Results 261-280 of 10,683 for speaker:Ivana Bacik

Seanad: Criminal Assets Bureau Annual Report 2007: Statements (12 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I am grateful to the Minister for giving us such a full and considered response, and I agree with his comments on the 2006 and 2007 legislation, which I also referred to earlier. He is correct in saying this legislation gave extensive powers to the gardaí, some of which could well be described as draconian in nature, and those powers are enough to ensure trials are likely to proceed more...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I support and will, if necessary, second the amendment proposed to the Order of Business by Senator Fitzgerald on the need for a debate on the Government U-turn on the cervical cancer vaccination programme. The impressive and inspiring Nobel prize-winning scientist who spoke on "Morning Ireland" today concluded that the vaccination programme would save lives. This makes clear what the...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I accept that and I want to ask the Deputy Leader whether he will support the protest in opposition to the postponement of the roll-out of the vaccination programme. Will the Deputy Leader clarify something the Leader said in the House on Tuesday in response to my question about the Climate Protection Bill which, as Members know, is before the House? Its resumed debate is extremely topical,...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: What else can it be called?

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: On a point of information, if the Minister makes an announcement in August and backs down three months later, is that not a U-turn?

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: Does the Senator accept it is a U-turn?

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: Can we be given a time?

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: It is a different idea of spring from the one I had in mind, which starts in January.

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I echo the calls made for a debate on the economy and the position of the banks. We should have this debate rather than the debate proposed for Private Members' time on Wednesday on tourism. Important though that subject is, the economy should be a more pressing issue of concern for us at present. I note Senator O'Toole's point that there may be a cycle of fear whereby people are afraid to...

Seanad: Order of Business (18 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: In the context of the court's decision, which is about female genital mutilation and the fear of that on return to a country of origin, I call for a debate, as a matter of urgency, on our attitude to female genital mutilation, the need for legislation to prohibit the practice in Ireland and to extend jurisdiction to where it is practised elsewhere and where there is a connection to this country.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I agree with some of my colleagues who have expressed delight at the successful outcome of certain research, as reported today in The Lancet. I welcome the news that a woman in Spain is making a good recovery following the procedure that was carried out. I disagree with those who have suggested that this development should preclude or prevent the development of other sorts of research into...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I am rather uncomfortable about the apparent obsession with women's reproductive capacity that is displayed by some Members of this House. I note that Senators on the other side have expressed their support for Senator Mullen's legislation. While I do not imagine I will support it, I look forward to seeing Members on the Government side crossing the floor — one needs to put one's money...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: We need a debate on the impact the budget cuts will have on people with disabilities.

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: The centre for deaf studies will be unable to offer training in Irish sign language and English interpretation. Even in the narrow context of the courtroom, it is very important that training for interpreters is provided so that people with hearing disabilities can participate in legal processes.

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: Given that this is the definition section, it is a missed opportunity not to include within it a new statutory definition of homelessness. I made this point on Second Stage. The definition of homelessness currently does not include those who are in short-term rental accommodation. A broader definition modelled on the European-wide definition to include persons who experience inadequate or...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I move amendment No. 3: In page 9, line 11, to delete "may" and substitute "shall". This amendment is intended to replace the word "may" in the section with the word "shall". This would place a legal obligation on housing authorities to provide housing services which would significantly strengthen the legal obligations provided for in section 20, on which I have tabled amendments. Section...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I support Senator Doherty's amendment and I echo the words of Senator Norris on this matter. It is crucial a more comprehensive definition of homelessness is provided. I said this on Second Stage and I repeated it earlier. I am grateful to the make room campaign led by the four national voluntary organisations working in the area of homelessness and housing, namely, Threshold, Focus...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: They have been very helpful to several of us in working on the Bill. It is important there is a more comprehensive definition of homelessness. I say this, as did Senator Doherty, in the spirit of supporting and broadly welcoming the Bill, as I have previously said. A Bill dealing with housing in such a comprehensive manner is welcome. However, there is an omission and it would be a missed...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I was going to venture a suggestion on mobile homes, although not necessarily an intellectual one. Some qualifying word could be countenanced so that "mobile home" would not be included as an absolute term. One could refer instead to "inadequate", "unsuitable" or "insecure" mobile homes, to provide for the scenario whereby people want to be in mobile homes. They might otherwise feel it is...

Seanad: Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008: Committee Stage (19 Nov 2008)

Ivana Bacik: I support the amendment. It strengthens the notion of consultation, which is often an empty term where it involves simply providing information. The amendment strengthens the provision by ensuring housing authorities also seek responses from the listed bodies. This does not impose an onerous obligation on them but it requires that responses would be sought, which is an important...