Results 1-20 of 1,278 for at speaker:Michael Collins

Delivering Universal Healthcare: Statements (15 May 2024)

Michael Collins: We do have a very serious health crisis. It is a poison chalice to take on any Ministry relating to health. No one could stand up on the other side of the House and say that things are going well, because they are not. It is a disaster in every aspect of healthcare. I call on the Minister of State to intervene in the case of some 13 service users in Carrigbeg, Bandon, County Cork,...

Road Safety and Maintenance: Motion [Private Members] (15 May 2024)

Michael Collins: When it comes to roads and road funding, I could say quite a lot. I would need four or five hours rather than four minutes. I mean no disrespect to the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, but the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, should be here. It is a pity they are not because the Minister has a lot of questions to answer regarding lack of...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Michael Collins: Horticulture is a vital industry and one with great potential. We import 90%-plus of the fruit and vegetables we consume in Ireland. In west Cork, we have a thriving organic sustainable food industry from dairy to vegetable and soft fruit growers. The industry depends on an educated workforce from further education, levels 4 to 6, and higher education, levels 7, 8 and above. It has come...

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (1 May 2024)

Michael Collins: I would like the Minister of State to address that question because this is a very serious matter. If there is going to be any change, that means it is not staying the same. These organisations are totally and utterly dependent on such fundraising. Deputy McGrath mentioned those involved in horse racing and greyhound racing. They have their concerns too. I listen and speak to them quite...

Gambling Regulation Bill 2022: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage (1 May 2024)

Michael Collins: We spoke about gambling regulation under the previous Government. I thought the regulation that was brought in was strong. There was a lot of talk about advertising, non-advertising and so on. People enjoy a little bit of the flutter. I am one of those who does not gamble at all. It is very rare if I ever do. I buy local lotto tickets to support local communities. I do many clinics in...

Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024: Second Stage (Resumed) (1 May 2024)

Michael Collins: With the Chair's indulgence, I welcome my sister Kay Lynch from Bantry and Geraldine O'Donovan from Ovens to the Gallery today. We are here to shed light on a distressing reality that many survivors of institutional abuse are currently grappling with. These individuals who have already endured so much are now facing long waits, often exceeding a year, to access crucial counselling...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 May 2024)

Michael Collins: People all over Cork county and city are incensed at the paltry amount in roads funding given to Cork each year. While canvassing in Baltimore, Kealkill, Kinsale, Drimoleague and Macroom last week, the thing on the top of everyone lips is the condition of our roads. The independent AIRO report drawn up by Cork County Council proves the Government’s underspend has gone unnoticed...

European Union Migration and Asylum Pact: Motion [Private Members] (1 May 2024)

Michael Collins: I thank the Minister of State for being here. It is very disappointing, however, that a senior Minister is not present to discuss this issue. I mean no disrespect to the Minister of State, but surely an issue as important as this deserves having a senior Minister before us. When it comes to this issue of an asylum pact, it is a deal done by a dirty Government and it will not be forgotten...

Petrol and Diesel Excise Rate Increases: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (30 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Given the fuel taxes being considered at this time, the Government should be facing an amazing crisis because it has no understanding of the difficulties in which people find themselves in this country at the moment. The Government is quite smug about it and quite happy. The Green Party is wagging the tail and the Government is running along with it. The price of a barrel of fuel is at its...

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...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (Resumed) (24 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I welcome the witnesses. Based on the information that has been provided, we have spoken to some of the hauliers that are concerned. We have asked them for a report on what is happening and what their concerns and issues are. There was an inspection last week on 17 April 2024 in Cherbourg and it must be pointed out that no animal welfare issues arose during this inspection. These hauliers...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (Resumed) (24 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Ms Meaney stated earlier on that the Department is talking to everybody. If it is talking to everybody, surely the hauliers are part of it. If they are part of that, how is it that they will be put out of business? If they are put out of business, that is the end, or is that the plan? If the Department is talking to everybody, surely the RSA and everybody are involved in this discussion....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (Resumed) (24 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I know but Mr. Blake heard what I read earlier. It is all related to the export of calves. If it becomes uneconomical, and it is heading this way - to me it is being steered this way - it will put farmers into further difficulties which they cannot afford to be in at this time. I am asking the Department and others to sit around the table. It is all connected. One way or another it is...

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...

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: ...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 should be saving her. Her family needs to get a primary medical...

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...

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: 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...