Results 321-340 of 1,338 for speaker:Kathleen O'Meara

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: Why not?

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I support Senator Terry's amendment No. 41. I remind Senator Kett that the ideal conditions to which we all aspire are not being achieved under the current regime, which is quite strict. I could give many examples of buildings which are inaccessible to people with disabilities because they are not in compliance with the relevant regulations. The provisions of amendment No. 41 would be a...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I support Senator Terry's remarks. While I welcome the Government's aspiration to bring building control legislation before the Oireachtas in the autumn, it should be borne in mind that there is a substantial legislative backlog at present. Some 12 Bills have been passed by the Seanad but have not yet been passed by the Dáil. This House completed its consideration of the Parental Leave...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: As this was a considerable amendment, I want to record our disappointment that it was disallowed.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I move amendment No. 43: In page 29, to delete lines 40 to 43 and in page 30, to delete lines 1 to 5 and substitute the following new subsection: "31. (1) Each Minister of the Government,". This amendment seeks to achieve something very straightforward, namely, that all Ministers would be required to prepare sectoral plans.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I still do not understand why it would not be possible for every Department to publish a sectoral plan. A number of Departments will draft larger plans than others and the six Departments mentioned will be at the front line. The Leader stated one cannot legislate for attitudes but that is not the case. Legislation and action can change attitudes. For example, newer public transport modes such...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: There is still a long road to travel and slippage will occur. A great start might be made with a major burst of energy, for example, as a result of a major debate on legislation such as this, but if its implementation is not monitored, slippage could easily occur. Recently, the number of people with disabilities employed in the public service was published and Senator Terry has tabled an...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: Concerning something said by the Leader, I would have thought that all buildings in receipt of public money would have an automatic——

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I was not present for it.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I speak particularly about buildings in receipt of lottery money. When being built, I would have thought that theatres, for example, would have been in receipt of or have applied for lottery funds. Concerning the general point about sectoral and general plans and how they are referred to in this section in terms of measures being put forward to ensure Departments are disability-friendly, I...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: Why does the Government not use the language in the Bill?

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I think it is clear. The Minister of State would know that it means actions taken by Departments are disability proofed. In other words, are the actions of a Department such that it allows——

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I can imagine.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: It is 2008.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I move amendment No. 29: In page 17, subsection (1), between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following new paragraph: "(b) the contents of the assessment;". I speak on behalf of the Labour Party. Senator Tuffy has done and continues to do sterling work on the Bill. For the information of the Minister of State and the House, Senator McCarthy and I will manage the business on our side today. The...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I am disappointed with the Minister of State's response. I had hoped, in light of what his Government colleagues had said, that he would see that the amendment is necessary and would strengthen the legislation. The Minister of State is describing an ideal world where a person applies to an independent assessment officer, the assessment is done and everything is perfect. I genuinely hope that...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I thank the Minister for his response on where this point is covered in the legislation. I am examining section 8 and I believe there is a qualitative difference between the right to make an appeal and making a new application. We may be dancing on the head of a pin in respect of this matter so I will take time to consider his response. It is likely this amendment will be resubmitted on...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I very much welcome the amendments and commend the Minister of State on tabling them.

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: I move amendment No. 35: In page 19, subsection (1)(a), lines 20 and 21, to delete "appointed by the Minister" and substitute "an officer of the Ombudsman appointed by the Ombudsman and accountable to him or her". I listened with interest to the Minister of State's response to Senator Terry concerning the independence of the complaints officer. His comments are relevant in the context of this...

Seanad: Disability Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Jun 2005)

Kathleen O'Meara: No problem.