Results 17,701-17,720 of 20,746 for speaker:Mattie McGrath

Written Answers — Department of Health: Universal Health Insurance (27 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: To ask the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the plans to extend free general practitioner care to all claimants of medicines under the long term illness scheme as announced in Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52330/12]

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Sports Funding (27 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is any assistance available from the Sports Council or any other body to assist exceptional athletes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52286/12]

A Framework for Junior Cycle: Motion (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I know that but it is very important that one rectifies the mistakes of the past before moving forward and I beg the Ceann Comhairle's indulgence as I have almost concluded. Other Departments and sub-Departments involved include the Department of Education and Skills and Kerry County Council. Members need to be informed by the Department of the reason people in these positions are...

A Framework for Junior Cycle: Motion (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: No, they are part of the VEC and there are issues in this regard.

A Framework for Junior Cycle: Motion (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: Yes, but to a large extent, the junior cycle will take place within VECs. I acknowledge the VECs will be gone on foot of the enactment of the new education legislation but I refer to the successor bodies to the VECs. While I commend them on what they did, where mistakes are made and wrongdoing takes place, it must be righted. I look forward to debating the relevant legislation and I hope...

A Framework for Junior Cycle: Motion (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I too am pleased to be able to say a few words on the motion. I have listened to other speakers in this intelligent debate which is badly needed. I want to see the new junior certificate succeed, but I am concerned about the lack of detail in the Minister's plan. I am also concerned that it will take so long, eight years, before it is fully in place. I must make a disclosure in this...

Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I do not doubt the figures. There is a big difference between 20% and 80%. Where does the 80% of funding go? Is this another quango?

Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I accept that but the split of 80% and 20% is not, by any standards, reasonable for the work done by local authorities. The private rented sector has exploded because of the so-called building boom, with an ensuing crash, and there is now a staggering number of people in private rented accommodation. Standards vary enormously, with some excellent landlords interested in their tenants and...

Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill: Second Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I too am delighted to be able to speak on this important legislation and on the whole sorry and sad saga that has obtained in the private rented sector, as well as in some public or local authority rented areas, over the years. There have been many issues and disputes, as well as all kinds of unsavoury situations arising, with which there has been a failure to deal. Ar an céad dul...

Select Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: The Minister would be welcome.

Select Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I am speaking to the amendment.

Select Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I am not cutting anyone. I am just standing up for a practice that existed in real Ireland since God's time.

Select Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: We can agree on many of these amendments. We all support animal welfare. Farmers and pet owners are custodians of their animals and want to look after them. The notion that some of us are not interested in animal welfare is disturbing because anyone who was reared on a farm or lived in rural Ireland understands that. The rural hare is a very intelligent animal. We all know about the...

Select Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to be able to attend the select committee. It is nice to be able to compliment the Minister and his officials on dealing with the Bill in the sensible way they have, using a realistic and practical approach. The public might believe the Technical Group is against hunting and sport, but it is not. The system for tabling amendments means that Deputy Thomas Pringle's name is...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I raise an important issue relating to the Bill I introduced last year on precious and scrap metals. I see that on Monday the Minister for the Environment-----

Order of Business (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I refer to the monuments Bill. We could erect a monument here and one would never know. I also want to ask about the public consultation the Minister announced this week on the trade in scrap metal and a Bill on waste facility sites.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: I did not say I was one, although Deputy Kehoe may soon become one. Perhaps Michael Fingleton will fund a monument for him.

Leaders' Questions (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: They have to be card-carrying members of a party.

Leaders' Questions (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: That is if he can find the Minister.

Leaders' Questions (22 Nov 2012)

Mattie McGrath: Party membership.