Results 321-340 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Seanad: Hospital-Acquired Infections (30 Apr 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: I would be grateful if the Minister of State were to do that, as it is important. I am concerned, however, that there are not yet national standards for infection prevention and control. Until we have those and hospitals have the resources they need in this regard, it will be very difficult for them to attain the standards they must reach to prevent the spread of infections. Perhaps the...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: This afternoon I wish to make two points about the events of today and of the past month. Deputy Bertie Ahern has taken a marathon lap of honour to which much attention has been paid. I congratulate him on his address to the Joint Houses of the US Congress and on being the fourth Taoiseach to do so and on yesterday's opening of the Battle of the Boyne visitors' centre. As we know, Deputy...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: The equipment would have to be taken out of storage.

Seanad: Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: I would like to mark the passing of Nuala O'Faolain, the broadcaster, journalist and author. Her stark ability to call things as they were was never more visible than in her approach to her recent illness, including an interview on the public airwaves. May she rest in peace. Can the Leader give an update on when he proposes to have a debate on agriculture in the House? We will have...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: We did not learn how these cutbacks are being managed in the HSE. We did not get answers. The Minister came to the House, was very fluent and used many words but did not answer the questions raised regarding the HSE approach and the embargo on front-line staff. What kind of republican values have been espoused by the Government over the past 11 years if front-line staff for children at risk...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (13 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: This is about cut-backs in the wrong places.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (13 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: Is the Leader afraid of debating the economy?

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (13 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh Deasún Mac an Easpaig atá anseo linn inniu. I congratulate Senator Mark Daly on asking Mr. Des Bishop to meet Members of the Oireachtas who are attending Irish classes and trying to improve their fluency. The initiative Mr. Bishop has undertaken has been great and it will be very encouraging to many who would like to improve their fluency. Having spent...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: Last week we spoke about the unavailability of frontline services for children even for those at risk and about the lack of resources available to social workers. I compliment the Leader on inviting the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Barry Andrews, to the House tomorrow to respond to the concerns we raised. We saw another aspect of services for children being...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: What kind of a response is that?

Seanad: Order of Business (20 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is a first.

Seanad: Order of Business (20 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yes.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: On foot of yesterday's Order of Business, it is important we have a debate on public private partnerships at the earliest opportunity because the future of an enormous number of projects in this country is dependent on such partnerships, given the policy adopted by the Government in recent years. I understand Senator Dan Boyle has a particular interest in this area, having written a paper on...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: He supports the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (21 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: Hear, hear.

Seanad: HSE Child Welfare and Protection Services: Statements (21 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome this debate which gives us an important forum with the Minister of State to discuss the issues highlighted in the "Prime Time Investigates" report. Those of us who take an interest in this area are all too familiar with the waiting lists and the difficulties families have in accessing services, even where serious problems exist. What "Prime Time Investigates" told us was not new....

Seanad: HSE Child Welfare and Protection Services: Statements (21 May 2008)

Frances Fitzgerald: I hope he will do so as a new Minister of State in this area. The word on the ground from people working in child psychiatry making referrals to social services is that the teams are under severe pressure. This is not just anecdotal. People on maternity leave are not replaced. Some of this boils down to what the HSE means by "serious and immediate risk". Will the Minister of State tell...