Results 1,741-1,760 of 2,163 for speaker:John Cummins

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Social Welfare Schemes (14 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Heather Humphreys. The premise of this matter is to call for the removal of the disablement benefit as a disqualifying payment for the winter fuel allowance for those persons who meet the income means test, which is currently set at €100 above the State contributory pension...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Social Welfare Schemes (14 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I thank the Minister of State for his reply and, in particular, the last line of his response that that the Department is examining this matter, which is positive. I will emphasise again some of the points I made earlier. I am not looking for this for everybody who is in receipt of disablement benefit, and the Minister of State said there were 14,500 recipients. I am asking about somebody...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: We are all very aware of rising fuel costs. That is why, as a Government, we made the decision in budget 2022 to increase the fuel allowance immediately by €5 a week for 28 weeks. What may have been missed by some people is the increase in the income threshold for the means test, from €100 to €120, as of 1 January 2022. This will enable many more people to qualify for...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Water Quality and Infrastructure: Environmental Protection Agency (14 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I thank our witnesses for coming before us. I am sure it was due to the time pressures Dr. Ryan faced in making his contribution but I note that much of what was in the opening statement provided to us between pages 2 and 6, which contains information on lots of positive progress in the water and wastewater areas, was not touched on. I am not for one second suggesting that everything is...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Water Quality and Infrastructure: Environmental Protection Agency (14 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: It requires a short answer.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Water Quality and Infrastructure: Environmental Protection Agency (14 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: This is an important point. Is the EPA satisfied that it was adequately disinfected during that period?

Seanad: Budget 2022: Statements (Resumed) (13 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I welcome yesterday's budget, which shows significant promise. It is a budget that has to be viewed in the round and we cannot look at any one individual measure and say that, in and of itself, it is significant. However, when we look at all of the measures together, it does add up to a very significant package. We are making modest tax and welfare changes to support those who are working,...

Seanad: Peat Harvesting: Statements (13 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for his very extensive contribution. I had two speeches written for today.

Seanad: Peat Harvesting: Statements (13 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: One was politically correct and the other said things straight and might upset a few people. I will take the Minister of State's lead and give an honest appraisal of where I see things on this issue. First and foremost I want to put on the record of the House, as the Minister of State has, that the horticulture industry in Ireland is an essential component of our food industry. It supports...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: There will be statements on the budget later but as I am not due to speak until tomorrow, I wish to touch on a measure in the budget which was announced a short time ago, that is, the extension of the help to buy scheme. This has been pivotal in assisting 28,500 individuals and families to build or purchase their first home. It has been an essential measure to assist them in getting their...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Expert Group Review of Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I welcome the following witnesses to the committee. From the Irish Traveller Movement, we are joined by Mr. Bernard Joyce, director, and Ms Emily Murtagh, national Traveller policy officer. From the County and City Management Association, CCMA, we are joined by Mr. Eugene Cummins, CEO of Roscommon County Council; Ms Catherine Keenan, director of service for housing in Dún...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Expert Group Review of Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I thank Mr. Joyce. I now invite Mr. Cummins to make his presentation on behalf of the County and City Management Association, CCMA.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Expert Group Review of Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I am conscious that the answers are supposed to be within the five-minute slot. I will allow latitude to Mr. Joyce and Mr. Cummins to respond but, to be fair to all members, I ask them to be mindful so we can get everyone in.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Expert Group Review of Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: That is fine. I did not make it clear before the Senator spoke. I call Mr. Joyce and then Mr. Cummins.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Expert Group Review of Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: It concerned the quality of the accommodation that your community has experienced. It is a general question.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Expert Group Review of Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I would imagine we will get an opportunity to address the budgetary matters through other questions. I ask Mr. Cummins to give a brief reply on the point Senator Murphy raised on the moving of a family.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Expert Group Review of Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I ask the Deputy to speak through the Chair when addressing members.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Expert Group Review of Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (12 Oct 2021)

John Cummins: I would appreciate it if the Deputy would use the proper title for members of the committee also.