Results 1,441-1,460 of 5,732 for speaker:Fidelma Healy Eames

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I second the motion. It is important that the Minister examine broadening the range of categories that qualify for Senators to claim within the €12,000 cap. There is no request for any extra money. It is just a request to broaden the categories for which Senators may claim. I will give some examples. I am based in Galway and have one assistant, supplied by two people who job...

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: It did not work.

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: On a point of order, I thank the Minister for having the debate.

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The amendment was tabled in good faith and is a no-brainer. It is clearly unfair that this practice is to continue. I ask the Minister to reflect on the matter again before we consider where we take it next.

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: It is up to the individual.

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: It is taxpayers' money.

Seanad: Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013: Report and Final Stages (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I second the amendment. The Minister will be aware that Senator Bradford and I have spoken at length on this issue. We strongly believe that an allowance of €21,045 that has been allocated to us should no longer be paid to Fine Gael, a party from which both of us have been expelled. This money is made available to fund the political system. As parliamentarians who work on behalf...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013: Discussion (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: This is important. We are trying to reduce the cost of health insurance.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013: Discussion (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: The VHI spoke about having more creative and innovative approaches to the market. It is clear there is a budgetary crisis in the health system and the Minister is looking at various ways of funding it. If the State were to split up or part-sell VHI, what effect would this have on the cost of health insurance?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013: Discussion (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I appreciate that but, fundamental to all of this, the reason we have this Bill is because the Minister is increasing costs in the system. I have an example of a couple in their late 70s.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013: Discussion (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: This is a critical question. I have an example of a couple in their late 70s paying €4,500 for plan C with VHI. If the State were to split up or part-sell VHI, could that couple be served elsewhere in the market and get the same service?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children: Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013: Discussion (28 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Tá fáilte roimh an painéal go léir. I meet many people who have difficulties with increasing health insurance costs. Some of these questions are as much for the Minister as the witnesses present, but I will pose them anyway. A customer may attend a public hospital and declare that they have private health insurance. Some people are now asking themselves, however, what...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Expenditure Reviews (27 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: I thank the Minister for his reply. It seems we are singing from the same hymn sheet. It is useful that the Budget Statement will be made earlier in the year. It is no longer rammed through before Christmas without time geing given to review it. Why will the Minister not amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2012 in order that a report of this nature would be laid before the Houses by...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Expenditure Reviews (27 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: That is not how I read it. If I were to bring forward an amendment to the legislation in question, would the Minister examine it?

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Expenditure Reviews (27 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I am delighted the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, is present as the matter is directed to him. It is in all our interests to proceed in a sure-footed manner when managing the public purse. In view of our expected exit from the bailout, I wish to ask the Minister whether he would consider amending the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2012 to require a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Framework for the Junior Cycle: Discussion with ASTI, IHRC and Irish Heart Foundation (27 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Obviously not because they have not happened.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Framework for the Junior Cycle: Discussion with ASTI, IHRC and Irish Heart Foundation (27 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: That begs the need for piloting. Is there a plan to pilot this? There is none.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Framework for the Junior Cycle: Discussion with ASTI, IHRC and Irish Heart Foundation (27 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: Is there a result that can answer the question?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Framework for the Junior Cycle: Discussion with ASTI, IHRC and Irish Heart Foundation (27 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: This is the only time educators get praise.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection: Framework for the Junior Cycle: Discussion with ASTI, IHRC and Irish Heart Foundation (27 Nov 2013)

Fidelma Healy Eames: It makes it worse.