Results 1,701-1,720 of 2,118 for speaker:Michael Mullins

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Second Stage (3 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: I thank the Minister for a comprehensive outline of the proposed legislation. It is proposed to conclude at 1.45 p.m. and the Minister will be called on to respond to the debate at 1.35 p.m. Leaders of various groupings have ten minutes and all other Senators have six minutes.

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: I very much welcome the significant jobs announcement at SAP in Galway which is an indication of great confidence returning to our economy. We need to maintain that confidence and the best way to do so is for a resounding "Yes" vote on 31 May. I welcome Fianna Fáil's support for the treaty but I am very disappointed that some of my former Fianna Fáil colleagues on Galway County Council...

Seanad: Order of Business (3 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: -----he wrote to the then bishop, Bishop McKiernan. I am calling for a debate but I want to put on the record that this whole Brendan Smyth affair could have been stopped if a young east Galway novice had been listened to. He was a fine young man. He was rewarded by being shipped off to serve in Germany where, unfortunately, he lost his life in a road traffic accident. There is an element...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: I support my colleague Senator Conway in his call for a debate on rural policing. It would be very wrong to judge the quality of our policing throughout the country by the number of buildings we have. Senators know well that the proliferation of Garda stations around the country date from an era when policing was done by bicycle. We have moved on from that and we need to consider our...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: I call on all Senators to work hard for Ireland and to pull out all of the stops during the next four weeks to ensure that the treaty passes. Although this is a treaty on stability, it is also about growth and jobs. Senator White is not happy with the pace of job creation-----

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: It is about investment. We have seen a significant investment in the country in recent months. For example, there were several welcome announcements in my county in recent weeks. We want to keep this confidence going. Sinn Féin should be honest with people. It should try harder than issuing a few press releases that misquote prominent economists.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: It is. This is a question about Ireland and-----

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: It is about our country.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: The Irish people will know what is good for the country and them.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 May 2012)

Michael Mullins: My question relates to another matter. We have often discussed the length of time taken for medical card applications. Would it be possible to be updated by the relevant Minister regarding the progress that has been made in clearing the backlog? I have reason to believe that some of the information we are receiving is not accurate. Applying for a medical card is still difficult. A...

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (30 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: I join with the previous speakers in thanking the Minister for her patience and her comprehensive responses to the debate. We had a great exchange again this morning for six hours. The social protection budget is €20 billion. I would love to see the Minister come back to the House on another occasion so we could have an input into areas in which we could get the most bang for our buck....

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (30 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: I would say the Minister has done enough to get them to support the treaty.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (30 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: While I agree with much of what Senator Paschal Mooney said, I am confident that the Minister is committed to the continuation of community employment schemes. Where there is a budget of €315 million, it is incumbent on her to ensure we are getting the best bang for our buck. At the same time, I agree with Senator Paschal Mooney's comments on the social dimension. There are many...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (30 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: I strongly support the Minister, who has given a comprehensive response. It is evident that the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Minister for Social Protection are working closely together. In my town, we opened a 50-place community child care facility a month ago. There is a commitment from the Government to invest in child care. The Minister is on the right track and I...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011: Report and Final Stages (27 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: I support this amendment and compliment the Minister on taking on board what was said on this issue on previous Stages. It addresses the concerns of Members and employers while ensuring agency workers are properly treated and given the due respect and conditions they deserve.

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011: Report and Final Stages (27 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: I agree with the Senators who stated it is a good day for Seanad Éireann and for democracy. The Minister is to be complimented on taking on board the many concerns about the Bill expressed some weeks ago. As Senator Mary Ann O'Brien stated, it strikes a correct balance. It ensures fairness for agency workers while removing some uncertainties for some employers as well. We want to ensure...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (27 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: I propose that the sitting be suspended until 2.30 p.m.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Second Stage (27 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: Senator Norris and Senator Cullinane are sharing time.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Second Stage (27 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: We are calling the Minister at 12.20 p.m. to respond, so time is running out.

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Second Stage (27 Apr 2012)

Michael Mullins: We agreed the Order of Business yesterday.