Results 1-20 of 3,337 for speaker:Michael Collins

Weather-Related Supports for Farmers: Statements (Resumed) (24 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Agriculture is a bit like fisheries in that it has been thrown to the dogs by previous governments and by this Government in particular. I spent several hours canvassing in Macroom mart last Saturday. I met many farmers who are furious about how the Government has acted. They are absolutely livid. When Deputy Tóibín spoke about a Dublin-oriented Government, they were nodding in...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (24 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: For those who died in the Stardust disaster and their families, yesterday's apology was welcome but was 43 years too late. I ask the Taoiseach and his Government to think of the 50 people who died so horrifically on Whiddy Island on 18 January 1979. Forty-five years, three months and 14 days ago, these victims went to work at the offshore jetty off Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay where they...

Support for Carers: Motion [Private Members] (24 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I congratulate the Minister of State in her new role, and I thank the Regional Group for tabling this important motion. Every time we have spoken about the carers of this country I have called for the carer's allowance means test to be abolished. It is time the Minister set this in motion. Carers are doing the work, so pay them. That is the simple answer. Also, the reablement...

Acknowledgement and Apology to the Families and to the Victims of the Stardust Tragedy: Statements (23 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I express my deepest sympathy to the families of the Stardust victims. The pain and loss they have endured is unimaginable. I acknowledge the unwavering determination and dedication displayed by the families in their pursuit of truth and justice. Their resilience in the face of adversity is truly commendable. It is important to recognise that the journey to this point has been long and...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (23 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: 174. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a driving test appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17747/24]

Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024: Second Stage (Resumed) (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: This Bill is a significant step towards enhancing pension coverage in Ireland. However, like any legislation, it has its share of challenges and potential disadvantages. Employers will be required to contribute to the retirement saving system. For some smaller businesses, this additional financial burden may pose a challenge. While automatic enrolment aims to increase participation, some...

Road Safety: Statements (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Every person killed on the roads leaves behind a family, friend and community whose lives are forever changed. Speaking of people being killed, I have been contacted twice during the term of this Government by people looking for help to get a disability certificate for a child named Maia. She is in danger of being choked by the seatbelt in her family's car, which is the very thing that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: They are fighting to create employment but losing jobs and income. Employees are losing their jobs and they are furious wherever I go in the country.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Plenty of them have closed.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Small businesses are going through the most horrendous time, especially in the past few months. Cafés, restaurants, pubs and family hotels are closing at an alarming rate. Hundreds have already closed this year. Businesses the length and breadth of the island are pleading for help in an effective way but to date, the call has gone unheeded by the Government. Last week, the Government...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. The Taoiseach said he fully accepted the sector is struggling. Unfortunately, VAT is the problem here. The Government does not seem to understand that since the VAT rate went up, restaurants and cafés all over the country are shutting down. Door after door is banging shut. The Taoiseach does not grasp the crisis here. On his election as...

Disability Justice: Motion [Private Members] (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Our commitment to parents and compassion extends to everyone, regardless of their abilities. However, the proposed tiered payments based on perceived work capacity have significant flaws. They lack meaningful consultation with the disabled individuals who are the very people most affected by these policies. Without their input, we risk overlooking critical aspects of their needs and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I welcome our guests. Some of my questions have been covered, so I will not go over old ground. I wish to ask about the west Cork track along the Clonakilty line. Am I correct that planning permission has been approved? What is the next move? When can the IHRA cut the tape?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: If the application in Dublin fails, does that mean the application in Cork also fails?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I will certainly give any support I can. The IHRA is pushing at an open door when it comes to a track in west Cork anyway. I would be delighted to help. Why has the granting of a licence taken so long? Does the Minister have the power to grant this licence or is new legislation required?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Why does Mr. Flanagan think the Minister is dragging his feet?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Some 100 years later, we would like another licence. We might need to have a look at how Mr. Cosgrave did it. We can look at the history books. What supports is the IHRA currently receiving?

National Cancer Strategy: Motion [Private Members] (16 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I would like to first of all welcome the Minister of State to his new position and wish him the very best in the future. The aim of the national breast screening programme is to detect cancer early and to provide treatment for women who show no symptoms of the disease. There are only five mobile breast units in the whole of Munster and while we all agree that they are doing marvellous...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Flood Relief Schemes (16 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: 396. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to address several matters (details supplied) regarding the flooding in east Cork in October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16334/24]

Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024: Second Stage (10 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: The future Ireland and infrastructure funds are nice, glamorous ideas but the reality is people and communities need the funding spent on infrastructure right now. I totally agree with Deputy Gould. We talk about infrastructure. Why is a future fund for infrastructure being created when we need funds now for urgent works that need to be done and have needed doing for many years, maybe...