Results 21-40 of 1,022,374 for in 'Dáil debates' OR in 'Committee meetings' (speaker:Máiría Cahill OR speaker:Paul Kehoe OR speaker:Joan Collins)

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Urban Development (16 May 2024)

Mary Butler: I thank the Deputy for his input to the debate and the views he has raised. In fairness to the Taoiseach, he was only in his second or third week in the role when he established a task force to take a view of the measures required to rejuvenate Dublin city centre, both north and south. We can all welcome the focus brought by Government on measures which will hopefully make all the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Bus Services (16 May 2024)

Bus Services

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Bus Services (16 May 2024)

Jennifer Whitmore: I am really disappointed. This Topical Issue was first scheduled for 23 April. The Minister was not available and I was asked whether I would postpone it until he was available, which was today. Unfortunately, he is not here. That is very disappointing. I want to discuss issues relating to BusConnects for Wicklow. I have a number of concerns. The primary one arises from reports that...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Guardians Ad Litem (16 May 2024)

Mary Butler: I thank Deputy Flaherty for raising this important issue and for offering me the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. I hope the statement I have will answer some of the questions he has raised. The unregulated nature of the provision of guardian ad litem services has been a matter of concern for some time. Currently, guardians ad litem, GALs, are appointed by...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Guardians Ad Litem (16 May 2024)

Joe Flaherty: The response from the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, is somewhat alarming. His written response reads: The existing legislative provisions do not set out the criteria for appointing GALs or legal representation to a GAL. Tusla is obliged to pay GALs and their legal fees but have little oversight of how these roles are fulfilled. Currently all GALs operating in the courts are self-employed...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Guardians Ad Litem (16 May 2024)

Mary Butler: The Deputy has raised a really important issue. The Department is continuing to work towards the establishment of the guardian ad litem national service to enable the full commencement of the Act. As I have said, a consultant, Anthony Douglas CBE, was contracted to support preparations for the establishment of the GAL national service. The outputs from this consultancy include the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Urban Development (16 May 2024)

Urban Development

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Urban Development (16 May 2024)

Chris Andrews: Last week, the Taoiseach announced the formation of a task force to make Dublin a more attractive and safer city. Of course, I strongly welcome the formation of this task force. It is long overdue. Much of Dublin city centre feels menacing when walking around it. I have consistently raised the concerns of the communities who actually live in the inner city. The inner city is their home...

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2024: Second Stage (Resumed) (16 May 2024)

Question put and agreed to.

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No.2) Bill 2024: Referral to Select Committee (16 May 2024)

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No.2) Bill 2024: Referral to Select Committee (16 May 2024)

Mary Butler: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Health pursuant to Standing Orders 95(3)(a) and 181(1).

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No.2) Bill 2024: Referral to Select Committee (16 May 2024)

Question put and agreed to.

Ábhair Shaincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Matters (16 May 2024)

Ábhair Shaincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Matters (16 May 2024)

Catherine Connolly: I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 37 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Brian Stanley - To discuss the low level of funding for youth services in Laois and Offaly. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss BusConnects issues in Wicklow. Deputy Joe Flaherty - To discuss the under-regulation of and cost...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate (16 May 2024)

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Guardians Ad Litem (16 May 2024)

Guardians Ad Litem

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Guardians Ad Litem (16 May 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I thank the Minister of State for taking this matter. A well-intentioned local solicitor opted to raise concerns with me regarding the appointment or assignment of guardians ad litem. Guardians ad litem are typically, but not necessarily, legal people, such as barristers or solicitors, and are appointed by judges to represent the interests of children in care. Their key functions are to...

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2024: Second Stage (Resumed) (16 May 2024)

Catherine Connolly: I remind Members and Ministers we will be moving straight on to the Topical Issues straight after this business. I am giving Members a forewarning.

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2024: Second Stage (Resumed) (16 May 2024)

Mary Butler: I thank Members for their contributions to the debate on the Bill. I look forward to their support as the Bill is considered further on Committee Stage. I note 95% of all those who spoke, even though they raised issues, were supportive of the legislation and I thank them all for that. The Bill provides for a number of pertinent and timely amendments to the Health Act 2007 and the...

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2024: Second Stage (Resumed) (16 May 2024)

Jackie Cahill: I commend the excellent work that is being done by our front-line workers in all hospitals and the advancements that we have made in cancer and cardiac treatment, among others. Our hospitals give a first-class service to our population and our front-line workers do great work. I had occasion to go to Nenagh Hospital last Monday morning. Thankfully, it was only to the minor injuries...