Results 1,201-1,220 of 2,118 for speaker:Michael Mullins

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I join with colleagues in extending my sympathy to the family of the late Dick Barry. I met him on a number of occasions and was particularly friendly with his daughter Myra. I know he made a major contribution to politics over the years. I also extend my sympathy to members of the Blaney family in Donegal on their loss. I am disappointed Senator Leyden is playing politics with the...

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Pat The Cope Gallagher, MEP (25 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: Unfortunately, my questions have been asked. It is one of the disadvantages of being last.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by Mr. Pat The Cope Gallagher, MEP (25 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I welcome Mr. Gallagher. He is a man for whom I have great respect. This morning, he confirmed my view that he is highly knowledgeable and has been active for many years fighting the good cause for the fishermen of Ireland. On the ban on discards, for the ordinary man in the street it seems terribly wrong at a time when families are under pressure and there are many hungry people in the...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I congratulate Senator Barrett on the very significant Private Members' Bill he brought before the House last evening. I hope that Bill will make a significant contribution to the regulation of the banking sector here in the future. I agree with previous speakers that no one can stand over the obscene salaries being paid to some bank officials. In that context, many previous speakers...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: The Case of Mr. Sergei Magnitsky: Motion (Resumed) (24 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: Would it be possible to get the text of the motion that was passed at the European Parliament?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: The Case of Mr. Sergei Magnitsky: Motion (Resumed) (24 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: It would be a pity if we were to divide on this issue. I do not think there is that much difference between the motion and the amendment in one respect. I signed the original motion following the presentation that was made by Mr. Browder, which we were all moved by. I have to say I am anxious that our motion should be as strong as possible. I hope there is room to strengthen Deputy...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: Overseas Development Issues: Discussion with Centre for Global Development and GOAL (24 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I welcome Mr. Andrews and Mr. Glasgow. Probably the most frightening comment Mr. Andrews made in his presentation was that we are looking at the worst humanitarian crisis since the Cold War. That should send shock waves throughout the world. Senator Norris spoke about lack of media interest and coverage. What can we do to alert the international community and news agencies to the...

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Second Stage (24 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I am realistic enough to know it does not have the money.

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Second Stage (24 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: The country needs the money and we need to build the national children's hospital which requires a significant upfront payment. I ask the Minister to reconsider the term of the licence, but on balance it is in the best interests of the country.

Seanad: National Lottery Bill 2012: Second Stage (24 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and wish him well in his endeavours to deal with some very challenging issues. I am very conscious of the very close attachment of the Irish people to the national lottery. Indeed, I know a few people from my own locality who became millionaires as a result of playing the national lottery. I commend Senator O'Donnell for her robust contribution...

Seanad: Order of Business (24 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: It is incumbent on the national broadcaster to be extremely careful about the way it presents particular stories. It was quite alarming to hear the national broadcaster suggesting on the "Six One News" programme last night that the fodder shortages and current difficulties being experienced by farmers would lead to an increase in suicide. Everybody accepts that the farming community is...

Seanad: Order of Business (23 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I congratulate everybody involved with the transition year student challenge held earlier today in the Seanad, as it was a wonderful event. Like some previous speakers, I was very concerned to hear young people say they felt there is not a future in this country for them, so all of us as politicians must redouble our efforts to ensure there is a future for these people by taking decisions in...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: The Senator would know all about that.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I support the call by Senator Mooney for solidarity among the farming community. Yesterday I supported the call by Senator O'Donovan for a debate on the crisis in the farming community. I welcome the statement made by the Minister yesterday when he said that he had made personal contact with the banks and the merchants asking that the farming community be treated fairly and with...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: The Case of Mr. Sergei Magnitsky: Motion (Resumed) (17 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: Can I ask a question?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade: The Case of Mr. Sergei Magnitsky: Motion (Resumed) (17 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I am disappointed with the ambassador's response. Can we ask him to discuss the matter with us?

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I want to join with colleagues in extending our sympathies to the victims of the bombing in Boston and wish all the badly injured people a very speedy recovery. It is appalling that a fabulous social and sporting event such as the Boston marathon could have been targeted by unscrupulous people. I hope the London marathon, which takes place this coming weekend, passes off without incident. I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Impact of Black Market on Small Businesses: Discussion (16 Apr 2013)

Michael Mullins: I thank our three witnesses for the concise and well-presented cases they have made. In regard to the public awareness campaign I believe people are now much less tolerant of abuses of the social welfare system and of people doing things that cost the taxpayer money. I firmly believe a well-targeted public awareness campaign would bring many people who decide to go straight into a...

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2013: Second Stage (28 Mar 2013)

Michael Mullins: We will now proceed with the debate. The group spokespersons will have six minutes and all other speakers will have three minutes.

Seanad: Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2013: Second Stage (28 Mar 2013)

Michael Mullins: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, to the House.