Results 161-180 of 873 for speaker:Averil Power

Seanad: Euroscience Open Forum 2012: Statements (14 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I welcome the Minister of State to the House and join with him in welcoming the ESOF that will take place in Dublin this July. As he pointed out, it gives us an opportunity to showcase the best of Irish science and all the exciting developments in it to the international science community. With 5,000 delegates in the Convention Centre, Dublin, it is also a great opportunity to showcase it...

Seanad: Euroscience Open Forum 2012: Statements (14 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: Another issue that was looked at previously which needs greater priority is getting more women into science. It is positive that the Euroscience forum specifically has a workshop on that. Unfortunately, women are still highly under-represented, even from the third level stage.

Seanad: Euroscience Open Forum 2012: Statements (14 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: In science and technology, often the role models are seen as men in white coats, a comic guy from "The Simpsons" or the characters from "Futurama". It still has a masculine image and I ask the Minister of State to look at that.

Seanad: Referendum on the Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution: Statements (14 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: The Senator is being very generous to the Taoiseach.

Seanad: Referendum on the Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution: Statements (14 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I welcome the opportunity to comment on the recent referendum result and join Senator Michael Mullins in welcoming the "Yes" vote. While it is one small part of the solution to Ireland and Europe's economic problems, it is an important part. Personally, I was very relieved that people decided to vote "Yes" in the referendum. We discussed many of the arguments before the vote in terms of...

Seanad: Referendum on the Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution: Statements (14 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I know the Taoiseach is not keen on doing it. It is important for people at home to have reassurance that the Government is on top of its game and is happy to answer all questions. It makes it easier for people to go about their own business and be reassured that people know what they are doing. I welcome the "Yes" vote but other steps must be taken.

Seanad: Water and Sewerage Schemes (14 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, to the House. I record my annoyance that this question is being answered by the Minister of State on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government rather than on behalf of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform because the impetus for the question arises from a specific commitment given by the Minister,...

Seanad: Water and Sewerage Schemes (14 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I thank the Minister of State. He said the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, stated the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, agreed to investigate the matter with the former Department, and that the latter Department subsequently raised the issue with the former. It does not outline the nature of the response, evaluation or...

Seanad: Criminal Justice (Search Warrants) Bill 2012: Second Stage (19 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I welcome the Minister to the House to discuss this Bill. Given the nature and public importance of the cases involved, I assure him that Fianna Fáil will co-operate in bringing it through the House before the summer recess. We fully understand the importance of providing certainty in this area. It is important that gardaí are given the powers they require to counter terrorism and...

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I wish to share time with Senator Ned O'Sullivan.

Seanad: Seanad Reform: Motion (20 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I join colleagues in supporting the call for the constitutional convention to be given the opportunity to discuss real political reform. I do not see how it can in any meaningful sense discuss electoral reform for the other House without looking at how it fits into the overall picture from local government to national Parliament to this House. All three need to be examined together if there...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (20 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I supports the call of Senator Ó Domhnaill for a code of practice with regard to pets. The Minister is aware of codes in other countries, such as New Zealand, which has a clear code of conduct for looking after dogs. Unfortunately, when people take home puppies or receive them as gifts, they are not aware of the care a dog needs and the cost and responsibility that comes with owning a pet....

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (20 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I welcome the powers granted to the Minister to set these regulations and agree that effective interventions should not have to wait on the outcome of court cases. However, while I welcome the improvements in animal welfare provided for in the Bill I am disappointed that the Government decided against banning live hare coursing. As the Minister is aware, the practice has been banned in most...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed) (20 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: If the official accompanying the Minister knows the answer I will be very impressed.

Seanad: Draft Building Regulations (26 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: Priory Hall residents never had a desire to become experts on building regulations, but, having been to hell and back in the last few years and studied and traced how these fire traps - their apartments - were allowed to be built in the first place, they have gained huge expertise. Apart from wanting to see their current problems solved, they are determined to do what they can to highlight...

Seanad: Draft Building Regulations (26 Jun 2012)

Averil Power: I will reserve judgment until we see the final draft. I appreciate the Minister's statement that he has taken on board the issues raised by the former resident of Priory Hall and the fact that he, the Minister, appreciates how well informed and well balanced the resident's contribution is.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Jul 2012)

Averil Power: I want to raise two issues. The first is a proposal that the Order of Business be amended to take No. 23, motion 8 on the Order Paper, which states: "That the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2012 (Section 12) (Commencement) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 206 of 2012) be and are hereby annulled." Members on all sides of the House have had correspondence over recent weeks from the free legal advice...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Jul 2012)

Averil Power: We should have a debate on this issue in this House. We should show our commitment to supporting equality for all and not put it off. Let us be clear, particularly to the Labour Members of this House-----

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Jul 2012)

Averil Power: ----- that all that will happen as a result of referring this issue to the constitutional convention is that we will ensure there is no referendum in the lifetime of the Government, and that is wrong. Members should ensure parties show real leadership on this issue.

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Jul 2012)

Averil Power: Yes.