Results 1-20 of 286 for speaker:Ciara Conway in 'Dáil debates'

Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages (2 Dec 2015)

Ciara Conway: He did not say that. Check the record.

Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 [Seanad]: Second Stage (18 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: I am delighted to be able to speak on Second Stage of what is now known as the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. On thinking about what makes us human, it is when we talk about personal stories, that is, the things that happen outside of work and at the weekends. These are the things that fill the days of workers in staff rooms, break rooms and canteens nationwide. The thought that...

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (11 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: I welcome that in his response the Minister of State has given a commitment that payments will be made in late November or early December to the relatives or personal representatives of deceased scheme members. There are approximately 250 such cases to be dealt with. However, the Minister of State can understand what it must be like for the remaining workers who have reached pension age....

Topical Issue Debate: Pension Provisions (11 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: I wish to highlight an issue that many people mistakenly believe has been solved. Sadly, it has not, and that is why I feel the need to raise it on the floor of the Dáil. People will be well aware of the Waterford Crystal pensions issue. The factory was the pride of Waterford and it was shut down very suddenly. Scenes from the grey days of the closure were carried on the news and are...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: It has been asked and answered.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: A number of weeks ago, I raised the issue of the Children and Family Relationships Act which still has not been enacted. Many children are timing out, meaning they are reaching the age of 18 before they become eligible for adoption. It is heartbreaking for families. My colleagues asked about the adoption (tracing and information) Bill, and I understand the two Bills are interlinked. It is...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: Only one section, relating to passports, has been commenced. The rest of the Bill has not been commenced.

Social Welfare Bill 2015: Second Stage (Resumed) (4 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: Deputy Martin Ferris, who spoke just before Deputy Nolan, is a merchant of misery. Sinn Féin Members think they have the monopoly on caring. If they really cared about the families they talk about, they need to face up to the people and decide to go into government to make life better for the people they feel they have a monopoly interest in. Who does Deputy Ferris think he is? I...

Topical Issue Debate: HIQA Standards (4 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: This is very welcome news. In speaking about supportive care homes the Minister of State used the word "proportionality". That is exactly what they are looking for. They want to work in partnership with HIQA and the HSE to ensure this. It is really significant and will be of huge comfort to many older people in public nursing homes and their families. There was a cloud hanging over them...

Topical Issue Debate: HIQA Standards (4 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: I know that this is an issue of which the Minister is acutely aware and that over the summer she took the time to visit the facility in Waterford about which I speak. The matter I raise is the need for supportive care homes to be held by HIQA to separate standards from those for a nursing home. Those working in supportive care homes welcome the intervention of HIQA and the opportunity to...

Travellers' Rights: Motion [Private Members] (3 Nov 2015)

Ciara Conway: First, I extend my sympathy to the Lynch, Gilbert and extended Connors families who experienced such an unspeakable tragedy. I also think of the first responders who attended the site. What an appalling incident it was for anybody to have to experience. It is horrific to think the lives of ten citizens ended so quickly and in such a violent way. I cannot think of a worse way to die. I...

Order of Business (21 Oct 2015)

Ciara Conway: There was a very historic occasion last night when the Marriage Bill 2015 was passed by the Seanad. The Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 has passed all Stages in the Seanad. When will it be taken in the Dáil? Section 37 of the Employment Equality Act 1998 needs to be amended as soon as possible because it is having major implications for teachers and nurses, in particular.

Topical Issue Debate: Medical Card Delays (7 Oct 2015)

Ciara Conway: I thank the Minister of State. Nobody is disputing that there are issues in terms of what we as legislators decide to do regarding changes to legislation on eligibility criteria other than means, but I referred to cancer patients who are entitled to medical cards because of their means and are still waiting in excess of the 15 day turnaround period. I received a response today from Mr....

Topical Issue Debate: Medical Card Delays (7 Oct 2015)

Ciara Conway: I want to highlight an issue that is putting undue strain on people who are already faced with stressful times, particularly where their health is concerned. Unfortunately, there is not a family or home in the country that has not been touched by cancer. A particular problem has come to my attention but, in order to be helpful, I also have a solution. I hope the simple answer to the...

Topical Issue Debate: School Accommodation (7 Oct 2015)

Ciara Conway: Is there an election coming, lads?

Order of Business (1 Oct 2015)

Ciara Conway: Members welcome the passage of the Marriage Bill through the Houses but prior to its introduction and the constitutional referendum on it, the Oireachtas passed the Children and Family Relationships Act, of which only one section has been commenced. When will the other sections be commenced? I understand it is between both the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of...

Leaders' Questions (1 Oct 2015)

Ciara Conway: Like Fianna Fáil.

Topical Issue Debate: Autism Support Services (2 Jul 2015)

Ciara Conway: I thank the Minister of State for his response. I welcome the news that Waterford will be prioritised for speech and language and other social care posts. We are particularly lacking in these services and it is beginning to raise its head more frequently. As a parent I know we all want the best for our children, and when this is not available, we will do what we can to ensure the child...

Topical Issue Debate: Autism Support Services (2 Jul 2015)

Ciara Conway: I am highlighting an issue that has been causing ongoing difficulties, which I have mentioned previously to the Department. It concerns diagnoses and assessments for those with autism. According to a study from the Irish Society for Autism, about one in 100 people in Ireland have autism. It is imperative that if a person is presenting with autism, he or she receives an assessment as soon...

Topical Issue Debate: Arts Funding (26 May 2015)

Ciara Conway: As it stands, no Arts Council funding is going into Waterford for festivals. I accept the Minister cannot interfere in the process. However, as the Department sets the policy in terms of inclusion of young people and of community arts in particular, can the Department find the €11,000 elsewhere? Otherwise we will have no festival in Waterford. The contracts have been signed and the...