Results 1,901-1,920 of 2,118 for speaker:Michael Mullins

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2011: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (15 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: Actually the first name on the list of those opposing the section is Senator David Cullinane. Therefore, I call him.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: Withdraw that.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: Withdraw that. It is a disgraceful remark.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: Will the Leader arrange a briefing from the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, and the Financial Regulator early in the new year on the manner in which Irish banks do business? The matter has two elements. First, banks are failing to lend to small businesses and, in many cases, are not honouring existing overdraft arrangements. As a result of these policies, many small businesses and...

Seanad: Order of Business (14 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: I agree with Senator Colm Burke's suggestion that we should support Irish businesses and products in the run-up to Christmas. Everyone is aware that the retail sector is experiencing a difficult period and that many businesses are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. The Christmas period is going to be crucial for such businesses. It goes without saying that the banks are not assisting...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: In view of the tragic loss of life on the country's roads over the weekend, I appeal to all road users to exercise great care in the changing weather patterns witnessed in recent days. In the run up to Christmas we can expect an increase in traffic volumes on the roads. It is a time where we must exercise care. I appeal to all motorists to check the safety features on their vehicles,...

Seanad: Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Bill 2010: Second Stage (8 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: We would all be much happier if it was not necessary to discuss this legislation. I welcome the Minister and to compliment him on bringing forward very sensible legislation. The Bill defines the terms, "curtilage" and "dwelling". As the Minister said, people have to be free to regard their home as a place of safety and security, where they can rear their family in peace, where they can...

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: A couple of weeks ago I welcomed the fact that an independent inquiry was being set up to investigate the RTE programme "Prime Time Investigates: Mission to Prey". It was my expectation that this would cover all aspects of the programme. However, I was dismayed to read in The Irish Times yesterday that only the segment relating to the defamation of Fr. Kevin Reynolds would be investigated....

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: A Chathaoirligh, this is in the public domain and in all the news.

Seanad: Order of Business (8 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: On behalf of the family, I am calling on the Minister to ensure the segment dealing with the deceased Christian Brother be included in the inquiry. The family are firmly of the belief that the solitary allegation made against him was untrue, and in that three-minute segment his good reputation, built up over 60 years, was severely damaged. They believe he has been defamed, and I have no...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: The Senator's memory is holding up well.

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: I join Senators in welcoming the changes to the disability element of the budget. The measures in the budget prove to all of us that we are in difficult times and the country is in a crisis. Yesterday, all the commentators and the Minister noted that without job creation we will not be able to emerge from the crisis. The Leader has brought about some innovative developments in the House in...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: We should then collate their ideas, invite the relevant Ministers before the House, present a set of proposals for their consideration and ask them to respond within a short timeframe. This would be a positive development and I ask the Leader to give it serious consideration. I hate to see much of the talent in this House wasted on negative bashing of each other. If we were to pool our...

Seanad: Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) (Amendment) Scheme 2011: Motion (1 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: Senator Thomas Byrne is obviously not sleeping well.

Seanad: Order of Business (1 Dec 2011)

Michael Mullins: I join other speakers who called on the Leader to arrange for the appearance in the House of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to discuss the temporary agency workers directive. In so doing, I call on the Minister and the social partners to return to the table over the weekend as a matter of urgency to try to agree on some level of flexibility in...

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (30 Nov 2011)

Michael Mullins: With the agreement of the House, I will share my time with Senator Paul Bradford.

Seanad: National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage (30 Nov 2011)

Michael Mullins: I join other speakers in welcoming the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, who is a man of action. There is no better man to get the tourism business moving. It is significant to see the Government is preparing for further investment in the tourism product. We all welcome the significant increase in the numbers visiting the country this year, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels....

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Nov 2011)

Michael Mullins: I support my colleagues who have spoken on the issue of suicide. This matter would be an ideal topic for a public consultation session, similar to what is happening with representatives of older people. It would be an opportunity to bring in the groups and representatives who work with people dealing with the trauma of suicide. It would be a worthwhile exercise and would do great service...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2011)

Michael Mullins: I wish to ensure that when we make bad decisions, we do not repeat them. I speak in the light of the recent scrapping of the decentralisation plan of the previous Government. I ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, to come into the House to give details of the cost to the State of that foolhardy and over-ambitious plan. How much land does the State own?...

Seanad: Order of Business (29 Nov 2011)

Michael Mullins: I know that, a Chathaoirligh. We need to analyse the overall cost to the State of the plan in order that no future Government of any hue will expose taxpayers to such an over-ambitious, foolhardy and costly exercise. It was a huge waste of money and someone needs to be held to account for what happened. It was a deliberate plan to buy an election. Taxpayers are paying a very high price...