Results 361-380 of 1,810 for speaker:Frances Black

Seanad: Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023: Motion to Discharge Order for Second Stage (26 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I move: That the Order for Second Stage for the Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 be discharged and that the Bill be withdrawn.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by GAA President, Mr. Larry McCarthy (26 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: Cuirim céad míle fáilte roimh an uachtarán. I am delighted to welcome him and his family to the Seanad on behalf of the Civil Engagement Group. It is so wonderful that we in the Seanad can engage with such an important cultural and athletic institution. It is important that this Oireachtas reflects the people it represents. I am glad we can play a role in reflecting...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Challenges in Hospitals: Minister for Health (26 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I welcome all the witnesses. I apologise for arriving a little late. I hope that some of my questions might already have been covered. I will highlight one issue. Some weeks ago, this committee heard harrowing stories about the abuse and violence faced by hospital staff, especially nurses. This issue seems to be exasperated by overcrowding. Will the Minister say what is being done to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Challenges in Hospitals: Minister for Health (26 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: That sounds really good. It is important to track whether it is especially bad in certain areas, where that is and what is happening. It is great the HSE will be tracking it and that security has been increased. Out-of-hours GP services are an important way for people to receive urgent care without having to go to emergency departments. They relieve the pressure on the hospital system....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Challenges in Hospitals: Minister for Health (26 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I thank the Minister.

Seanad: Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces: Statements (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I welcome the Minister to the House. It is my first time seeing him here in the Chamber. I am very glad that time has been set aside for statements on this very damning and devastating report. I have to say it is one of the most harrowing documents that I have read in my time as a public representative. I want to congratulate its authors on their diligent work which must have been...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism: Autism Policy (Resumed): Discussion. (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I am here to represent my colleague, Senator Flynn, who could not be here today. I thank the witnesses for their precise presentations. I am the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Mental Health and am very aware that people from migrant and ethnic minority communities and women often have very different experiences of treatment and support due to their identify. Could Ms Dada give us any...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism: Autism Policy (Resumed): Discussion. (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: Does Ms Dada have any recommendations on how we can address the inequalities in access to autism diagnoses and support for people who, historically, have been underserved by these services?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism: Autism Policy (Resumed): Discussion. (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I thank Ms Dada.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism: Autism Policy (Resumed): Discussion. (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: It is shocking to think there is no public pathway to diagnosis. It is very shocking, to be honest. I am sorry to say I was not aware of it. I would have presumed there was a public pathway for people to get diagnosed. I want to come back to Nem very briefly on the recommendations. I stepped out for a while and perhaps Nem touched on the recommendations on how we can address the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism: Autism Policy (Resumed): Discussion. (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I chair the Joint Sub-Committee on Mental Health. We have had witnesses in who have repeatedly highlighted the need for better training for teachers, doctors and other professionals. At one point, I met with a gorgeous young man who had been diagnosed with autism. This was a private meeting; he met with me personally. He spoke about how, when he became stressed or anxious, he would get...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism: Autism Policy (Resumed): Discussion. (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I thank Ms Doyle.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism: Autism Policy (Resumed): Discussion. (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: My question will be quick. I have been listening to the witnesses and I ask them to talk me through how somebody with autism can be diagnosed. What is the procedure? I would love to know what it is.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism: Autism Policy (Resumed): Discussion. (25 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: Does the practice get people who may not be autistic?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Pensions and Social Security: Discussion (20 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I thank both of our witnesses for coming in for this fantastic presentation today. There is no doubt that the witnesses' expertise and experience is so valuable. I may be a little bit cheeky in taking the credit for suggesting Dr. Fitzpatrick and Dr. Boland as witnesses. Having a respectful and productive debate around potential constitutional change requires high-quality information and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Pensions and Social Security: Discussion (20 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: Does Dr. Boland wish to comment?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Pensions and Social Security: Discussion (20 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: Could both witnesses say a little about how people navigate the social welfare systems? How accessible are they? How much support exists? Is there legal aid for appeals?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Pensions and Social Security: Discussion (20 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I am a little disappointed that my time was cut, seeing that some of the other parties got 20 minutes or more at the beginning. I would like to contribute again if there is more time for questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Pensions and Social Security: Discussion (20 Apr 2023)

Frances Black: I appreciate that. Dr. Fitzpatrick uses her platform as an academic to highlight the immense deprivation communities in the North face. How does she think the collapse of Stormont has impacted that situation? I thank an Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for allowing me ask that final question.