Results 101-120 of 375 for speaker:Margaret Cox

Seanad: Order of Business. (22 Feb 2006)

Margaret Cox: I support Senator MacSharry's call for discussions on competitiveness in the north west and ask that such a debate be extended to the entire western region. The current manufacturing situation throughout the country is affecting our exports and is a reflection of the difficulties which Irish manufacturing companies face when operating in a global economy. I ask the Deputy Leader to arrange a...

Seanad: Order of Business. (8 Feb 2006)

Margaret Cox: There is probably no point in tabling an amendment to the Order of Business this morning, but I appeal to the Leader, if possible, to arrange an immediate debate on the decision of the Dublin Airport Authority to appoint advisers to deal with the sale of the Great Southern Hotels. It is perfectly legitimate for the authority to appoint an advisory group but to set the finality of the decision...

Seanad: Child Care Investment Programme: Motion. (1 Feb 2006)

Margaret Cox: I am pleased to contribute to this debate. It is good that the issue of child care, which we have debated on many occasions in the past, is being debated again in the Seanad. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. The first aspect I welcome is having one person in charge of child care and children, and the upgrading of the position to Minister for children. This will address some of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jan 2006)

Margaret Cox: I support Senators Ryan and Finucane regarding the need for discussion on random breath testing. It is very important that we test not only for alcohol but also for drugs. The accidents that are happening late at night on the roads, involving young people in particular, have got to be influenced by drug taking. I request a debate with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jan 2006)

Margaret Cox: However, many people do. The Ryder Cup is the greatest single sporting event in the world and will attract the greatest number of viewers. Irish people are entitled to watch coverage of the event free-to-air on RTE and should not be forced by a multinational conglomerate to watch it on Sky Sports or in pubs if it is not available free-to-air at home.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 Jan 2006)

Margaret Cox: The Minister has the responsibility and authority to prevent this and I hope he will listen to what we have to say in the House, make the appropriate response and ensure that we, as Irish citizens, can watch the event which is taking place in our own country.

Seanad: Employment Issues: Motion. (25 Jan 2006)

Margaret Cox: I am delighted to see the Minister of State here and welcome the opportunity to speak on the amendment to this motion. It is important to speak and put forward the view which reflects the feelings of many small and medium-sized enterprises throughout the country. As the Government knows, indigenous industry is the lifeblood of our economy. The entrepreneurial spirit throughout the country has...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (16 Dec 2005)

Margaret Cox: I received the Cathaoirleach's note telling me why amendments Nos. 4 and 5 are out of order on the grounds that they will involve potential charges on the Revenue and I accept that. The Minister will remember that we discussed this on Second Stage. This is a live issue for many women who are or who are about to go on maternity leave. Given that the substantial and welcome increase in the...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (16 Dec 2005)

Margaret Cox: I am pleased the Minister addressed the issue I raised yesterday on the second payment to widows, in particular, or widowers, who are moving into the caring profession. I accept his suggestion that it is a good idea to make the carer's allowance the larger payment so that people will be encouraged to become carers. It is always difficult to try to change the status quo. In order to achieve...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (16 Dec 2005)

Margaret Cox: Will Fine Gael introduce a tax on child benefit?

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2005: Committee and Remaining Stages. (16 Dec 2005)

Margaret Cox: To follow up on Senator Terry's remarks, I thank the Minister and his officials for their work on this Bill. As I said yesterday and as the Minister would have said, a social welfare package of an additional €1.5 billion on top of last year's package of €12 billion is a great deal of money. It will make a real difference to every person and family in this country. This is the one...

Seanad: Social Welfare Bill 2005: Second Stage. (15 Dec 2005)

Margaret Cox: I welcome the Minister and am delighted to speak on the Social Welfare Bill. I draw the Minister's mind back to 15 December 2004 when we discussed social welfare here and I suggested that if a person is caring for three of four children in his or her home perhaps a disregard could be introduced. I welcome that provision in the budget. We also discussed social welfare in March this year. I...

Seanad: University College Galway (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Dec 2005)

Margaret Cox: I am pleased the Minister is in the House and that I have an opportunity to speak briefly on the University College Galway (Amendment) Bill 2005. As someone who comes from Galway and graduated from the college with a diploma in systems analysis, it gives me great pleasure to be here to share some of the ideas and recognition I feel the university is due. I also welcome the Bill. University...

Seanad: University College Galway (Amendment) Bill 2005: Second Stage. (14 Dec 2005)

Margaret Cox: Subtitles.

Seanad: Employment Rights: Statements. (24 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I declare an interest, since I am the owner-manager of a recruitment agency operating in Galway. That was also detailed in my declaration laid before this House. I welcome the Minister of State and thank both him and the Leader for arranging this debate, which comes at a time when recruitment agency legislation is under review. I intend to speak specifically to that today and leave my...

Seanad: Housing Policy: Statements. (23 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I would like to share time with Senators Henry and Ross. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, to the House and this opportunity to speak on housing, an issue that we all know is among the economic challenges that continue to face us. The reason relates in part to those not able to afford a home of their own and who are reliant on local authority or social housing. There are...

Seanad: Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages. (16 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: On behalf of this side of the House I thank the Minister and his officials for all their work on this legislation. I also acknowledge the fine contributions made during all the debates on this issue, much of which the Minister has taken on board. While he always seems to listen to what is said in this House he does not always do everything we ask. At least he listens and makes some amendments...

Seanad: Social Welfare Consolidation Bill 2005: Report and Final Stages. (16 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I certainly am not. It is an all-invasive Department in terms of the lives of everybody in the country. A consolidation Bill such as the one before the House makes life much easier for all involved, whether as an employer to ensure one is providing the correct rights and entitlements under maternity protection, adoption leave, carer's benefit and so on or in any other capacity. It is a fine...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: Will the Leader arrange a debate on the issue raised yesterday by Senator MacSharry in regard to recruitment agencies? The Employment Agency Act 1971 is under review by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, under the direction of the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen. It is important to clarify that recruitment agencies in the main do not discriminate against any workers and are...

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Margaret Cox: I am happy to declare my interest if that is appropriate.