Results 1-20 of 2,061 for speaker:Michael Collins in 'Dáil debates'

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

Michael Collins: Then why do we need to change? They are not doing anything wrong. There is an old saying in Ireland, "If it ain’t broke, don't fix it". The Minister of State is saying he is going to allow these organisations to function in the very same way. Will there be absolutely no difference for any lotto that is being done by a local community, voluntary or sporting organisation? Can the...

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...

Weather-Related Supports for Farmers: Statements (Resumed) (24 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Agriculture is a bit like fisheries in that it has been thrown to the dogs by previous governments and by this Government in particular. I spent several hours canvassing in Macroom mart last Saturday. I met many farmers who are furious about how the Government has acted. They are absolutely livid. When Deputy Tóibín spoke about a Dublin-oriented Government, they were nodding in...

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...

Support for Carers: Motion [Private Members] (24 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I congratulate the Minister of State in her new role, and I thank the Regional Group for tabling this important motion. Every time we have spoken about the carers of this country I have called for the carer's allowance means test to be abolished. It is time the Minister set this in motion. Carers are doing the work, so pay them. That is the simple answer. Also, the reablement...

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: Every person killed on the roads leaves behind a family, friend and 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...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: They are fighting to create employment but losing jobs and income. Employees are losing their jobs and they are furious wherever I go in the country.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Plenty of them have closed.

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...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. The Taoiseach said he fully accepted the sector is struggling. Unfortunately, VAT is the problem here. The Government does not seem to understand that since the VAT rate went up, restaurants and cafés all over the country are shutting down. Door after door is banging shut. The Taoiseach does not grasp the crisis here. On his election as...

Disability Justice: Motion [Private Members] (17 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: Our commitment to parents and compassion extends to everyone, regardless of their abilities. However, the proposed tiered payments based on perceived work capacity have significant flaws. They lack meaningful consultation with the disabled individuals who are the very people most affected by these policies. Without their input, we risk overlooking critical aspects of their needs and...

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...

Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024: Second Stage (10 Apr 2024)

Michael Collins: The future Ireland and infrastructure funds are nice, glamorous ideas but the reality is people and communities need the funding spent on infrastructure right now. I totally agree with Deputy Gould. We talk about infrastructure. Why is a future fund for infrastructure being created when we need funds now for urgent works that need to be done and have needed doing for many years, maybe...