Results 101-120 of 1,158 for speaker:Fiona O'Malley

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (2 Mar 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: I reassure Deputy Broughan that the person who has been most vocal in seeking regulation of the estate agency profession, with the possible exception of Senator Ross, is the Minister, Deputy McDowell. I look forward to reminding Deputy Broughan of his words before the end of this Dáil. I have no doubt the Minister is keen to have this issue addressed.

Building Control Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed). (2 Mar 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: I welcome the Bill, which provides for measures regarding disability access and fire safety, although it is tardy when one considers we are implementing legislation 25 years after the Stardust disaster, which is not a matter of which we can be proud. The Bill also deals with the regulation of professions. However, a most important element of the Bill is that it transposes into Irish law the...

Lourdes Hospital Inquiry: Statements (Resumed). (8 Mar 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: It is poignant that the House is discussing the Lourdes Hospital inquiry on International Women's Day, given that so many women, the victims and focus of this inquiry, were deprived of the essence of what it is to be a woman. As the Tánaiste noted, anyone who reads the Lourdes hospital inquiry report will be deeply moved. Patient Focus deserves much credit and we could all learn lessons from...

Whistleblowers Protection Bill 1999: Motion (Resumed). (8 Mar 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: I want to focus on one particular element and how the protection measures should apply to the health sector. I agree with the Opposition on two points. One is that the debate is timely, particularly in the light of the disturbing revelations on some of the practices at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, which have been addressed in the House. I also agree that protection measures should be put in...

Tax Code. (30 Mar 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this matter. I am aware the Finance Bill was passed yesterday. Considering what measures can be taken for the next budget is good planning. The Chancellor of the Exchequer in Britain reduced the rate of VAT on condoms to 5%. Given the incidence and growth of sexually transmitted infections we must consider preventative measures. Condoms prevent...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: One could be forgiven for not realising that we are discussing an energy Bill given the last speaker's tour through County Mayo, the west and every other issue. I admire the Deputy's energy and his ability to look after his constituents and to secure coverage on the radio.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: This is a welcome Bill. Energy has shot to the top of the political agenda as a result of the crisis that arose over security of supply, particularly the conduct of Russia and Ukraine and the closure of the pipeline. The Minister's reference to the Government's evolving energy policy was a nice choice of phrasing. It is evolving and that is welcome. The provisions in the budget last year were...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: Those who supported him were the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil, because we have the vision and responsibility to see where the future lies in this area. It is sad that his colleagues who seek to form a Government are not coherent on this issue. I listened to what Deputy Coveney had to say and wonder whether he would have thought differently if he were the energy spokesperson and a...

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: I find it extraordinary that some Deputies do not want to work with their colleagues.

Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (6 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: The farmers were all gripped by the opportunity. We are living on the brink of a new era in terms of energy. The challenge for Ireland is to harness that energy and lead the way. Given the provisions of this Bill, the work of the committee on energy policy and the Green Paper, I believe the future is bright. We need to ensure we include all the necessary provisions and that we cut the red...

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: I will begin by paying tribute to the Tánaiste. I have a vested interest in doing so because she is my party leader, but 15 months ago she took on what is generally described as the most difficult political job.

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: I doubt that very much. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the task remain undiminished. It is a tribute to the person she is that she relishes a challenge. She has the courage and the vision and most importantly she is honest in recognising that she does not have the magic wand to provide the solution. She also acknowledges that neither does any other party in the House. She has the vision——

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: ——and the courage, and those are what are required to bring about reform. We will bore each other recounting the changes that have taken place since 1997 in terms of resourcing, which has increased from €3 billion to €12 billion and will probably be higher next year. The question of resources is a myth at this stage — there is no question mark about resources. I listened to Deputy...

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: We do not need to build a bigger system but we need to reform the present system.

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: It is not politicians, the Government, the Minister or the Department alone that can do this, it must be done in co-operation with the people who work in the sector. It is regrettable that time after time when the Government has tried to introduce initiatives which the IMO wanted, the Opposition has put obstacles in the way. For instance, with the GP visit card, which was initially welcomed...

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: On the GP-only card.

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: This demonstrates what is one of the blockages in our health service.

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: We must all work together to deliver a service.

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: The IMO and the GPs in particular showed there was some issue in play other than patient care in their stand on that matter and that is regrettable. Thankfully the agreement is now in place. Some of us who are members of the Joint Committee on Health and Children attended the GP-IMO conference in Croke Park recently. A delegate castigated the Government for having introduced a system whereby...

Accident and Emergency Services: Motion (Resumed). (26 Apr 2006)

Fiona O'Malley: ——west Dublin where there is no incentive for GPs to provide these services. I have been diverted from my point. I wish to underline the necessity and the importance of putting the patient back at the centre of care and at the centre of the service. I refer to the nine to five service operating in many hospitals. Medical care cannot be delivered on a nine to five basis and both Professor...