Results 18,961-18,980 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Seanad: Mental Health (Involuntary Procedures) (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (2 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I support Senator Boyle's comments. It is important that any consultation involves the user groups. We must also hear the views of the professionals involved in the area and it is critical that the consultation be comprehensive. We are coming from a position with psychiatry where user groups did not have the kind of voice they needed, although I am thankful this is changing. There is a...

Seanad: Mental Health (Involuntary Procedures) (Amendment) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (2 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the focus this Bill has brought to mental health issues. Judging from the comments of the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, he will need support from all sides of this House if he is to maintain funding for mental health. We are at present discussing the quality of mental health...

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yesterday we saw one news media organisation claiming it had an exclusive on the Government's approach to the budget — there would be a 10% cut in child benefit and a 5% cut in all social welfare payments. On the same day we saw the possible strike being averted, which I welcome, and a new proposal on unpaid leave being made. I have a number of questions on these issues. It appears a...

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: In view of the appalling and traumatic circumstances facing so many individuals, families and communities as a result of the flooding, I ask that the Order of Business be amended to enable the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to be invited to come to the House today to give a report on the up-to-date position. Significant questions arise about delays in making...

Seanad: Guardianship Payments (26 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I also welcome the Minister of State. I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me this opportunity to raise the issue of guardianship payments. I am raising it in the light of the fact that the current criteria exclude some legal guardians and others, particularly grandparents caring for and raising children, from availing of the payment. The latter's circumstances tend to involve parents who...

Seanad: Guardianship Payments (26 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the fact the Minister of State has stated each case is decided based on individual circumstances. He also stated "the level of the parents' involvement in the welfare of the child" forms part of the criteria. Will he bring to the attention of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs that in some areas any contact with the child — as I stated, even the giving of a present to...

Seanad: Business of Seanad (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I assume the Government will make time available as necessary.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Leader is prepared to answer.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: In fairness, there has been a change.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I hope the Minister can explain it.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is a vote of confidence in Fine Gael.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: There have been many recommendations which the Government has ignored.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Our proposals are well known. Let us hear the Government's.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Let us hear the Government's proposals and the response to what we recommend.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Let us hear the Government's proposals.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the newest Member of this House, Senator James Carroll. This is a proud and memorable day for James, his family and his supporters as he is elected to the Seanad on the Administrative Panel. On behalf of all in the Fine Gael Seanad group, I extend to him our congratulations and best wishes and hope that he has a worthwhile time in this House in the future. All three events...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is certainly one of the things the queues tell us. The Minister announced the VAT rate and has not changed it. We have repeatedly discussed such issues and the need for the economy to be more competitive. The queues are an example of the failure of the Government's financial and economic policy. I am glad the Minister will attend the House to discuss the flooding, although I would...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the fact that we are having a debate, but I want more time for the Minister to answer the many questions that will arise. I hope the Leader can manage to arrange this. The floods show that people will pull together and that communities can work together. Irish people will respond when they are shown leadership, but we need to see leadership on this and the other issues I have raised.