Results 1,941-1,960 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan
- Written Answers — Educational Projects: Educational Projects (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: The provision of an Early Start pre-school for Traveller children would be contrary to the recommendations set out in the 2006 Traveller Education Strategy. This strategy built on earlier reports, including the 1995 Task Force on the Travelling Community which specifically recommended the end of segregated provision at all levels of the Education system. This includes the pre-school...
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: I can appreciate the annoyance of the members of the committee where explanatory memoranda were not made available. I note that and will ensure that in future all Departments are advised that explanatory memoranda on significant changes must be made available to Members. This is complex legislation. It deals with the European Court of Justice judgment against Ireland on the...
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: Following deliberation and discussion by Members of both Houses, the Minister introduced a number of amendments. Second Stage took longer than 12 hours and on the basis of the necessity to ensure we do not incur heavy fines, we are proposing this legislation is brought forward.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: The revised bank guarantee scheme to implement the new expiry date will be brought before both Houses of the Oireachtas for approval prior to the end of September. It is secondary legislation but will be brought to both Houses for discussion. I am not sure we will have time available next week to discuss the NAMA business plan on the basis that a number of pieces of legislation must go...
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: I reiterate that the provision of a new ward unit at St. Vincent's hospital for the support of those who suffer from cystic fibrosis is absolutely fundamental to this Government. We will proceed with it. I have agreed with the Whip and I understand it was discussed with the Opposition Whips that we would provide time next week for a discussion on this matter.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: The legal costs Bill is being processed by the Minister and his Department. He hopes to try to publish it before the end of the year.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: The health information Bill, as everyone knows, will be published later this year. The vetting Bill is currently being worked on and it is intended to publish it as soon as possible. The timeframe is the end of the year. I remember for many years the ground rent Bill was on a list. I will have to revert directly to the Deputy.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: I will revert to the Deputy.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: I referred to the vetting Bill.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: I referred to the health information Bill.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: Yes. I answered the question a few minutes ago. The Minister indicated that he and the Department were working on the Bill and hope to bring it before the House before the end of the year.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: Sorry, I answered the question.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: I have answered the question. I do not have the contents of the legislation to hand but the Minister is working on it and he has indicated that he will try to introduce it by the end of the year.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: I have no feelings on the matter.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: The judicial council Bill will provide effective remedies for complaints about judicial misbehaviour, including lay participation in the investigation of complaints. The draft heads are currently being prepared and it is hoped that the Bill will be introduced next year.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: We have been debating the fact that spokespersons do not have enough time to discuss legislation. If the Minister of State gave a response to a parliamentary question, the fact that he is not a senior Minister in no way detracts from his ability to respond.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: It does not matter whether he had responsibility.
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: The Minister of State is more than capable of giving a response. I am not aware of whether there has any change from his response. I am aware, however, this is an issue of grave concern. When the Taoiseach spoke about it during Leaders' Questions on Tuesday, he indicated that substantial resources were being made available. However, in trying to work within available resources the HSE and...
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: New legislation will be required to establish a new electoral commission. I believe work on this matter has commenced with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. An expert report commissioned by the Minister at the time recommended an electoral commission. The Minister's intention in this matter - I recall the issue coming before the Government - was noted during...
- Order of Business. (1 Jul 2010)
Mary Coughlan: The delegation of functions has not been completed in all cases, including in my Department. We hope to have them completed before the final Cabinet meeting in the summer.