Results 1,801-1,820 of 7,765 for speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Political Reform: Motion (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Norris.

Seanad: Political Reform: Motion (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I presume I will have 14 minutes, as Senator David Norris had for his virtuoso performance in entertaining the packed galleries at the time, but I will settle for half of that amount. I have no intention of making any reform to curtail the contributions of Senator David Norris, as that is certainly not within my remit.

Seanad: Political Reform: Motion (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following:"welcomes - the programme of reform of the Irish political system already introduced by the current Government since coming into office, including - implementation of a substantial programme of constitutional reform, including the establishment of the Convention on the Constitution, and a...

Seanad: Political Reform: Motion (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: That is democracy.

Seanad: Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I am privileged to lead the tributes to the late Tom Fitzgerald, former Senator, who sadly passed away last year. I express my sincere sympathy to Tom's family, to his wife, Bridie, their children Michelle, Breandán and Tom who are present, and also to his brothers and sister and a wide circle of friends, many of whom are present. Tom was an excellent public representative who was...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: It will happen after the election.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: It will happen from next year and 80% will go to local authorities. My information is that only one piece of new Government legislation has been presented since the beginning of this year. We do not have an explanation other than the fact that there is a high volume of Bills that are going through the drafting process in the Office of the Attorney General. I will have a meeting with the...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: With regard to the question on water charges, I understand that the report will be with Government by April and that the public will have a very good idea, before the local elections, as regards what the levy of charges will be.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: That is not going down the same line as Fianna Fáil would do as it would bury the matter until after the elections. I can assure the Senator that people will have a good idea before the local elections.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Fianna Fáil needs every opportunity that it can get to gain extra seats.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Senator Bacik mentioned GSOC. A debate on the matter took place in the other House yesterday. The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission informed the Minister that after an investigation it concluded that no definitive evidence of unauthorised technical or electrical surveillance of its offices was found and that its databases have not been compromised. That is what the commission...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I also note the Senator's points on banks. I do not think banks want anybody going into their offices now and instead want everybody to use the Internet but that is not what many people want. Many people want to speak to a person.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: People want to do their banking as they normally did, in a civilised manner.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: That seems to be out the door where quite a number of banks are concerned. Finally, I note the points made by Senator Noone on smoking in cars. The matter was addressed yesterday and I agreed that Report Stage of the Bill would be taken next week.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: We will certainly invite the Minister for Justice and Equality here to discuss the local property tax, funds from which will go to local authorities from next year. That is the case.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: Perhaps the Senator will allow me to reply. I will do the best I can.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: The Order of Business is No. 1, Health Identifiers Bill 2013 – Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 12.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 1.45 p.m., if not previously concluded; and No. 2, statements on recent flooding, to be taken at 2 p.m. and conclude not later than 4 p.m., with the contributions of group spokespersons not to exceed eight minutes and those of all other...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: It will be the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes.

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: The Senator is correct.

Seanad: Small Claims and Payments Procedure: Motion (11 Feb 2014)

Maurice Cummins: I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed...