Results 161-180 of 459 for speaker:Phil Prendergast

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Phil Prendergast: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Child Poverty: Motion (11 Feb 2009)

Phil Prendergast: On behalf of the Labour Party, I second this important motion on child poverty. It is shocking and unacceptable that 76,000 children in this State live in poverty and that a further 205,000 live in households where the income is such that they are at risk of poverty. This figure is rising all the time given the present economic circumstances. I commend the work of the End Child Poverty...

Seanad: Child Poverty: Motion (11 Feb 2009)

Phil Prendergast: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Adoption Bill 2009: Second Stage (17 Feb 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I welcome the Minister of State to the House. While I welcome the Bill in its intention, I am worried about its limitations. I am concerned that these limitations could lead to yet further delays in getting the very necessary provisions contained in the Bill passed. In dealing with this matter, I am keen not to be partisan, but the Government does not have a good record on child protection...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Phil Prendergast: Who are they?

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I move amendment No. 4: In page 20, between lines 8 and 9, to insert the following: "(a) the birth of the child has been registered, and either the particulars of the father have been registered or the mother has sworn and furnished to the accredited body a statutory declaration that the father is unknown or missing, and cannot be traced using reasonable inquiries, unless the court permits...

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I will not press the amendment but I am surprised by the Minister of State's response which I listened to outside.

Seanad: (4 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I will not press the amendment but I would like the Minister of State to give further consideration to the text.

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I ask the Leader for a debate on the HIQA standards launched this week regarding the promotion of best practice in residential care settings for older people and to improve the quality of life for residents in these settings. I would like a discussion on how the additional loading on each bed in each setting was arrived at. The HSE transformation programme 2007-10 places an emphasis on...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed). (11 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: Hear, hear.

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I welcome the news that the social partners are to reconvene for discussions on the economy. However, I wish to place on record the fact that the outcome of these discussions will have no moral standing, particularly if they fail to address the completely unfair cuts to public sector pay. The contribution that has been deducted from the salaries of public sector workers, on foot of...

Seanad: Order of Business (25 Mar 2009)

Phil Prendergast: Defibrillators are available on-site in the Houses of the Oireachtas and all personnel should be aware of their location and how they are used. These machines are so easy to use and they help save lives. I welcome the initiative in respect of transition year students but I would like it to be extended to Members and staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Members should all be conversant in...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Apr 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I am disappointed by the moratorium on recruitment in the Health Service Executive which was announced last week. It was decided without any consultation with the HSE or any of the unions and represents a fundamental breach of faith in terms of industrial relations and governance. A directive from the Department of Finance to the Department of Health and Children stated that, for the next...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Apr 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I am getting to the point. A commitment was made to allocate money, but that was not spent. The Mental Health Commission found no misconduct among the staff of St. Luke's and St. Michael's hospitals. The Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, stated that the deficiencies in mental health services in south Tipperary will be addressed "without delay". Professor Brendan Drumm stated that a...

Seanad: Bowel Cancer Awareness: Statements (7 Apr 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Máire Hoctor, to the Chamber and I thank the other speakers for their contributions. It is apparent that the homework has been done because invariably we all have the same statistics from which to quote. As Senator Feeney stated, it is no harm to repeat a message because it is by repetition and by highlighting...

Seanad: Bowel Cancer Awareness: Statements (7 Apr 2009)

Phil Prendergast: We are great at keeping an eye on our cars and phones. We are quick to upgrade and update them, have them checked out and put on new wheels. However, we are not as great when it comes to ourselves. Senator Feeney spoke at length about the embarrassment in respect of bowel cancer. Perhaps it is because I have been so surrounded by issues in respect of the body that I have no embarrassment...

Seanad: Elder Abuse: Statements (8 Apr 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I extend a warm welcome to the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor. Elder abuse is an issue that gets far too little public support and attention. The only time we hear about elder abuse is in horrific media reports about robberies, rape and murder. Such events hit the headlines for a few days and then become the chip wrapper tomorrow. These are primarily policing issues although health and...

Seanad: Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2009: Second Stage (29 Apr 2009)

Phil Prendergast: I welcome the Minister and thank her for her attendance. The Government has a track record of not understanding the theory of unintended consequences, and that is being charitable. Each time the Government introduces a budget, there are implications it fails to consider. This has disastrous results for the Government's accounting and, more importantly, for the people who are affected. In...