Results 1,941-1,960 of 1,997 for speaker:Frances Black

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Black: I call for a debate, if that is what the Chair is proposing.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Black: I just want to highlight the issues that the Travellers have come up against.

Seanad: Order of Business (15 Nov 2016)

Frances Black: I call for a debate on the issue but I would also like to say I believe it is time that we started to recognise the circumstances of Travellers. It is an absolute disgrace that they are treated with such little dignity and respect as human beings in this country. Traveller ethnicity has already been recognised in the North and the rest of the United Kingdom. I do not know why it is not...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2016)

Frances Black: Yesterday, in the AV room, I viewed an informative and disturbing film by Risteárd Ó Domhnaill called "The Atlantic". The film is a reminder of the mismanagement of Irish natural resources. It highlights the devastation of our coastal communities by the fishing quotas imposed by Brussels and the exploitation of our waters by super trawlers, which are permitted to operate without...

Seanad: Heritage Bill 2016: Committee Stage (9 Nov 2016)

Frances Black: I have been fortunate in the work I do to travel the length and breadth of this wonderful country of ours. It brings me such joy to see all the wonderful, beautiful wildlife we have in Ireland. Unfortunately, what is being proposed in the key provisions of this Bill would add one more month to the period during which hedgerows can be cut and destroyed. The latter will allow hedge cutting...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (9 Nov 2016)

Frances Black: I thank the witnesses for coming to this meeting and making such a powerful presentation. I thank the groups present for the great work they are doing and apologise for the lack of support they are receiving. I am ashamed that Travellers do not receive more support. I am very aware of the great work Mr. McCann does. I have no doubt the witnesses are extremely frustrated by the failure to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Maghaberry Prison: Discussion (3 Nov 2016)

Frances Black: I will brief. I thank the witnesses for coming here today and for giving us an insight into what is happening. I thank my colleague, Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, also for bringing this issue to the fore. I am shocked and saddened by what I have heard today. I can only imagine the witnesses' frustration. All of them have been doing Trojan work for the past few years, and I thank them for...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (26 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I am confused on the amendments. Are we on amendments Nos. 4, 7 to 9, inclusive, and 12?

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (26 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: Are we finished on them?

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (26 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I thank the Minister of State for outlining the Government amendments. The Minister of State is doing a great job and I appreciate the great work she is doing on the Bill. She can be assured of my support for all her amendments. However, I will speak on amendments Nos. 4, 7 to 9, inclusive, 12 and 38 to 40, inclusive. I thank Senators Rose Conway-Walsh, Máire Devine, Paul Gavan,...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (26 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I thank the Minister of State for her replies and I welcome the commitment she gave today to the amendments that we tabled. I will not be pressing for a vote because I want to allow time for a further debate on Committee Stage.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I want to raise an issue I am extremely passionate about. I encourage the Members present to engage with the facts in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, Committee Stage of which will be taken in this House tomorrow. My entry point to this issue is the impact of alcohol-related harm, which I witness every day through my work with the RISE Foundation. I really believe that, as a nation, we...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I want to make it clear that I am looking forward to the debate tomorrow. I hope to have time to debate each amendment, and I ask the Leader to encourage fellow Senators to stand together and support the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill-----

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: -----but I want to make an important point about the drinks industry. The lobbying that has been going on, which needs to be raised here today, has been over the top.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I have seen it myself, and it is not right. I am a new Member of the Seanad and I cannot believe the power it has. I needed to make that point.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Implications for Good Friday Agreement of UK EU Referendum Result: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: My colleague, Mr. Francie Molloy, MP talked about the Good Friday Agreement, which is the reason we are all here. It is one of the most important issues and it is very important that we implement the Good Friday Agreement. The reality is that if Brexit damages that in any way, we are in serious trouble. I am concerned that we are in a crisis. Given that we have to implement the Good...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Implications for Good Friday Agreement of UK EU Referendum Result: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: And an Irish Minister.

Seanad: Fire Safety in Traveller Accommodation: Statements (19 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I really will keep it brief. I thank the Minister for coming in today. I had a speech ready but my colleague, Deputy Kelleher, just said it all. What she said in her speech is fantastic. I welcome the citizens of the Traveller community who are here today and I convey my condolences to the families of Carrickmines. When I heard my colleague's speech, it reminded me of being born and...

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Second Stage (19 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I wish to share time with Senator Lynn Ruane.

Seanad: Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill 2016: Second Stage (19 Oct 2016)

Frances Black: I welcome the citizens from the deaf community and from Bishopstown Community School. I commend Senator Mark Daly on the fantastic work he has done in the Committee on Justice and Equality on the issue of the Irish Sign Language Bill and in bringing the legislation forward. I was not aware of this so I appreciate the education I got on this issue in the committee. I was initially appalled...