DOCSLIB.ORG

Seanad Éireann

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Seanad Éireann Vol. 239 Thursday, No. 16 7 May 2015 DÍOSPÓIREACHTAÍ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES SEANAD ÉIREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIÚIL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Insert Date Here 07/05/2015A00100Business of Seanad 2 07/05/2015A00300Commencement Matters 2 07/05/2015A00400Cyberbullying Issues ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3 07/05/2015B00450Mental Health Services Provision 5 School Transport Provision 7 07/05/2015G00100Order of Business 9 07/05/2015O00100Sport Ireland Bill 2014: Report and Final Stages 20 07/05/2015CC00100Europe Day and European Commission Work Programme: Statements 26 07/05/2015JJ00200EU Scrutiny Work Programme 2015: Motion 40 SEANAD ÉIREANN Déardaoin, 7 Bealtaine 2015 Thursday, 7 May 2015 Chuaigh an Cathaoirleach i gceannas ar 1030 am Machnamh agus Paidir. Reflection and Prayer. 07/05/2015A00100Business of Seanad 07/05/2015A00200An Cathaoirleach: I have notice from Senator Lorraine Higgins that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to con- sider establishing a single entity under the remit of which cyberbullying will fall I have also received notice from Senator Terry Leyden of the following matter: The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsi- bility for disability, mental health and older people to outline why psychiatric services are being reduced throughout the country such as in Castlerea, County Roscommon, where day care centres are under threat and where the futures of the Rosalie unit and the high support hostel in Knockroe remain unclear and staffing levels at the acute psychiatric unit remain a concern for staff I have also received notice from Senator Kathryn Reilly of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to discuss why children who are deemed eligible for school transport or in receipt of bus tickets cannot get collected by a local bus, if provision can be made to allow school transport to be made available in such circumstances if the contractor so agrees, and how the remote area grant is administered for children who cannot get access to school bus services I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion and they will be taken now 07/05/2015A00300Commencement Matters 2 7 May 2015 07/05/2015A00400Cyberbullying Issues 07/05/2015A00450An Cathaoirleach: I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Re- sources, Deputy Alex White, to the House 07/05/2015A00500Senator Lorraine Higgins: I raise this matter on the Commencement of the House today to call for the creation of a single body to lead the charge against cyberbullying, work on aware- ness and establish an educational campaign on the issue Currently, eight Government bodies are involved in tackling the issue of cyberbullying, including the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Office of Internet Safety, the Data Protection Commissioner, the Commission for Communications Regulation and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Such a broad arrangement is not conducive the to type of urgent and dedicated attention required to deal effectively with the issue of cyberbullying A cyberbullying task force would also act as an invaluable source of support, training and knowl- edge sharing As has so often been reported, teachers, parents and young people throughout the country are struggling to deal with issues related to cyberbullying and are crying out for additional sup- ports A cyberbullying task force would provide desperately needed tools of empowerment and education to enable citizens to navigate online environments safely and confidently without any fear. There is no doubt about the many freedoms and benefits we enjoy in the Internet age, but cyberbullying detracts from these and causes a great deal of hurt and distress that has very real effects on people and their lives It is time for us as a Government to mobilise against such behaviour and to render cyberbullying as unacceptable as bullying in the offline world. By establishing a dedicated cyberbullying task force and implementing the kind of legislation the former Minister, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, and I have proposed, the Government would send a strong message of support to those in need and a clear message of intent to those who offend We have seen the wonderful work that agencies like the Road Safety Authority have done to curb road traffic accidents and fatalities. Given that cyberbullying is ageless and the biggest issue confronting generations of online users, we ought to be as proactive as possible when dealing with it With that in mind, I ask the Minister to consider earnestly my submission 07/05/2015A00600Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White): I thank Senator Lorraine Higgins for raising this matter The pervasive use of social media to- gether with the rise of connected mobile devices has created a new and unique set of challenges for individuals and Government. The issues are complex. The Internet is difficult to regulate and a balance must be struck between preserving freedom of expression online and protecting all our citizens from cyberbullying and harmful and grossly offensive content, particularly, but not exclusively, children All governments across the world are grappling with the challenge of finding an appropriate model for the governance of online content. A cohesive Government response to this issue is necessary to achieve a safe and healthy online environment, which al- lows us to enjoy the many benefits of the Internet without exposure to unacceptable behaviour or risk Aspects of the legal and administrative system have adapted to the issues posed by elec- tronic communications, and work has also been undertaken at European Union level The European Digital Single Market promises to bring new standards of accountability to the online world and provide greater powers for individual citizens to respond to online wrongs Here 3 Seanad Éireann in Ireland, the Government established the Internet content governance advisory group in late 2013 to provide independent, expert advice on these matters The ICGAG’s comprehensive analysis and recommendations were brought to Cabinet and published last June The ICGAG’s recommendations have formed the basis of subsequent action, including the establishment of a cross-departmental group that is considering how best to implement the recommendations This cross-departmental group is chaired by an official from my Department, and includes representatives from the Departments of Health, Justice and Equality, Children and Youth Af- fairs, and Education and Skills. The group is also taking account of the issues identified by the Law Reform Commission in its issues paper on cybercrime affecting personal safety and pri- vacy, including cyberbullying. The group will report back to Government shortly and the final report will be published in due course I look forward to having a debate in this House on that report to see how best we can move this agenda forward at that stage I agree with the Senator that the issue of cyberbullying would be best addressed in this context if only because the distinction between cyberbullying and other forms of undesirable online behaviour is unclear I understand the Senator listed eight Government bodies including a number of Departments that have an involvement in the area While it would be desirable and essential to have a coherent response, it is inevitable that different bodies will still have some responsibility over this area For example, for broadcasting the regulator is the BAI; the criminal dimension is the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality, and the Garda Síochána; the Data Protection Commissioner’s responsibilities are set out in legislation and so on That said, I have considerable sympathy with the Senator, whose work in the area is well acknowledged, in saying that the response must be coherent, pulling together all the strands of Government activity both within Government and through agencies I look forward to discussing how best to achieve that when I bring a report to Government following the cross- departmental group’s analysis of the ICGAG report 07/05/2015B00200Senator Lorraine Higgins: I thank the Minister for his response I accept that cyberbul- lying issues will always straddle various Departments However, I am suggesting having one dedicated task force While enacting law in the area is one thing, it is essential to have awareness and education I recently spoke to a number of teenagers at an event They did not have a clue as to whether they were cyberbullying and it took a long time to get that point through to them The number of gardaí, students, teachers and parents, who have contacted me since I came out and spoke publicly
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Seanad Éireann
    [Additional list of recommendations.] SEANAD ÉIREANN AN BILLE AIRGEADAIS (UIMH. 2) 2008 —AN COISTE FINANCE (NO. 2) BILL 2008 —COMMITTEE STAGE Moltaí Breise Additional Recommendations SECTION 2 2a. In page 13, between lines 10 and 11, to insert the following: “(d) in the case of persons whose income only exceeds the threshold set out in paragraphs (a) and (c) by €10,000, only half of the levy calculated under Part 18A will be payable.”. —Senators Liam Twomey, Frances Fitzgerald, Paul Bradford, Paddy Burke, Jerry Buttimer, Paudie Coffey, Paul Coghlan, Maurice Cummins, Paschal Donohoe, Fidelma Healy Eames, Nicky McFadden, Eugene Regan, John Paul Phelan, Joe O’Reilly. SECTION 8 2b. In page 38, line 18, after “year” to insert the following: “except in the case of persons aged 70 years or over, when it means the highest rate at which they paid tax”. —Senators Liam Twomey, Frances Fitzgerald, Paul Bradford, Paddy Burke, Jerry Buttimer, Paudie Coffey, Paul Coghlan, Maurice Cummins, Paschal Donohoe, Fidelma Healy Eames, Nicky McFadden, Eugene Regan, John Paul Phelan, Joe O’Reilly. 2c. In page 38, after line 45, to insert the following subsection: “(2) The Minister shall ask the Commission on Taxation to produce a report within 3 months on the impact of this Act on dental costs for families with children under 16 years of age.”. —Senators Liam Twomey, Frances Fitzgerald, Paul Bradford, Paddy Burke, Jerry Buttimer, Paudie Coffey, Paul Coghlan, Maurice Cummins, Paschal Donohoe, Fidelma Healy Eames, Nicky McFadden, Eugene Regan, John Paul Phelan, Joe O’Reilly. SECTION 13 2d. In page 47, between lines 20 and 21, to insert the following: “(c) are derived from innovative activities meaning the development of a new technological, telecommunication, scientific or business process,”.
    [Show full text]
  • Seanad Éireann
    Vol. 230 Wednesday, No. 8 12 March 2014 DÍOSPÓIREACHTAÍ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES SEANAD ÉIREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIÚIL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Insert Date Here 12/03/2014A00100Business of Seanad 2 12/03/2014A00400Order of Business 368 12/03/2014K00050Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge: Statements 385 12/03/2014R00100Energy Policy: Motion 398 12/03/2014EE00800Adjournment Matters 432 12/03/2014EE00850Building Regulations Amendments 432 12/03/2014FF00250Small and Medium Enterprises Supports 434 SEANAD ÉIREANN Dé Céadaoin, 12 Márta 2014 Wednesday, 12 March 2014 Chuaigh an Cathaoirleach i gceannas ar 1030 am Machnamh agus Paidir. Reflection and Prayer. 12/03/2014A00100Business of Seanad 12/03/2014A00200An Cathaoirleach: I have received notice from Senator Kathryn Reilly that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to discuss the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 and if amendments will be made to include architectural technologists in the regulations I have also received notice from Senator Tom Sheahan of the following matter: The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide grant aid for replanting of forestry damaged by the recent storms I have also received notice from Senator Lorraine
    [Show full text]
  • Sunday Times /Behaviour & Attitudes European Elections May 2014
    Sunday Times /Behaviour & Attitudes European Elections May 2014 Opinion Poll 3rd – 15th May, 2014 Prepared for Prepared by Ian McShane J.5607 Technical Appendix 2 Technical Appendix ● The results of this opinion poll are based upon a representative sample of 1,545 eligible Irish voters aged 18 years +. ● A separate questionnaire was produced for each of three regions to take the three separate European Election constituencies into account. The number of interviews upon which the representative samples of eligible voters in each constituency is based is as follows: Dublin Constituency 521 Midlands-North-West 513 South Constituency 511 ● As such, the results for each constituency can be deemed to be accurate to within plus or minus 4.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. ● Fieldwork was conducted over the period 3rd – 14th May, 2014 with interviewing carried out at the Behaviour & Attitudes Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing (CATI) Unit at Milltown House in Dublin. ● Interviewing was conducted across all electoral constituencies in the country with households selected for interview by way of Random Digit Dialling (RDD). ● The sample is split across RDD landline numbers and RDD mobile telephone numbers, so as to ensure that individuals living in landline only households, mobile only households, and households with both a landline and mobile telephone are represented in their correct proportions. 3 Technical Appendix ● The subsequent survey results are weighted to reflect the known demographic profile of Irish adults, utilising the most recently published census population estimates from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). ● All aspects of the survey, including the Party Support adjustment factor, are implemented in accordance with the technical and ethical guidelines set down by the Association of Irish Market Research Organisations (AIMRO) and the European Society of Opinion & Market Research (ESOMAR).
    [Show full text]
  • 19Th Annual Report, 2015
    BRITISH-IRISH PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY TIONÓL PARLAIMINTEACH NA BREATAINE AGUS NA HÉIREANN NINETEENTH ANNUAL REPORT Doc. No. 227 February 2015 CONTENTS Introduction Page 3 Membership of the Assembly Page 3 Political developments Page 3 The work of the Assembly Page 8 Forty-eighth plenary Conference (Kilmainham, Dublin) Page 8 Forty-ninth plenary Conference (Ashford, Kent and Flanders) Page 17 Steering Committee Page 24 Committees Page 24 Staffing Page 24 Prospects for 2015 Page 24 APPENDIX 1: Membership of the Assembly Page 25 APPENDIX 2: Reports, etc., approved by the Assembly Page 29 APPENDIX 3: Work of Committees Page 31 APPENDIX 4: Staffing of the Assembly Page 37 2 NINETEENTH ANNUAL REPORT THE WORK OF THE BRITISH-IRISH PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY IN 2014 Introduction 1. This is the nineteenth annual report of the Assembly since it was decided at the Plenary Session in May 1996 that such a Report should be made. This Report summarises the work of the Assembly during 2014. Membership of the Assembly 2. Following the significant turnover in membership in the 2010 and 2011, arising from general elections to the two sovereign parliaments and to the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly, 2014, like the two preceding years, was a period of stability in membership, with only minor changes. A list of Members and Associate Members is set out at Appendix 1. Political developments General Overview 3. The relationship between Ireland and Britain continued to deepen in 2014, the major highlight being the State Visit by President Michael D. Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins to the UK in April.
    [Show full text]
  • New Year Update 2019 Sean Kelly
    Update from your MEP for Ireland-South SEÁN KELLY MEP MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Hello and welcome to my New Year’s update MY ROLES after what has been another busy, exciting and > As Leader of Fine Gael in EP I am on the European People’s challenging year as your MEP for Ireland South. Party (EPP) front bench and attend important EPP With this newsletter, I want to update you on some of the Bureau meetings important work that I have been involved in on your behalf > I am a member of the over the past year. The work done at EU level impacts us Parliament’s Committees on all on a daily basis and with Brexit on the horizon, it is more Industry, Research and Energy important now than ever that we have strong and influential (ITRE), International Trade Irish representation in Brussels. As Leader of Fine Gael in (INTA), Fisheries (PECH) and the European Parliament, and senior EPP Group MEP, I work Pesticides (PEST) hard daily to ensure this is the case. I hope you enjoy this > I sit on the Delegations for newsletter and find it useful, and I wish you all a happy and relations with Iran, the United prosperous 2019! States, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 5 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2018 Worked closely with Delivered the 32% As EPP lead negotiator on 1 Brexit negotiator 2 Renewable Energy target 4 South-East Asia, oversaw Michel Barnier and EPP leader for 2030 following tough the signing of the new EU- Manfred Weber negotiations with the EU Council Singapore Free Trade Agreement to help maintain unwavering 3 Appointed ITRE 5 After a long campaign, EU support for Committee rapporteur finally ensured European Irish position on for €650 billion InvestEU Commission action to end the border programme and secured backing biannual clock change for my proposals www.seankelly.eu RENEWABLE 32% of our energy in ENERGY Europe will This past year brought one of the proudest be renewable achievements of my political career.
    [Show full text]
  • Seanad Éireann
    Vol. 234 Tuesday, No. 3 23 September 2014 DÍOSPÓIREACHTAÍ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES SEANAD ÉIREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIÚIL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Insert Date Here 23/09/2014A00100Business of Seanad 132 23/09/2014B00100Order of Business 132 23/09/2014W00100Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Second Stage 151 23/09/2014GG00400Business of Seanad 164 23/09/2014GG00700Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed) �������������������������������������������������164 23/09/2014MM01100Appointments to Board of Irish Museum of Modern Art: Statements 172 23/09/2014RR00100Adjournment Matters ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������183 23/09/2014RR00150VAT Rate Application 183 SEANAD ÉIREANN Dé Máirt, 23 Meán Fómhair 2014 Tuesday, 23 September 2014 Chuaigh an Cathaoirleach i gceannas ar 230 pm Machnamh agus Paidir. Reflection and Prayer. 23/09/2014A00100Business of Seanad 23/09/2014A00200An Cathaoirleach: I have received notice from Senator Martin Conway that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Finance
    [Show full text]
  • Summary of the 42Nd Plenary Session, June 2011
    BRITISH-IRISH PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY TIONÓL PARLAIMINTEACH NA BREATAINE AGUS NA hÉIREANN FORTY-SECOND PLENARY SESSION 12-14 June 2011 Cork _________________________________________________________________ OFFICIAL REPORT (Final Revised Edition) MEMBERSHIP OF THE BRITISH-IRISH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION Steering Committee Co-Chairmen Rt Hon Lord COPE Mr Joe McHUGH TD Vice-Chairmen Rt Hon Paul MURPHY MP Rt Hon Laurence ROBERTSON MP Lord DUBS Mr Robert WALTER MP A representative from the National Parliament of Scotland, and the National Assemblies of Northern Ireland, Wales, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Members in Attendance Mr Joe BENTON MP Dr Alasdair McDONNELL MP MLA Baroness May BLOOD Mr Mattie McGRATH TD Senator Alan BRECKON Mr David MELDING AM Viscount BRIDGEMAN Senator Paschal MOONEY Mr Conor BURNS MP Mr Patrick O’DONOVAN TD Mr Willie CLARKE MLA Baroness Nuala O’LOAN Senator Paul COGHLAN Senator Joe O’REILLY Mr Oliver COLVILLE MP Ms Ann PHELAN TD Mr Seán CONLAN TD Mr John Paul PHELAN TD Ms Ciara CONWAY TD Mr John ROBERTSON MP Mr Noel COONAN TD Hon Stephen Charles RODAN MHK Senator Maurice CUMMINS Mr Chris RUANE MP Mr Jim DOBBIN MP Mr John SCOTT MSP Mr Stephen DONNELLY Mr Jim SHERIDAN MP Mr Martin FERRIS TD Lord SKELMERSDALE Mr Frank FEIGHAN TD Mr Arthur SPRING TD Mr Paul FLYNN MP Deputy Jane STEPHENS Lord GERMAN OBE Mr Jack WALL TD Senator Imelda HENRY Senator Jim WALSH Mr Martin HEYDON TD Mr Robert WALTER MP Mr Kris HOPKINS MP Mr Jim WELLS MLA Mr Seamus KIRK TD Mr Gavin WILLIAMSON MP Mr Pádraig MacLOCHLAINN TD Rt Hon Lord
    [Show full text]
  • CULTURAL and EDUCATIONAL PANEL (A) Provisional Nominating Bodies Sub-Panel
    SEANAD GENERAL ELECTION _________________ APRIL, 2016 _________________ PANELS OF CANDIDATES PREPARED BY THE SEANAD RETURNING OFFICER ACT, 1947, AS AMENDED BY THE SEANAD ELECTORAL (PANEL MEMBERS) ACT, 1954. CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PANEL (a) Provisional Nominating Bodies Sub-Panel Name Address Description Qualifications of candidate for inclusion in the Name of body by whom Candidate was Panel as determined by the Seanad nominated Returning Officer Brabazon, Tom 75 Lóiste Mhic Reachtain, Baile Comhairleoir Cathrach, Conradh Na Gaeilge Átha Cliath 13 Aturnae Burke, Deirdre Orchard House, Templelyon, Solicitor The Law Society of Ireland Redcross, Co. Wicklow Carey, Declan 116 The Strand, Donabate, Co. Mental Health Social Worker Dental Council Dublin Collins, Michael Ballinvallig, Newcastle West, Public Representative, Theatre Forum Limited Co. Limerick Musician, Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann Connolly, John 12 Gort na Bró, Millers Lane, Primary School Teacher Irish National Teachers’ Organisation Rahoon, Galway Conway, Joe ‘An Druimín’, Roselawn, College Tutor, Public Aontas Múinteoirí Éireann/Teachers’ Union of Tramore, Co. Waterford Representative Ireland Crowley, Liam Killorglin, Co. Kerry Solicitor The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland D’Arcy, Jim 12 Sandygrove Close, Senator Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth Finucane, Jim 3 Cloondara, Tralee, Co. Kerry Member of Kerry ETB Education and Training Boards Ireland Howard, Mary Claureen House, Ennis, Co. Member of Clare County The Drama League of Ireland Clare
    [Show full text]
  • Seanad General Election, April 2011 and Bye-Elections to 2007-11 Seanad Seanad General Election 2011 Rev16 19/12/2012 10:02 Page 1
    Seanad Election Cover 19/12/2012 09:36 Page 1 Olltoghchán don Seanad, Aibreán 2011 agus Corrthoghcháin do Sheanad 2007-11 Seanad General Election, April 2011 and Bye-Elections to 2007-11 Seanad Seanad General Election 2011_rev16 19/12/2012 10:02 Page 1 SEANAD ÉIREANN OLLTOGHCHÁN DON SEANAD, AIBREÁN 2011 agus Corrthoghcháin do Sheanad 2007-11 SEANAD GENERAL ELECTION, APRIL 2011 and Bye-Elections to 2007-11 Seanad BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH ARNA FHOILSIÚ AG OIFIG AN tSOLÁTHAIR Le ceannach díreach ón OIFIG DHÍOLTA FOILSEACHÁN RIALTAIS, TEACH SUN ALLIANCE, SRÁID THEACH LAIGHEAN, BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 2, nó tríd an bpost ó FOILSEACHÁIN RIALTAIS, AN RANNÓG POST-TRÁCHTA, AONAD 20 PÁIRC MIONDÍOLA COIS LOCHA, CLÁR CHLAINNE MHUIRIS, CONTAE MHAIGH EO, (Teil: 01 - 6476834 nó 1890 213434; Fax: 094 - 9378964 nó 01 - 6476843) nó trí aon díoltóir leabhar. ------ DUBLIN PUBLISHED BY THE STATIONERY OFFICE To be purchased directly from the GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALE OFFICE, SUN ALLIANCE HOUSE, MOLESWORTH STREET, DUBLIN 2, or by mail order from GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS, POSTAL TRADE SECTION, UNIT 20 LAKESIDE RETAIL PARK, CLAREMORRIS, CO. MAYO, (Tel: 01 - 6476834 or 1890 213434; Fax: 094 - 9378964 or 01 - 6476843) or through any bookseller. ------ €12.95 Seanad General Election 2011_rev16 19/12/2012 10:02 Page 2 © Government of Ireland 2012 Seanad General Election 2011_rev16 19/12/2012 10:02 Page 3 CLÁR CONTENTS Page Seanad General Election - Explanatory Notes … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 4 Seanad General Election, 2011 Statistical Summary- Panel Elections …
    [Show full text]
  • Irish Cabinet 2020-2025
    ROCKwOOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRIEFING IRISH CABINET 2020-2025 www.rockwood.ie June 2020 Cabinet 2020-2025 Negotiations on a Programme for Government commenced on Thursday 7th May 2020 between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. The Programme was overwhelmingly ratified by all three parties on Friday 26th June. On Saturday 27th June, Micheál Martin (FF) was appointed to the position of An Taoiseach by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins following his election by TDs in Dail Eireann. The fifteen senior cabinet positions comprise of six members of Fianna Fáil, six members of Fine Gael and three members of the Green Party. There is also one Government Chief Whip (Fianna Fáil), one "super junior" Minister from Fine Gael and one from the Green Party. All three attend cabinet but do not have voting rights. The Attorney General and the Secretary General of the Department of An Taoiseach also attend cabinet meetings. Newly appointed Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, with President Michael D. Higgins after receiving his seal of offfice 2 Micheál Martin TD | An Taoiseach DOB: 01/08/1960 Leader of the Opposition (Feb 2011-June 2020) Constituency: Cork South Central Leader of Fianna Fáil (Jan 2011-present) Party: Fianna Fáíl Minister for Foreign Affairs (2008-2011) First elected: 1989 Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment (2011-14) Education: University College Cork Minister for Health & Children (2004-2008) Profession: Teacher Minister for Education & Science (1997-2007) Lord Mayor of Cork (1992-1993) Leo Varadkar TD | An Tánaiste & Minister for Enterprise,Trade & Employment DOB: 18/01/1979 Taoisach (May 2017-June 2020) Constituency: Dublin West Leader of Fine Gael (May 2017-present) Party: Fine Gael Minister for Health (2014-16) First elected: 2007 Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport (2011-14) Education: Trinity College Dublin Cllr.
    [Show full text]
  • News 24Th Seanad the Election of Senators for the 24Th Seanad Took Place on Friday, April 29. While the Taoiseach Has Yet To
    News 24th Seanad The election of Senators for the 24th Seanad took place on Friday, April 29. While the Taoiseach has yet to announce his 11 nominees, all other members have been elected. These include; 5 to the Cultural and Educational panel; 11 to the Agricultural panel; 11 to the Labour panel; 9 to the Industrial and Commercial panel; 7 to the Administrative panel; 3 to the Trinity College panel; and 3 to the National University of Ireland panel. In terms of party membership, 18 of those elected are from Fine Gael; 14 from Fianna Fáil; 9 are from the Labour party; 3 from Sinn Fein; and 5 are Independents. A list of all those elected according to their panel is included below. Trinity College Ivana Bacik Sean Barrett David Norris National University of Ireland John Crown Fergal Quinn Ronan Mullen Agricultural Paul Bradford Paddy Burke Michael Comiskey James Heffernan Trevor O’Clocartaigh Brian O’Domhnaill Denis O’Donovan Susan O’Keeffe Jim Walsh Pat O’Neill Paschal Mooney Terry Brennan David Cullinane Labour Maurice Cummins Fidelma Healy-Eames Cáit Keane Marie Moloney Terry Leyden Tony Mulcahy Darragh O’Brien Ned O’Sullivan John Whelan Industrial and Commercial Colm Burke Jimmy Harte Imelda Henry Paul Coghlan Marc MacSharry Catherine Noone Averil Power Kathryn Reilly Mary White Administrative Martin Conway Mark Daly Michael Darcy Diarmuid Wilson John Kelly Denis Landy Tom Sheahan Cultural and Educational Michael Mullins Labhras O’Mhurchu Thomas Byrne Deirdre Clune John Gilroy PAI Directory 2011 The political changes that have taken place in 2011 have created a need for an accessible reference point on government, the civil service and parliamentary representatives.
    [Show full text]
  • Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
    PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Interim report on all aspects of the conduct of the 2019 Federal Election and matters related thereto Delegation to the International Grand Committee, Dublin, Ireland Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters February 2020 CANBERRA © Commonwealth of Australia ISBN 978-1-76092-072-2 (Printed version) ISBN 978-1-76092-073-9 (HTML version) This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial- NoDerivs 3.0 Australia License. The details of this licence are available on the Creative Commons website: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/au/. Contents THE REPORT Foreword .......................................................................................................................................................... v Membership of the Committee .................................................................................................................... vi Terms of reference .......................................................................................................................................... x List of abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... xi List of recommendations ............................................................................................................................. xii 1 Delegation report .............................................................................................. 1 Background to
    [Show full text]