Results 1-20 of 385 for long speaker:Maurice Cummins

Seanad: Order of Business (3 Feb 2016)

Maurice Cummins: ..., when they come to the House, would say: "I must get on to Diarmuid for a pair", and I would have to say, "We have a Government Whip, you know." I did not know who was the Government Whip for a long time. I thank the Whips, as that was another glaring omission on my part.

Seanad: Order of Business (2 Feb 2016)

Maurice Cummins: ...in recent months. He discussed the need for high-visibility vests for cyclists and pedestrians and I agree with him. I remember Senator Sheahan from Kerry outlining similar circumstances not so long ago. He also stated that there is a need for such vests for pedestrians in particular. Many people walk lonely dark roads. For their own safety, in the interests of road safety and for the...

Seanad: Order of Business (27 Jan 2016)

Maurice Cummins: ...Senators' contributions. Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the increase in funding for local and regional road infrastructure projects throughout the country, particularly the Dingle inner relief road which is long overdue. I understand the Minister will at a later date make an additional allocation to repair roads damaged by flooding. Senator David Norris called for the appointment of a...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Jan 2016)

Maurice Cummins: ...is prioritising the process in the 18 Gaeltacht language planning areas from which notices have been published to date. That represents significant progress in the area, as Senator D'Arcy mentioned. Senator Barrett asked how long the Seanad Chamber would be closed for building work, and mentioned the delays in the work on the National Gallery. I am not aware of how long the work will...

Seanad: Order of Business (13 Jan 2016)

Maurice Cummins: ...that should a majority of the people of Northern Ireland vote in favour of a united Ireland, the British Parliament will agree to it. Relationships between Ireland and Britain have progressed and long may it continue. Senator Catherine Noone raised the issue of obesity, a matter she has raised in the House on numerous occasions. She has suggested we are not doing sufficient in this...

Seanad: Order of Business (17 Dec 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...Crown referred to one of them which was enacted today on the subject of banning smoking in cars where children are present. This House has made a significant contribution to legislation and long may that continue. Senator Leyden also asked if a review of the trade embargo with Russia would be considered. I will certainly raise the matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade...

Seanad: Order of Business (9 Dec 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...specifically to a medical card application and the loss of documents, etc. It is an unacceptable situation. I suggest the Senator tables a Commencement Matter. The Cathaoirleach will have a long list of Commencement Matters and he will have a difficult job making his selection over the next number of days.

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...would drive our economy. That is the reason the 9% VAT rate was introduced. He was proved correct and it has proven to be a great boost to the economy and to the growth we are witnessing at present. Long may it continue. I will try to arrange for the debate the Senator requested but I doubt that it will be held before Christmas due to the amount of legislation we must deal with between...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: .... We will try to have it early in the New Year. Senator Bacik mentioned terrorism and the disruption in many spheres caused by the terrorist attacks in Paris, something we are seeing as we go along. The Senator asked about the Climate Change Bill. We will take Report Stage of the Bill on Wednesday next. The Senator also called for a debate on gender equality in the arts. We will...

Seanad: Order of Business (19 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...will be no question of rushing it or guillotining it, within reason. If there is a filibuster regarding some sections or issues, that will be a different ballgame. The Bill will be debated for as long as necessary and as long as those who table amendments are happy with the answers they get. I will do everything to have the Bill dealt with comprehensively, as should be the case with...

Seanad: Order of Business (12 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...are now larger than constituencies and councillors are genuinely suffering as a result of this. However, that is not popular to say in the media but it is true. Councillors now have to travel long distances to meetings to represent their constituents. They will have the full support of every Member in getting fair pay for what they do. They are doing the work of Oireachtas Members in...

Seanad: Order of Business (11 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...people should not be notified within hours that their jobs are gone. That type of thing should be banned, there is no question about it. The Workplace Relations Bill passed through the House not so long ago. I do not know whether those points were made at that time. I agree with the Senators' sentiments and am sure there will be a mechanism so that this type of situation does not...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: .... I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton. I remind the Senator that 125,000 jobs have been created. We still have a long way to go to reach the 200,000 jobs lost in the three years prior to the Government taking office, but we are making progress. Some 70% of the jobs created last year were outside Dublin. We...

Seanad: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013: Second Stage (10 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...to be here as this Bill goes through the House today. I commend all my colleagues who have taken the time and shown an interest in contributing to this very important debate on Second Stage. Alongside all the work this Government has had to do in stabilising the economy and creating so many jobs that were lost throughout the recession, it has also committed itself to introducing...

Seanad: Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (5 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: .... I think the officials in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and all Government Departments should realise that the Oireachtas is made up of two Houses. The people verified that not so long ago. The message needs to go out loud and clear that future Bills should not come into this House with references to just one House of the Oireachtas. We intend to send that message out today....

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...in the House. Transitional care funding supporting almost 2,000 people who have been approved under the fair deal scheme is available to move them from acute and non-acute care while waiting for their long-term placement. Over 1,200 additional home care packages have been provided. Some 238 beds have been opened in 2015, including 149 additional public nursing home beds, 24 additional...

Seanad: Order of Business (4 Nov 2015)

Maurice Cummins: These provide a mix of rehabilitation and transitional care for patients who require assisted convalescent care before returning home or entering long-term care. Additional funding of €18 million was provided in July for a winter initiative that will include the provision of approximately 300 additional hospital beds in November and December this month and next month. The first of...

Seanad: Order of Business (21 Oct 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...Healthcare on its Super Troopers programme, which, as she outlined, is bringing about many benefits. Senator Bradford referred to Northern Ireland. He is 100% correct in stating that we have moved a long way in respect of Northern Ireland. We have come a long way from the time when we would come into the House and hear about bombings and killings which had taken place. As he indicated,...

Seanad: United Nations Principles for Older Persons: Motion (21 Oct 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...older people would be recognised, supported and enabled to live independent, full lives, which is the key point. The elderly population should be allowed to live in their own environment for as long as they can and all Governments should assist in every way possible to ensure they have the comfort and security of their own home, with the necessary supports to facilitate this. It is much...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Oct 2015)

Maurice Cummins: ...if it is many years afterwards. Developers and builders are also responsible. These people must bear some responsibility for this and must be held to account. They have been let off for far too long. People have washed their hands of this situation. The engineers, architects, fire officers and the rest of them must be held to account and we must ensure that happens. Senator Barrett...