrate this weekend. I love going to the Pride parade and seeing the vibrancy, colour, positivity, energy, diversity and inclusion that Pride brings to the streets of Dublin and across Ireland, when it comes to parades and celebrations taking place...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 Jun 2023)

Emer Higgins: I will raise the concept of transport police. It is something I have raised previously. Last night's documentary on Virgin Media One, "Dublin After Dark", showed exactly why we need a focus on safety and security in Dublin and on our public transport. That is especially true when it comes to late-night weekend services. Some women often feel more vulnerable using the bus, the Luas, the...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Jun 2023)

Emer Higgins: This week is Carers Week. This morning, I attended a coffee morning in Clondalkin hosted by Family Carers Ireland in conjunction with Clondalkin Autism Parent Support Network. Of course, we had the launch of the Joint Committee on Autism report, which, under the leadership of Senator Carrigy, made more than 100 recommendations. Both of these are reminders and insights into the everyday...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Jun 2023)

Emer Higgins: We know the political will is there and the funding is in place to change this. What does that look like in terms of a pipeline for therapists to get into children's disability network teams, CDNTs, and primary care centres?

Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023: Second Stage (13 Jun 2023)

Emer Higgins: I welcome the provisions of this Bill. Ireland has proven itself to be a leader in this space. In 2004, we became the first country in the world to ban smoking in workplaces, including bars, restaurants and enclosed public spaces. If we think back to that time, Irish pubs were probably the last place in the world anyone expected to become smoke-free. Many people thought the ambition of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Health Services Staff (31 May 2023)

Emer Higgins: I appreciate the Minister of State's support and commitment to this issue. I hope to get some information today with which I can go back to the worried mums and dads in my area because I cannot keep giving them the same outdated information. I cannot keep telling them the HSE is doing its best to recruit more public health nurses, with no timeframe. There is no light at the end of the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Health Services Staff (31 May 2023)

Emer Higgins: I want to discuss the ongoing shortage of public health nurses in my area, particularly in the constituency of Dublin Mid-West. This shortage is having a huge impact on infant developmental checkups. To my count, this is the seventh time I have formally raised this issue, whether in the House or through parliamentary questions, since it was first brought to my attention last year. I have...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (30 May 2023)

Emer Higgins: I welcome plans to ban the sale of vapes to under-18s. We know the impact of nicotine when it comes to developing brains. We know that children who vape are five times more likely to start smoking. The move is welcome from a health standpoint. Honestly, however, it is the targeted advertising to young people that really concerns me, including the different colours and flavours. It is...