Fáilte chuig Suíomh Gréasáin;Welcome to the Website
|
|
22 May Foreign Conflicts (Sudan and South Sudan)
Click to read full response
Maureen asked the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello): In view of the serious and humanitarian needs of the affected population in South Kordofan in general and the Nuba Mountains in particular if he will ensure that the E.U. will call on the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to comply with their binding obligations under International Humanitarian Law to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian actors to all civilians and to provide prompt humanitarian assistance to all those in need. (Q.127)
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello): I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 117, 127, 134, 158, 160, 164 to 167, inclusive, 181, 185 and 201 together.
The Government continues to monitor and respond to the humanitarian needs generated by a number of conflicts and protracted crises in Africa, notably those in Sudan, South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Somalia and the Sahel. Almost one year on from the peak of the Horn of Africa crisis, the overall humanitarian situation across much of this region has now improved thanks in large part to the massive aid operation which donors such as Ireland helped to support. However, the situation remains critical for many millions of people, especially in Somalia, where access for aid agencies remains highly restricted in many areas. Emergency funding allocated by Irish Aid towards the overall relief effort in the Horn of Africa currently stands at almost €17 million, making Ireland, in per capita terms, one of the most significant humanitarian donors to the region.
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello): I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 117, 127, 134, 158, 160, 164 to 167, inclusive, 181, 185 and 201 together.
The Government continues to monitor and respond to the humanitarian needs generated by a number of conflicts and protracted crises in Africa, notably those in Sudan, South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Somalia and the Sahel. Almost one year on from the peak of the Horn of Africa crisis, the overall humanitarian situation across much of this region has now improved thanks in large part to the massive aid operation which donors such as Ireland helped to support. However, the situation remains critical for many millions of people, especially in Somalia, where access for aid agencies remains highly restricted in many areas. Emergency funding allocated by Irish Aid towards the overall relief effort in the Horn of Africa currently stands at almost €17 million, making Ireland, in per capita terms, one of the most significant humanitarian donors to the region.
22 May National Monuments: Motion Moore St 1916 Easter Rising
Click to read Maureen's speech in full
Ar dtús, ba mhaith liom a rá go bhfuil náire agus díomá orm go bhfuilimid go fóill ag caint faoin ábhar seo. Ba cheart go mbíodh plean gníomhaíochta againn blianta ó shin. Dá mbíodh, bheadh ionad stairiúil againn anois, agus slí stairiúil ó Ard Oifig an Phoist go dtí Sráid Parnell.
It is very disappointing that we are still talking about the historical area from the GPO to Parnell Street and all the places associated with the Easter Rising. Every Government from the foundation of the State has neglected to make a fitting memorial there to the men and women of the Easter Rising. Indeed, it could be said that each Government and the local authority have allowed all of the sites associated with the various battle scenes of the Rising to become derelict and, in some cases, allowed them to be demolished. Kilmainham Gaol could have been knocked down by a developer some years ago only for the actions of a dedicated group of people who worked to preserve it. It is now one of the most visited sites in Dublin, with excellent guides. . . .
. . . . . The traders are another aspect of Moore Street which should be mentioned as they are part of that history and culture. I acknowledge the work of the late Tony Gregory in trying to preserve that. There is also the matter of Nos. 32 and 33 Henry Street and the preservation of Henry Lane. We have an opportunity to create a historical quarter and historical walkway in time for the centenary. The expression “tír gan teanga, tír gan anam” is well known but respect for and preservation of our heritage sites are also central to the soul of a country. I listened to the Minister talk about Nos. 14 to 17 but is it appropriate that this national monument, all alone, will be dwarfed by apartments, shopping malls, arcades and God knows what else the developer might put there?
It is very disappointing that we are still talking about the historical area from the GPO to Parnell Street and all the places associated with the Easter Rising. Every Government from the foundation of the State has neglected to make a fitting memorial there to the men and women of the Easter Rising. Indeed, it could be said that each Government and the local authority have allowed all of the sites associated with the various battle scenes of the Rising to become derelict and, in some cases, allowed them to be demolished. Kilmainham Gaol could have been knocked down by a developer some years ago only for the actions of a dedicated group of people who worked to preserve it. It is now one of the most visited sites in Dublin, with excellent guides. . . .
. . . . . The traders are another aspect of Moore Street which should be mentioned as they are part of that history and culture. I acknowledge the work of the late Tony Gregory in trying to preserve that. There is also the matter of Nos. 32 and 33 Henry Street and the preservation of Henry Lane. We have an opportunity to create a historical quarter and historical walkway in time for the centenary. The expression “tír gan teanga, tír gan anam” is well known but respect for and preservation of our heritage sites are also central to the soul of a country. I listened to the Minister talk about Nos. 14 to 17 but is it appropriate that this national monument, all alone, will be dwarfed by apartments, shopping malls, arcades and God knows what else the developer might put there?
22 May Priority Questions - Human Rights Issues Maghaberry Prisoners
Click & scroll to read in full
Maureen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he and his Department have taken, and are taking, in addressing the human rights conditions of prisoners in Maghaberry Prison, County Antrim, including the human rights of the prisoner who has been moved to Hydebank Prison.
Deputy Eamon Gilmore: The issue of prisons within Northern Ireland is a devolved matter related to the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Arising from the Hillsborough Agreement of February 2010, Dame Ann Owers and the prison review team undertook a review of the prison system. In October 2011 their report made 40 recommendations on prison reform in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Justice, Mr. David Ford, MLA, has underlined his commitment to full implementation of the recommendations and has described the prison reform process as “unstoppable”. I had an opportunity to discuss the reform process with him at our most recent meeting on 20 April. . . .
. . . . Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: The denial of medical treatment and the way in which medication has been withheld from one of the male prisoners are very serious issues. I am also aware of issues regarding the health of Marian Price. When is a royal prerogative not a royal prerogative? Is it when it suits the authorities in the North and in England? Mr. Owen Paterson, MP, has not been elected by anyone in the North and is not accountable to the electorate in the North, but he seems to be able to disregard human rights legislation and legal issues. We speak about human rights at meetings of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and we take up the cases of prisoners in Bahrain, Iran and China. Yet, this is happening up the road and is an urgent matter because one of the prisoners will die.
Deputy Eamon Gilmore: The issue of prisons within Northern Ireland is a devolved matter related to the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Prison Service. Arising from the Hillsborough Agreement of February 2010, Dame Ann Owers and the prison review team undertook a review of the prison system. In October 2011 their report made 40 recommendations on prison reform in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Justice, Mr. David Ford, MLA, has underlined his commitment to full implementation of the recommendations and has described the prison reform process as “unstoppable”. I had an opportunity to discuss the reform process with him at our most recent meeting on 20 April. . . .
. . . . Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: The denial of medical treatment and the way in which medication has been withheld from one of the male prisoners are very serious issues. I am also aware of issues regarding the health of Marian Price. When is a royal prerogative not a royal prerogative? Is it when it suits the authorities in the North and in England? Mr. Owen Paterson, MP, has not been elected by anyone in the North and is not accountable to the electorate in the North, but he seems to be able to disregard human rights legislation and legal issues. We speak about human rights at meetings of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and we take up the cases of prisoners in Bahrain, Iran and China. Yet, this is happening up the road and is an urgent matter because one of the prisoners will die.
23 May Call for Ó Cuív to break silence & resume public opposition to the fiscal treaty
Click to read Irish Times article
Six members of the Dáil Technical Group called for a No vote in the referendum
at a joint press conference in Dublin yesterday morning,
chaired by Donegal Independent Thomas Pringle.
Independent TD for Dublin Central Maureen O’Sullivan said:
“I was never in agreement with Ireland being part of the EEC [predecessor of the EU].
” She regretted the lack of a social dimension to the treaty.
at a joint press conference in Dublin yesterday morning,
chaired by Donegal Independent Thomas Pringle.
Independent TD for Dublin Central Maureen O’Sullivan said:
“I was never in agreement with Ireland being part of the EEC [predecessor of the EU].
” She regretted the lack of a social dimension to the treaty.
22 May Irish software in Syria is not designed to suppress democracy
Click to see Dáil record
In a written question, Maureen asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the situation surrounding two companies based (details supplied) here accused of supplying blocking and filtering technology to Syriatel Mobile Telecom SA in Syria and to MTN Syria; if recent European Union trade restrictions on Syria prohibits the sale of technology that can be used for internal repression; and if he will make a statement on the matter
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton) replied: My Department is responsible for issuing licenses, for exports outside the EU, of controlled goods and technology listed in the EU Dual Use Regulations. No licenses have been issued in the past four years in respect of dual use controlled technology intended for export to Syria.
Read thejournal.ie article here
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton) replied: My Department is responsible for issuing licenses, for exports outside the EU, of controlled goods and technology listed in the EU Dual Use Regulations. No licenses have been issued in the past four years in respect of dual use controlled technology intended for export to Syria.
Read thejournal.ie article here
17 May Minister says no plans for deployment of additional forces to Syria
Click to read Irish Times article in full
Maureen asked Minister for Defence about the security of Irish Troops deployed on peace-keeping in Lebanaon & Syria.
He told Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan that while there had been a number of security incidents along the northern Lebanese-Syrian border, “this is a considerable distance from the Unifil area of operations”.
Ms O’Sullivan asked about the usefulness of having seven Irish personnel in Afghanistan “when we have two on the OSCE mission in Bosnia and there is a danger of escalating problems arising in Bosnia”.
Mr Shatter said that in parts of the world where very small numbers were deployed, “it is members of the Irish Defence Forces who are in important command positions with regard to missions involving troops from other countries”.
Click to read debate in full here
He told Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan that while there had been a number of security incidents along the northern Lebanese-Syrian border, “this is a considerable distance from the Unifil area of operations”.
Ms O’Sullivan asked about the usefulness of having seven Irish personnel in Afghanistan “when we have two on the OSCE mission in Bosnia and there is a danger of escalating problems arising in Bosnia”.
Mr Shatter said that in parts of the world where very small numbers were deployed, “it is members of the Irish Defence Forces who are in important command positions with regard to missions involving troops from other countries”.
Click to read debate in full here
16 May Credit Guarnantee Bill
Click to read & hear speech in full
Maureen speaking on Bill debate said, 'Everyone agrees growth is the key to recovery; just yesterday the Taoiseach made that point in this House. We are asking what will stimulate growth, and central to that are jobs, not just job creation, but job retention as well. We have not been paying enough attention to job retention and we have seen small businesses going out of business needlessly, when injections of small amounts of capital would have prevented that. I hope this Bill will provide the practical support to allow banks and credit institutions to do this.
We all know of small businesses, many in families for generations, that are part of the fabric of the community that have had to close. Apart from the effect on business and employment, there is a demoralising effect on the community when people are looking at a boarded up premises that was once a thriving business. These premises also bring another problem; they become targets for vandalism.
Over the years we have seen the banks use marketing slogans to give the impression that they are friendly, supportive and available. Unfortunately that was true for the bigger businesses, multinational corporations and developers, where prudence and caution were replaced by reckless abandon, which led to disastrous consequences as a result of the lack of good governance. I would not get into a car without brakes but that seems to be how the banks functioned. They went on and on and on but never helped those who might have been able to stay in business if even a small proportion of this capital had been directed towards them. . .
. . . There is a need for positive discrimination in favour of Irish businesses and jobs. I have seen many examples of entrepreneurship during my teaching career, involving young people with great ideas and great innovation. Mini-companies have been set up by young entrepreneurs and young scientists and so on. The Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, envisages great potential in the social enterprise and entrepreneurship areas. Science Foundation Ireland is funding a vast amount of research. Dublin has been recognised as the European city of science for 2012 and a major forum is due to take place here in July. This is another potential area for employment. Other positives include the micro-finance fund and the development capital scheme. There is a need to consider upskilling as well. . . . '
We all know of small businesses, many in families for generations, that are part of the fabric of the community that have had to close. Apart from the effect on business and employment, there is a demoralising effect on the community when people are looking at a boarded up premises that was once a thriving business. These premises also bring another problem; they become targets for vandalism.
Over the years we have seen the banks use marketing slogans to give the impression that they are friendly, supportive and available. Unfortunately that was true for the bigger businesses, multinational corporations and developers, where prudence and caution were replaced by reckless abandon, which led to disastrous consequences as a result of the lack of good governance. I would not get into a car without brakes but that seems to be how the banks functioned. They went on and on and on but never helped those who might have been able to stay in business if even a small proportion of this capital had been directed towards them. . .
. . . There is a need for positive discrimination in favour of Irish businesses and jobs. I have seen many examples of entrepreneurship during my teaching career, involving young people with great ideas and great innovation. Mini-companies have been set up by young entrepreneurs and young scientists and so on. The Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, envisages great potential in the social enterprise and entrepreneurship areas. Science Foundation Ireland is funding a vast amount of research. Dublin has been recognised as the European city of science for 2012 and a major forum is due to take place here in July. This is another potential area for employment. Other positives include the micro-finance fund and the development capital scheme. There is a need to consider upskilling as well. . . . '
14 May Independent TDs and MEP call for Fiscal Compact Treaty referendum to be delayed
Click for RTE video clip
There are diverse views among the seven parliamentarians about voting intentions but all are agreed that the poll should not go ahead this month.
All referred to the election of new French president François Hollande, with his promise to push for a growth compact, as well as the decision by the German Bundestag to defer its ratification of the fiscal treaty until later in the year.
Maureen O'Sullivan said due to changing political and economic situation in europe it was bordering on the irresponsible for this vote to go ahead.
A deferral will give space for clarification of aspects on both sides.
Maureen said she would be voting No. She said that her stance was an ideological one and she had opposed Ireland's entry to the EEC in 1973.
The TDs calling for a postponement are Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, Mattie McGrath, Catherine Murphy, Stephen Donnelly and Maureen O Sullivan. (Click here for more)
All referred to the election of new French president François Hollande, with his promise to push for a growth compact, as well as the decision by the German Bundestag to defer its ratification of the fiscal treaty until later in the year.
Maureen O'Sullivan said due to changing political and economic situation in europe it was bordering on the irresponsible for this vote to go ahead.
A deferral will give space for clarification of aspects on both sides.
Maureen said she would be voting No. She said that her stance was an ideological one and she had opposed Ireland's entry to the EEC in 1973.
The TDs calling for a postponement are Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, Mattie McGrath, Catherine Murphy, Stephen Donnelly and Maureen O Sullivan. (Click here for more)
10 May Ireland’s Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organisation for Security & Control in Europe (OSCE): Statements
Click to hear Maureen's statement
The OSCE has a laudable mandate that stretches from arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the press to conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. It is interesting that it emerged from the Helsinki talks where the Russian delegation had felt that it would be a way in which they could control the countries of the Eastern Bloc whereas the countries of Western Europe had a different agenda, and then the collapse of communism brought about a new dimension.
I came across a quotation from Vladimir Putin which he made in 2007. He was accusing the western states of “trying to transform the OSCE into a vulgar instrument designed to promote the foreign policy interests of one or a group of countries”. I thought that somewhat rich given the way in which Russia is using its veto over the rights of the Syrian people. . . .
. . . . The Secretary General in an interview in 2009 said, “We’re working to the long haul”. When the Tánaiste opened the in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham he quoted from Yeats’s poem “Lake Isle of Inishfree” and he talked about “peace comes dropping slow”. That indicates that the Tánaiste is very aware of the challenges.
It has taken a while for us to get the chairmanship and I wish the Tánaiste very well on this. He came to a meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and set out his priorities. I know there are protracted conflicts, including the Transdniestrian settlement process, Nagorno Karabakh and Georgia. I had hoped and asked that Bosnia would have been one of his priorities in view of the escalating tensions and difficulties there. Ireland could have and perhaps still can play a role to ensure that democracy prevails, even though it is not one of the Tánaiste’s priorities. We have had meeting with Lord Ashdown and Kurt Bassuener and both see Bosnia Herzegovina as being in a very precarious situation with a need for a renewed commitment to stop the spread of corruption, lawlessness and ethnic chauvinism. I was struck by an OSCE project I read about which is a community engagement in Bosnia Herzegovina and which seems to be very positive.
I support the action plan on combating trafficking. There are certain member counties where we know that girls and young women are very vulnerable to being trafficked. General equality is another core principle, yet there are countries in the OSCE where gender equality is not on the agenda. Even in the countries of the Arab Spring, women seem to be being written out of their role in that history. I will not discuss media freedom. . . . Click here & scroll to read full statement
I came across a quotation from Vladimir Putin which he made in 2007. He was accusing the western states of “trying to transform the OSCE into a vulgar instrument designed to promote the foreign policy interests of one or a group of countries”. I thought that somewhat rich given the way in which Russia is using its veto over the rights of the Syrian people. . . .
. . . . The Secretary General in an interview in 2009 said, “We’re working to the long haul”. When the Tánaiste opened the in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham he quoted from Yeats’s poem “Lake Isle of Inishfree” and he talked about “peace comes dropping slow”. That indicates that the Tánaiste is very aware of the challenges.
It has taken a while for us to get the chairmanship and I wish the Tánaiste very well on this. He came to a meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and set out his priorities. I know there are protracted conflicts, including the Transdniestrian settlement process, Nagorno Karabakh and Georgia. I had hoped and asked that Bosnia would have been one of his priorities in view of the escalating tensions and difficulties there. Ireland could have and perhaps still can play a role to ensure that democracy prevails, even though it is not one of the Tánaiste’s priorities. We have had meeting with Lord Ashdown and Kurt Bassuener and both see Bosnia Herzegovina as being in a very precarious situation with a need for a renewed commitment to stop the spread of corruption, lawlessness and ethnic chauvinism. I was struck by an OSCE project I read about which is a community engagement in Bosnia Herzegovina and which seems to be very positive.
I support the action plan on combating trafficking. There are certain member counties where we know that girls and young women are very vulnerable to being trafficked. General equality is another core principle, yet there are countries in the OSCE where gender equality is not on the agenda. Even in the countries of the Arab Spring, women seem to be being written out of their role in that history. I will not discuss media freedom. . . . Click here & scroll to read full statement
10 May Priority Questions - Animal Welfare
Click to hear debate
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine Information on Simon Coveney Zoom on Simon Coveney if he will provide an account of the consequence to the complaints made to Horse Racing Ireland and the Turf Club in relation to the treatment and welfare of race horses owned by a person which was brought to his attention previously.
Deputy Simon Coveney: I thank Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan for raising this issue again. Earlier this year I responded in detail to questions put down by the Deputy regarding the matters to which she now refers, which is the welfare of horses. I explained, in my earlier replies to the Deputy, my Department’s responsibilities with regard to the welfare of horses and the options open to an individual should he or she wish to refer or progress complaints relating to the welfare of horses. . . .
. . . . Rather than reading the rest of this reply, I will make a few other points. We are changing this nonsense because it is ridiculous that my Department cannot follow up on a welfare query in regard to race horses or other horses for that matter. I introduced the Animal Health and Welfare Bill in the Seanad last week, the purpose of which is to bring legislation together to try to stop this type of thing happening where, essentially, there is no Department, apart from the Department of Justice and Equality, through the Garda, with which people can follow up on complaints such as this. The Deputy will see significant legislative change on which she will have an opportunity to contribute in the coming weeks when that Bill is brought before the Dáil.
. . . Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I thank the Minister for that answer and for the other answers he gave me about this situation. I know it predates his taking office as the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his predecessor, the then Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, would have dealt with it first. I am delighted about what the Minister said about regarding the welfare of horses in the context of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. I think he and I will be having a few debates about another animal, the hare, and coursing, and probably fur farming as well. On this matter, I welcome what the Minister has said. Click here & scroll to read in full
Deputy Simon Coveney: I thank Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan for raising this issue again. Earlier this year I responded in detail to questions put down by the Deputy regarding the matters to which she now refers, which is the welfare of horses. I explained, in my earlier replies to the Deputy, my Department’s responsibilities with regard to the welfare of horses and the options open to an individual should he or she wish to refer or progress complaints relating to the welfare of horses. . . .
. . . . Rather than reading the rest of this reply, I will make a few other points. We are changing this nonsense because it is ridiculous that my Department cannot follow up on a welfare query in regard to race horses or other horses for that matter. I introduced the Animal Health and Welfare Bill in the Seanad last week, the purpose of which is to bring legislation together to try to stop this type of thing happening where, essentially, there is no Department, apart from the Department of Justice and Equality, through the Garda, with which people can follow up on complaints such as this. The Deputy will see significant legislative change on which she will have an opportunity to contribute in the coming weeks when that Bill is brought before the Dáil.
. . . Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I thank the Minister for that answer and for the other answers he gave me about this situation. I know it predates his taking office as the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his predecessor, the then Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, would have dealt with it first. I am delighted about what the Minister said about regarding the welfare of horses in the context of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. I think he and I will be having a few debates about another animal, the hare, and coursing, and probably fur farming as well. On this matter, I welcome what the Minister has said. Click here & scroll to read in full
09 May Domicilary Care Allowance Private Members' Motion (Dáil Technical Group)
Click here & scroll to read in full
Maureen speaking on the motion said, 'I am sharing time with Deputy Boyd Barrett. My view is very simple. The needs of people with mental health issues and disabilities, and their loved ones, should be sacrosanct when formulating budgets. The word “cuts” should never be used for people who have a disability or a mental health issue. They have enough stress to deal with in their lives without having the additional stress of wondering about their income. Government Departments and services should be making life easier for those people, not more difficult. However, it is clear from the calls we have received and the meetings we have attended that life has become much more difficult since the transfer of assessment, review and appeals to the Department of Social Protection.
I acknowledge the work of Deputies Catherine Murphy, Richard Boyd Barrett, Thomas Pringle and Finian McGrath in bringing this very serious matter before the Dáil. Life has been made more difficult for these people because assessments are being carried out by people who do not have specialised knowledge of disability. It is also more difficult due to the appeals process and the extra expense parents must undertake to get medical evidence. It is also more difficult due to the waiting period of 38 weeks for an oral appeal. . . .
. . . . On the call for the review, I add my voice to those who state the voices which must be listened to are those of the parents and groups who are actively involved with such children. In the case of a child with autism, dyspraxia or Asperger’s syndrome, there is no cure and consequently their lives will not change. While they might be provided with strategies to help them to cope with life, the needs will always remain. A particular issue in this regard is that for parents who have a child with Down’s syndrome or a physical disability, the condition is visible but this is not the case for autistic children and not sufficient cognisance is given to this aspect. I support the call by the Autism Rights and Equality Alliance for the Government to develop a comprehensive autism lifespan strategy for those concerned, which would eliminate the need for crisis interventions or the obligation to telephone one’s public representative to get one’s entitlements, because one’s needs would be addressed.'
I acknowledge the work of Deputies Catherine Murphy, Richard Boyd Barrett, Thomas Pringle and Finian McGrath in bringing this very serious matter before the Dáil. Life has been made more difficult for these people because assessments are being carried out by people who do not have specialised knowledge of disability. It is also more difficult due to the appeals process and the extra expense parents must undertake to get medical evidence. It is also more difficult due to the waiting period of 38 weeks for an oral appeal. . . .
. . . . On the call for the review, I add my voice to those who state the voices which must be listened to are those of the parents and groups who are actively involved with such children. In the case of a child with autism, dyspraxia or Asperger’s syndrome, there is no cure and consequently their lives will not change. While they might be provided with strategies to help them to cope with life, the needs will always remain. A particular issue in this regard is that for parents who have a child with Down’s syndrome or a physical disability, the condition is visible but this is not the case for autistic children and not sufficient cognisance is given to this aspect. I support the call by the Autism Rights and Equality Alliance for the Government to develop a comprehensive autism lifespan strategy for those concerned, which would eliminate the need for crisis interventions or the obligation to telephone one’s public representative to get one’s entitlements, because one’s needs would be addressed.'
09 May The Late Debate RTE
Click for link to hear Podcast of show
Maureen was on the panel of The Late Debate with Fergal Keane on Wednseday
discussing
Dáil Technical Group Private Members' Motion on Domiciliary Care & Allowances;
Oil and Gas Revenues; Fiscal Compact Treaty Referendum & Greece
discussing
Dáil Technical Group Private Members' Motion on Domiciliary Care & Allowances;
Oil and Gas Revenues; Fiscal Compact Treaty Referendum & Greece
10 May Ireland’s Chairmanship-in-Office of the OSCE: Statements
Click to read Maureen's statement in full
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: The OSCE has a laudable mandate that stretches from arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the press to conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. It is interesting that it emerged from the Helsinki talks where the Russian delegation had felt that it would be a way in which they could control the countries of the Eastern Bloc whereas the countries of Western Europe had a different agenda, and then the collapse of communism brought about a new dimension.
I came across a quotation from Vladimir Putin which he made in 2007. He was accusing the western states of “trying to transform the OSCE into a vulgar instrument designed to promote the foreign policy interests of one or a group of countries”. I thought that somewhat rich given the way in which Russia is using its veto over the rights of the Syrian people.
When one looks at OSCE’s history and development, like many organisations, it had a tendency to grow and grow and to become somewhat unwieldy. Perhaps it has taken on too much and, like a tree with too many branches, needs pruning. Instead of being the talking shop and political platform lacking, as one commentator put it, “competence and an ability to make their mark with a lack of direction”. There are still certain aims on which there is a need to refocus. . . . .
. . . . . I support the action plan on combating trafficking. There are certain member counties where we know that girls and young women are very vulnerable to being trafficked. General equality is another core principle, yet there are countries in the OSCE where gender equality is not on the agenda. Even in the countries of the Arab Spring, women seem to be being written out of their role in that history. I will not discuss media freedom.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: I must ask the Deputy to conclude her remarks.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I agree with election monitoring but I cannot understand how election results still stand if election monitors who see wrongdoing, corruption or rigging write a report afterwards. This must be examined. I hope disarmament and non-proliferation will be kept on the agenda.
I came across a quotation from Vladimir Putin which he made in 2007. He was accusing the western states of “trying to transform the OSCE into a vulgar instrument designed to promote the foreign policy interests of one or a group of countries”. I thought that somewhat rich given the way in which Russia is using its veto over the rights of the Syrian people.
When one looks at OSCE’s history and development, like many organisations, it had a tendency to grow and grow and to become somewhat unwieldy. Perhaps it has taken on too much and, like a tree with too many branches, needs pruning. Instead of being the talking shop and political platform lacking, as one commentator put it, “competence and an ability to make their mark with a lack of direction”. There are still certain aims on which there is a need to refocus. . . . .
. . . . . I support the action plan on combating trafficking. There are certain member counties where we know that girls and young women are very vulnerable to being trafficked. General equality is another core principle, yet there are countries in the OSCE where gender equality is not on the agenda. Even in the countries of the Arab Spring, women seem to be being written out of their role in that history. I will not discuss media freedom.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: I must ask the Deputy to conclude her remarks.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I agree with election monitoring but I cannot understand how election results still stand if election monitors who see wrongdoing, corruption or rigging write a report afterwards. This must be examined. I hope disarmament and non-proliferation will be kept on the agenda.
10 May Priority Questions - Animal Welfare
Click to scroll down & read the debate in full
Maureen asked the Minister for Agriculture a priority question 'If he will provide an account of the consequence to the complaints made to Horse Racing Ireland and the Turf Club in relation to the treatment and welfare of race horses owned by a person which was brought to his attention previously.'
Deputy Simon Coveney: I thank Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan for raising this issue again. Earlier this year I responded in detail to questions put down by the Deputy regarding the matters to which she now refers, which is the welfare of horses. I explained, in my earlier replies to the Deputy, my Department’s responsibilities with regard to the welfare of horses and the options open to an individual should he or she wish to refer or progress complaints relating to the welfare of horses. . . . .
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I thank the Minister for that answer and for the other answers he gave me about this situation. I know it predates his taking office as the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his predecessor, the then Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, would have dealt with it first. I am delighted about what the Minister said about regarding the welfare of horses in the context of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. I think he and I will be having a few debates about another animal, the hare, and coursing, and probably fur farming as well. On this matter, I welcome what the Minister has said.
The current position is difficult in terms of to where a complaint should made. When a complaint was made, it went to the Turf Club. It appeared that was a dead end and this gentleman was left with no other recourse. What the Minister is planning in this context is probably too late for him and, in the meantime, I wonder what recourse he has. . . . . '
Deputy Simon Coveney: On the issue of equine welfare in Ireland generally, we have done a good deal in working with the Equine Centre in the past year to get a handle on the number of abandoned horses in Ireland. We have also done a good deal of work on the identification and the traceability of horses in terms of microchipping and the provision of passports. There is a good deal happening in this area. Ultimately, the Animal Health and Welfare Bill is the place to deal with this debate from a legislative point of view.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I look forward to the debate.
Deputy Simon Coveney: I thank Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan for raising this issue again. Earlier this year I responded in detail to questions put down by the Deputy regarding the matters to which she now refers, which is the welfare of horses. I explained, in my earlier replies to the Deputy, my Department’s responsibilities with regard to the welfare of horses and the options open to an individual should he or she wish to refer or progress complaints relating to the welfare of horses. . . . .
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I thank the Minister for that answer and for the other answers he gave me about this situation. I know it predates his taking office as the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and his predecessor, the then Minister, Deputy Brendan Smith, would have dealt with it first. I am delighted about what the Minister said about regarding the welfare of horses in the context of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. I think he and I will be having a few debates about another animal, the hare, and coursing, and probably fur farming as well. On this matter, I welcome what the Minister has said.
The current position is difficult in terms of to where a complaint should made. When a complaint was made, it went to the Turf Club. It appeared that was a dead end and this gentleman was left with no other recourse. What the Minister is planning in this context is probably too late for him and, in the meantime, I wonder what recourse he has. . . . . '
Deputy Simon Coveney: On the issue of equine welfare in Ireland generally, we have done a good deal in working with the Equine Centre in the past year to get a handle on the number of abandoned horses in Ireland. We have also done a good deal of work on the identification and the traceability of horses in terms of microchipping and the provision of passports. There is a good deal happening in this area. Ultimately, the Animal Health and Welfare Bill is the place to deal with this debate from a legislative point of view.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I look forward to the debate.
8 & 9 May Domicilary Care Allowance Private Members Business (Dáil Technical Group)
Click for link to group's motion
Opposition TDs force Dáil debate on domiciliary care allowance
THE DÁIL’S TECHNICAL group, made up of Independent and United Left Alliance TDs, is to table a Dáil motion calling on the government to radically reform the domiciliary care allowance.
The domiciliary care allowance is a monthly payment given to the carer of a child with severe disabilities who requires close supervision or attention.
Many families have encountered significant problems accessing and retaining the allowance since the administration of the DCA was transferred from the HSE to the Department of Social Protection in 2009, the Technical Group said . . . .
Read thejournal.ie article here
THE DÁIL’S TECHNICAL group, made up of Independent and United Left Alliance TDs, is to table a Dáil motion calling on the government to radically reform the domiciliary care allowance.
The domiciliary care allowance is a monthly payment given to the carer of a child with severe disabilities who requires close supervision or attention.
Many families have encountered significant problems accessing and retaining the allowance since the administration of the DCA was transferred from the HSE to the Department of Social Protection in 2009, the Technical Group said . . . .
Read thejournal.ie article here
3 May Topical Issue Debate - Human Rights Issues
Click to read debate in full
Maureen O'Sullivan, ' I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing us to raise this matter. The issue of the prisoners in Maghaberry Prison has been long neglected and is getting very little publicity. We are not talking about the political views of these prisoners, but the human rights conditions in which they have been held for quite a while. I will discuss the case of Marion Price, while Deputy Pringle will speak about two other prisoners.
Until February, Marion Price was held practically in solitary confinement in an all male prison. She has now been moved to a so-called health centre, which I do not believe is addressing her health issues. There are questions about the lawfulness of her detention and the term “administrative internment” is also being used. She was re-arrested when she was out on bail on the order of the Secretary of State, so I think there are issues here about the independence of the Judiciary.
I followed up on prisoner rights and human rights issues for prisoners in China, Iran and Bahrain recently, and then I discovered that this was an issue just 100 km up the road. I tabled a question to the Minister for Justice and Equality in January, who told me that the Tánaiste was in discussions with the Minister of State in Northern Ireland. I then followed that with two questions to the Tánaiste and the gist of his response was that the situation was being monitored. More definite detail is needed on this. What exactly is going on? Does the Tánaiste feel that he has role on a prisoner rights and human rights issue up the road in Northern Ireland? . . . .'
Until February, Marion Price was held practically in solitary confinement in an all male prison. She has now been moved to a so-called health centre, which I do not believe is addressing her health issues. There are questions about the lawfulness of her detention and the term “administrative internment” is also being used. She was re-arrested when she was out on bail on the order of the Secretary of State, so I think there are issues here about the independence of the Judiciary.
I followed up on prisoner rights and human rights issues for prisoners in China, Iran and Bahrain recently, and then I discovered that this was an issue just 100 km up the road. I tabled a question to the Minister for Justice and Equality in January, who told me that the Tánaiste was in discussions with the Minister of State in Northern Ireland. I then followed that with two questions to the Tánaiste and the gist of his response was that the situation was being monitored. More definite detail is needed on this. What exactly is going on? Does the Tánaiste feel that he has role on a prisoner rights and human rights issue up the road in Northern Ireland? . . . .'
26 April Minister's response on the situation in Bahrain regarding the hunger striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja
Click for 30th April news updates
Maureen asked, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the situation in Bahrain regarding the hunger striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja who has been on hunger strike for over 70 days; if he has made representations to the Danish Government in support of his extradition to Denmark; if any measures have been taken to urge the Bahraini authorities to find a humanitarian solution to this matter as Mr. Khawaja's health is increasingly in jeopardy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Minister's reply, I am gravely concerned about the situation of Mr Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja. He has entered his 78th day of hunger strike, and is currently refusing to take any liquids. His health is rapidly deteriorating and there is clearly only the shortest window remaining to find a solution.
Mr Al-Khawaja was sentenced to life imprisonment last June in a trial that did not meet international standards. The verdict in his appeal had been scheduled to be announced this week but has been postponed until next Monday. This delay is unfortunate but I very much hope that next week’s hearing will result in some positive developments in relation to Mr Al-Khawaja’s case.
I discussed this case with Danish Foreign Minister Sovndal at the Gymnich meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Copenhagen in March, and offered any assistance that the Government could provide to assist the Danish authorities in reaching an agreement with the Bahraini authorities in relation to the case of Mr Al-Khawaja, who is a dual Bahraini-Danish citizen. Officials in my Department have remained in regular contact with the Danish authorities since as well as with other concerned international partners. The case was also discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council earlier this week. I fully support the statement of HR Ashton on 17 April which urged the Bahraini authorities to find a compassionate, pragmatic and humanitarian solution as a matter of urgency.
My officials have also directly relayed my concerns to the Bahraini authorities, both to the Bahraini Ambassador in London and, through our Ambassador in Riyadh, to the Bahraini Chargé there urging positive consideration of the Danish request that Mr Al-Khawaja be released to Denmark for medical treatment. I again impress on the Bahraini authorities the need to find a pragmatic and humanitarian solution at this critical juncture.
The overall human rights situation in Bahrain continues to give rise to concern and the demonstrations arising from last weekend’s holding of the Formula 1 Grand Prix again underline the urgent need for follow-up to last November’s Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report. I urge the Bahraini authorities and the opposition to engage genuinely and meaningfully in Bahrain’s national reconciliation process. A way must be found through dialogue to chart a new and inclusive future for Bahrain.
(Please note that photo above was released by Abdulhadi al-Khawaja's family earlier in April)
Minister's reply, I am gravely concerned about the situation of Mr Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja. He has entered his 78th day of hunger strike, and is currently refusing to take any liquids. His health is rapidly deteriorating and there is clearly only the shortest window remaining to find a solution.
Mr Al-Khawaja was sentenced to life imprisonment last June in a trial that did not meet international standards. The verdict in his appeal had been scheduled to be announced this week but has been postponed until next Monday. This delay is unfortunate but I very much hope that next week’s hearing will result in some positive developments in relation to Mr Al-Khawaja’s case.
I discussed this case with Danish Foreign Minister Sovndal at the Gymnich meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Copenhagen in March, and offered any assistance that the Government could provide to assist the Danish authorities in reaching an agreement with the Bahraini authorities in relation to the case of Mr Al-Khawaja, who is a dual Bahraini-Danish citizen. Officials in my Department have remained in regular contact with the Danish authorities since as well as with other concerned international partners. The case was also discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council earlier this week. I fully support the statement of HR Ashton on 17 April which urged the Bahraini authorities to find a compassionate, pragmatic and humanitarian solution as a matter of urgency.
My officials have also directly relayed my concerns to the Bahraini authorities, both to the Bahraini Ambassador in London and, through our Ambassador in Riyadh, to the Bahraini Chargé there urging positive consideration of the Danish request that Mr Al-Khawaja be released to Denmark for medical treatment. I again impress on the Bahraini authorities the need to find a pragmatic and humanitarian solution at this critical juncture.
The overall human rights situation in Bahrain continues to give rise to concern and the demonstrations arising from last weekend’s holding of the Formula 1 Grand Prix again underline the urgent need for follow-up to last November’s Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report. I urge the Bahraini authorities and the opposition to engage genuinely and meaningfully in Bahrain’s national reconciliation process. A way must be found through dialogue to chart a new and inclusive future for Bahrain.
(Please note that photo above was released by Abdulhadi al-Khawaja's family earlier in April)
24 April Equality Between women and men: a condition for the success of the Arab Spring
Click to read Maureen's speech in full
Maureen spoke at Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe in Strasbourg, ' . . .Equality between men and women is a basic human right. No one should be discriminated against on the basis of gender, discrimination or religious belief. Since the beginning of the 20th century, tremendous progress has been made in many countries on the rights of women in terms of voting rights, education and employment, and in the political arena. The challenge for all the countries involved in the Arab Spring is now to actively promote those rights, based on the principle of equality between men and women. . .
. . .I want to acknowledge the role of women in the Arab Spring, in the countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, and further in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Bahrain. I particularly want to mention the role of women at the protests last weekend in Bahrain on behalf of the jailed activist Abdulhadi al-Kawaja. Their call is for more equality, the right and opportunity to participate in political life in their respective countries and democratic change. It is vital that the Council of Europe takes a leading, proactive role in supporting women’s movements, because it is obvious that women are being sidelined in some of these countries and their previous, considerable role is also being ignored. In some countries, it is almost as if they are being written out of the history of the Arab Spring. . . '
. . .I want to acknowledge the role of women in the Arab Spring, in the countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, and further in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Bahrain. I particularly want to mention the role of women at the protests last weekend in Bahrain on behalf of the jailed activist Abdulhadi al-Kawaja. Their call is for more equality, the right and opportunity to participate in political life in their respective countries and democratic change. It is vital that the Council of Europe takes a leading, proactive role in supporting women’s movements, because it is obvious that women are being sidelined in some of these countries and their previous, considerable role is also being ignored. In some countries, it is almost as if they are being written out of the history of the Arab Spring. . . '
20 April Burial and Cremation Regulation Bill 2011
Click to hear Maureen's speech in full
Some points rasied by Maureen speaking on recent debate, "Deputy Broughan does a considerable service in bringing forward this Bill. Until I read the Bill and received other information, I was unaware there is no legislation to regulate the establishment and operation of crematoria and some graveyards. . . . .
. . . . Regulation of crematoria is vital from an environmental point of view, owing to mercury emissions produced by dental amalgam in human remains. In preparing for this debate, I learned that in many European countries emissions from crematoria are now a major source of mercury emissions. Other ways to treat dental amalgam waste are covered by EU law but emissions from crematoria are not. This is something else to be tackled. There are also various newer approaches to dealing with human remains. These could also be a subject for debate. . . . .
. . . . In the context of burials, I have been involved in cilliní. I acknowledge the work of archaeologist and anthropologist, Toni Maguire, who has been doing great work in this area. She uncovered thousands of cilliní in the diocese of Down and Connor. She is now working in Milltown Cemetery. She stresses the social importance of preserving cilliní, which involve burials carried out in secret. In some cases the babies were not baptised or some other issue arose in connection with the death. The families tried to bury the children as close to consecrated ground as they could and that must be respected. I wished to take the opportunity to make that point. Perhaps the authority could take it on board and the walls associated with crematoria could accommodate a space for the cilliní. . .
. . . . Another group of people of whom I am aware from my involvement with them are the ladies who lived in the Magdalene Laundries. They had no dignity in life and, unfortunately, in some cases they do not have any dignity in death. Again, perhaps the proposed authority could play a role in ensuring there is a proper memorial to those ladies who are buried in various graveyards throughout the country and that we could get rid of the word “penitents” in the graveyard in Galway. . . . "
Click here & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full
. . . . Regulation of crematoria is vital from an environmental point of view, owing to mercury emissions produced by dental amalgam in human remains. In preparing for this debate, I learned that in many European countries emissions from crematoria are now a major source of mercury emissions. Other ways to treat dental amalgam waste are covered by EU law but emissions from crematoria are not. This is something else to be tackled. There are also various newer approaches to dealing with human remains. These could also be a subject for debate. . . . .
. . . . In the context of burials, I have been involved in cilliní. I acknowledge the work of archaeologist and anthropologist, Toni Maguire, who has been doing great work in this area. She uncovered thousands of cilliní in the diocese of Down and Connor. She is now working in Milltown Cemetery. She stresses the social importance of preserving cilliní, which involve burials carried out in secret. In some cases the babies were not baptised or some other issue arose in connection with the death. The families tried to bury the children as close to consecrated ground as they could and that must be respected. I wished to take the opportunity to make that point. Perhaps the authority could take it on board and the walls associated with crematoria could accommodate a space for the cilliní. . .
. . . . Another group of people of whom I am aware from my involvement with them are the ladies who lived in the Magdalene Laundries. They had no dignity in life and, unfortunately, in some cases they do not have any dignity in death. Again, perhaps the proposed authority could play a role in ensuring there is a proper memorial to those ladies who are buried in various graveyards throughout the country and that we could get rid of the word “penitents” in the graveyard in Galway. . . . "
Click here & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full
20 April Burial and Cremation Regulation Bill 2011
Click image to read Irish Times article
The Government will not be accepting the Private Members' Bill on the regulation of burial facilities. Read RTE article here
Independent TD Maureen O'Sullivan said it was vital that crematoria are regulated from an environmental viewpoint. She pointed out that they are a major source of mercury emissions from dental amalgam waste.
Broughan's call for crematorium regulation rejected
Independent Dublin Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan said regulation of crematoriums was environmentally vital because of “mercury emissions produced by dental amalgam in human remains”.
Independent Dublin Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan said regulation of crematoriums was environmentally vital because of “mercury emissions produced by dental amalgam in human remains”.
Independent TD Maureen O'Sullivan said it was vital that crematoria are regulated from an environmental viewpoint. She pointed out that they are a major source of mercury emissions from dental amalgam waste.
Broughan's call for crematorium regulation rejected
Independent Dublin Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan said regulation of crematoriums was environmentally vital because of “mercury emissions produced by dental amalgam in human remains”.
Independent Dublin Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan said regulation of crematoriums was environmentally vital because of “mercury emissions produced by dental amalgam in human remains”.
Job maith a dhéanamh ag an grúpa neamhsplách, da réir an 'Irish Times Survey'
Ar RTE nuacht anseo (tar éis 6 noiméad)
'Ón na torthaí sin cheapann na daoine go bhfuil job maith a dhéanamh ag an grúpa neamhsplách, job maith a dhéanamh aigeann sna Dáil cheantar eagsúla agus sa Dáil féin istigh ansin.' Mauren O'Sullivan
19 April Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on 'Fiscal Compact') Bill 2012
Click to read Maureen's speech in full
Maureen speaking on forthcoming referendum legislation, "I will go back a number of years to refer to the very first decision to join the EEC. I was against that decision and over the years have been consistently opposed to that membership. Consequently, I have been against both the Nice treaty and the various varieties of the Lisbon treaty. I thought we were giving away too much of our identity and our sovereignty and that we were no longer masters of our own destiny. My fear always has been that we would be swallowed up by the bigger fish in the pond that is Europe. It is very important that this referendum be held, although it appeared for some time as though this would not happen. However, decisions of fundamental importance to Ireland must go to the Irish people. In two examples in recent years, namely, the bank guarantee and the bailout, decisions were made without reference to the citizens but citizens are paying for those decisions now. People are being given the choice and an interesting survey appeared in today’s edition of The Irish Times. It shows the referendum will be a major test for the Government, as it appears the outcome is wide open. According to the latest MRBI poll, the outcome appears to hinge on those who are undecided. I can understand people voting “Yes” because that fear factor is powerful. I believe it is significant that people over 65 are giving the treaty the strongest support. However, strongest support for the “No” side comes from the age cohort just younger than the over-65 age group. Another interesting point is that 66% of the pro-Europe side, who consider Ireland to be better in Europe, comprise the better-off and farmers, whereas those who are anti-Europe are the poorest voters. This statistic speaks volumes as the current economic and political policies certainly are creating more poor people in Ireland. . . . "
Click here & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full
Click here & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full
19 April Medical Treatment (Termination of Pregnancy in Case of Risk to Life of Pregnant Woman) Bill 2012
Click to hear Maureen speaking
Maureen speaking on the Technical Group Private Members' Motion, "I wish to share time with several Independent Deputies. I understand the Acting Chairman has the list. It is important that Deputy Clare Daly has introduced this Bill on the issue of abortion or termination of pregnancy and that it is being discussed today in advance of the publication of the report of the expert group set up by the Government. Since we are a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, I believe the Government is obliged to remedy any breaches of it. I realise other arguments have been put forward in this regard. It will be interesting to see the findings of the expert group. I believe a timeframe has been set.
It is easy to suggest that we should wait for the expert group but we have been waiting for a long time and not only for this group. Let us consider the history of this matter in the country. It has been repeatedly delayed, leading to referendums, Supreme Court cases, various working groups and a Green Paper. There was an all-party Oireachtas group set up in November 2000. It published its report after 12 months of submissions and deliberations but failed to reach a consensus. A fifth referendum was held in 2002 and it brought about the current position. There is a good deal of divergent opinion and that is likely to continue. . . '
Click here & scroll to read text in full
It is easy to suggest that we should wait for the expert group but we have been waiting for a long time and not only for this group. Let us consider the history of this matter in the country. It has been repeatedly delayed, leading to referendums, Supreme Court cases, various working groups and a Green Paper. There was an all-party Oireachtas group set up in November 2000. It published its report after 12 months of submissions and deliberations but failed to reach a consensus. A fifth referendum was held in 2002 and it brought about the current position. There is a good deal of divergent opinion and that is likely to continue. . . '
Click here & scroll to read text in full
18 April Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012
Click hear Maureen speaking
Maureen speaking on the second Stage of the bill, "I believe that any discussion on social welfare must be guided by two principles, namely, fairness and social justice. However, those principles are very much under threat and at times, one can discern the manner in which they have been maligned and that those of us who are guided by principles of justice and fairness are almost perceived to be figures of fun who trot out such cliches. However, across the River Liffey in the constituency of Dublin Central, I can see where they are not cliches because there are plenty of examples of unfairness and injustice. Decisions undoubtedly have been made by the Government - regardless of the intention - arising from which the needy and vulnerable are suffering disproportionately. Again, I note terms such as “vulnerable” and “needy” are almost looked upon scornfully by certain sections of society and in the media. Some people in society are not unduly affected by the cuts. I refer to Members of this House, as well as people in certain positions in State, semi-State and private organisations. . . . .
. . . . Earlier this evening I launched a photo exhibition depicting people who had previously worked on Dublin’s docks. Obviously, the men in question are all now well advanced in age. They were employed for all of their working lives on the docks where they engaged in extremely hard work in difficult conditions. They paid their taxes and reared their families and are now dependent on their pensions and social welfare payments. It was heartbreaking to hear men who had worked in appalling conditions on the docks acknowledging that they were afraid that further inroads would be made into their pensions. As I travelled to Leinster House after the launch, I was very conscious of that group of elderly people who were completely dependent on their pensions. They cannot take any more cuts and do not deserve to do so."
Click here & scroll to read full text of speech
. . . . Earlier this evening I launched a photo exhibition depicting people who had previously worked on Dublin’s docks. Obviously, the men in question are all now well advanced in age. They were employed for all of their working lives on the docks where they engaged in extremely hard work in difficult conditions. They paid their taxes and reared their families and are now dependent on their pensions and social welfare payments. It was heartbreaking to hear men who had worked in appalling conditions on the docks acknowledging that they were afraid that further inroads would be made into their pensions. As I travelled to Leinster House after the launch, I was very conscious of that group of elderly people who were completely dependent on their pensions. They cannot take any more cuts and do not deserve to do so."
Click here & scroll to read full text of speech
18 April Maureen O'Sullivan TD launching Dockers' Photographic Exhibition at 5 Lamps Arts Festival
Click for more photos on Dublin Dockers
Maureen O'Sullivan TD launched our photographic exhibition last night in Connolly House -North Strand. Again it was a joyous occassion with ex-dockworkers and relatives of former dock workers getting a great lift seeing photos of themselves and their loved ones. I would like to thank Maureen for her support and encouragement - she spoke of the need for a dockworkers museum. A special thanks also goes to Blake Hodkinson (Marino College), Roisin Lonergan and her band of helpers from the Five Lamps Arts Festival and to Noel Gregory who spoke of his father Anthony working in the Tea Sheds. Terry McDermott donated photos, articles and her father's 'dockers cattle pass book'
The exhibition (40 framed photos + 1,000 photos on a screen) remains on view until 26th April (Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm). Next stop liberty Hall 9th May. Please keep those photos coming, Declan Byrne
The exhibition (40 framed photos + 1,000 photos on a screen) remains on view until 26th April (Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm). Next stop liberty Hall 9th May. Please keep those photos coming, Declan Byrne
04 April Working against the odds
Click for Eolas article in full
'Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan has a wide range of priorities for
this Dáil term. She speaks to Meadhbh Monahan (Eolas Magazine) about the need for
Ireland to be treated fairly by the European Union and her belief that
the Irish people will “get through this.” . . . . .
. . . . . When asked where Ireland will go from here, O’Sullivan says: “I’m the eternal optimist. I’m very proud of being Irish even though there are so many horrible things that happened and that greed and self-interest drove those.” She adds: “The attitude of Irish people generally, the people I meet, the people I know, is: ‘We’ll get through this’. I was born in the fifties. I came through very difficult times and we didn’t fall into the ocean, we came through them.” She agrees with President Higgins that “the Celtic Tiger has done so much damage in terms of people’s expectations.” The former teacher reflects that she had “immense job satisfaction”, compared to the “uncertainty” that comes with politics. “My biggest fear is that our destiny is not in our own hands,” she concludes. '
this Dáil term. She speaks to Meadhbh Monahan (Eolas Magazine) about the need for
Ireland to be treated fairly by the European Union and her belief that
the Irish people will “get through this.” . . . . .
. . . . . When asked where Ireland will go from here, O’Sullivan says: “I’m the eternal optimist. I’m very proud of being Irish even though there are so many horrible things that happened and that greed and self-interest drove those.” She adds: “The attitude of Irish people generally, the people I meet, the people I know, is: ‘We’ll get through this’. I was born in the fifties. I came through very difficult times and we didn’t fall into the ocean, we came through them.” She agrees with President Higgins that “the Celtic Tiger has done so much damage in terms of people’s expectations.” The former teacher reflects that she had “immense job satisfaction”, compared to the “uncertainty” that comes with politics. “My biggest fear is that our destiny is not in our own hands,” she concludes. '
The Irish Times - Saturday, March 31, 2012
Click to read full article
Technically speaking, a great night was had . .
THE INDEPENDENT members of the technical group enjoyed a night away in exotic Mullingar recently, where a good time was had by all.
The 11 decamped to the Bloomfield House Hotel for a special meeting to decide who will represent them at Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil. This is a highly prized slot, giving the group’s two designated speakers valuable media exposure.
THE INDEPENDENT members of the technical group enjoyed a night away in exotic Mullingar recently, where a good time was had by all.
The 11 decamped to the Bloomfield House Hotel for a special meeting to decide who will represent them at Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil. This is a highly prized slot, giving the group’s two designated speakers valuable media exposure.
30 March Schools use religion to separate children
Click to read article in full
" . . . Maureen O'Sullivan TD was a teacher in a Catholic secondary school but said that the idea of inclusion is vital for students development.
"I believe in choice in education," she told the Herald.
"I worked in a school with a Catholic ethos, but it certainly was an inclusive school."
Sources told the Herald there are suggestions the Department felt the Marino Institute was "better placed than the NCCA" to develop the action research plan which was a pilot project.
"I believe in choice in education," she told the Herald.
"I worked in a school with a Catholic ethos, but it certainly was an inclusive school."
Sources told the Herald there are suggestions the Department felt the Marino Institute was "better placed than the NCCA" to develop the action research plan which was a pilot project.
The Irish Times - Thursday, March 29, 2012
Click for full article
" . . . . Independent deputy Maureen O’Sullivan summed up their approach on day two of the debate on the tribunal report: “It was disquieting to listen yesterday to Micheál Martin speaking in the House. While he acknowledged wrongdoing, it seemed to have been a case of his saying: ‘Moriarty found out more about you than Mahon did about us.’ That is not the way forward. The way forward is to say we will never let what occurred happen again, mean this and take action to ensure it.”
28 March Tonight with Vincent Browne
Click for Tonight with Vincnet Browne 28th March
Maureen joined the panel with other TDs to reflect on Dáil debate in Mahon Tribunal Report & other issues. Commenting on reports of widening income gaps in Ireland Maureen said, 'In Dublin Central you see austerity hitting people disportionately' & she also referenced Brian Harvey's recent report of cuts in community sector. Maureen also raised points on conditions for prisoners in Maghaberry prison in the North. Commenting on Mahon report she recalled Tony Gregory seeking implementation of the 1974 Kenny Report on land specualation & Maureen called for a serious rooting out of corruption to finally get to the bottom of these influences.
27 March Mahon Tribunal Report: Statements
Click to read Maureen's Statement in full
My initial reaction to the publication of the Mahon report was to say it took far too long - 15 years - and cost far too much for it to be produced. It has been suggested that the tribunal has cost €97.9 million to date, but that figure could increase considerably if it is decided that all legal costs are to be met. My point is that any suggestion of wrongdoing - such suggestions were made prior to the 1990s and since - should be a matter for criminal investigation. Charges, trials, findings, judgments and punishments, as the case may be, could have emerged from those investigations. All of that would have been in progress or finished by now. We have tribunal millionaires as a result of the inordinate length of time the tribunal took. One of the reasons for this was the way the tribunal was set up. Its terms of reference were far too wide. I cannot help wondering if there was a certain ulterior motive for having such wide terms of reference. Was it hoped that nothing would be discovered? . . . . . .
. . . . . . . Can we hope for lessons to be learned? Can we say “Never again”, mean it and set about putting in motion what is necessary to root out corruption and get to the point where one can say with pride that one is a Deputy, Senator or councillor?
The Mahon report recommends that politicians who are convicted of corruption or who have failed to explain adequately their sources of income be stripped of their pensions. It recommends that other planning investigations be reopened, not by the tribunal but by a group of independent planning experts; that the CAB, the DPP and Revenue Commissioners continue to do their work; that an end be put to the massive tax reliefs for developers and to political donations; that there be a ban on gifts; and that non-co-operative witnesses pay their own costs and the costs of the tribunal. It is also recommended that there be rigorous and transparent planning regulations, which means reform of local government to ensure there are no more deals on rezoning. This means an independent planning regulator. Standards in public office ought to be more rigorous and there should be a register of lobbyists. The report recommends also that the Kenny report be implemented in full. The investigation behind this report began in 1971 and the report was published in 1974, and it called for an effective end to land speculation.
It was disquieting to listen yesterday to Deputy Martin speaking in the House. While he acknowledged wrongdoing, it seemed to have been a case of his saying, “Moriarty found out more about you than Mahon did about us.” That is not the way forward. The way forward is to say we will never let what occurred happen again, mean this and take action to ensure it.
. . . . . . . Can we hope for lessons to be learned? Can we say “Never again”, mean it and set about putting in motion what is necessary to root out corruption and get to the point where one can say with pride that one is a Deputy, Senator or councillor?
The Mahon report recommends that politicians who are convicted of corruption or who have failed to explain adequately their sources of income be stripped of their pensions. It recommends that other planning investigations be reopened, not by the tribunal but by a group of independent planning experts; that the CAB, the DPP and Revenue Commissioners continue to do their work; that an end be put to the massive tax reliefs for developers and to political donations; that there be a ban on gifts; and that non-co-operative witnesses pay their own costs and the costs of the tribunal. It is also recommended that there be rigorous and transparent planning regulations, which means reform of local government to ensure there are no more deals on rezoning. This means an independent planning regulator. Standards in public office ought to be more rigorous and there should be a register of lobbyists. The report recommends also that the Kenny report be implemented in full. The investigation behind this report began in 1971 and the report was published in 1974, and it called for an effective end to land speculation.
It was disquieting to listen yesterday to Deputy Martin speaking in the House. While he acknowledged wrongdoing, it seemed to have been a case of his saying, “Moriarty found out more about you than Mahon did about us.” That is not the way forward. The way forward is to say we will never let what occurred happen again, mean this and take action to ensure it.
22 March Mahon Tribunal Report
Click to see RTE One News on Mahon report
When asked about the report of the Mahon Tribunal outside the Dáil this morning, Maureen said,
"My immediate reaction is that's taken far too long. It has cost for too much
I wonder what advantages and benefits will come from it
apart from obscene salaries for certain people . . .
. . . for me it there was intimation of wrong-doing earlier on
it should have been a matter for Gardaí and a criminal investigation
Click to see RTE 9 News clip
"My immediate reaction is that's taken far too long. It has cost for too much
I wonder what advantages and benefits will come from it
apart from obscene salaries for certain people . . .
. . . for me it there was intimation of wrong-doing earlier on
it should have been a matter for Gardaí and a criminal investigation
Click to see RTE 9 News clip
15 March Symphysiotomy: Statements
Click to hear Maureen's statement
In one and a half years in the previous Dáil and one year to date in this Dáil, I have come across a number of forgotten groups in society. These include the post-polio survivors, survivors of thalidomide and women who lived - or, rather, existed - in the Magdalene laundries. This is another group that has been forgotten by society. I acknowledge the work of Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin in bringing this matter to the Chamber, where it deserves to be, and in setting up the all-party group on the topic.
The facts of the procedure are chilling and disturbing. These include unhinging the pelvis, severing joints and sundering pubic bones. I acknowledge that 180 women still survive. Some of them have ended up permanently disabled, incontinent and in pain. Some faced the anguish of losing their babies doing the procedure. It is a very sad issue. In talking about it, can we do justice to the stories in the way these women can? Some of the women were unaware of what they were going through, which is frightening, because it was not spoken of until recently. I acknowledge the work of Marie O’Connor and her book, Bodily Harm: Symphysiotomy and Pubiotomy in Ireland 1944-92. She pays tribute to the women and speaks of their courage, tenacity, determination and indomitable spirit. It must be difficult for them to sit here and go through it all again. . . . . I support the calls made and the questions that must be answered. We must acknowledge the physical and psychological disabilities. The questions include why there are no medical records, why they are not receiving the care they need, why medical staff did not give them information about the procedure prior to it and why women were discharged with pelvic injuries without providing adequate care. There is no doubt it is barbaric. Click to scroll & read Maureen's statement in full
The facts of the procedure are chilling and disturbing. These include unhinging the pelvis, severing joints and sundering pubic bones. I acknowledge that 180 women still survive. Some of them have ended up permanently disabled, incontinent and in pain. Some faced the anguish of losing their babies doing the procedure. It is a very sad issue. In talking about it, can we do justice to the stories in the way these women can? Some of the women were unaware of what they were going through, which is frightening, because it was not spoken of until recently. I acknowledge the work of Marie O’Connor and her book, Bodily Harm: Symphysiotomy and Pubiotomy in Ireland 1944-92. She pays tribute to the women and speaks of their courage, tenacity, determination and indomitable spirit. It must be difficult for them to sit here and go through it all again. . . . . I support the calls made and the questions that must be answered. We must acknowledge the physical and psychological disabilities. The questions include why there are no medical records, why they are not receiving the care they need, why medical staff did not give them information about the procedure prior to it and why women were discharged with pelvic injuries without providing adequate care. There is no doubt it is barbaric. Click to scroll & read Maureen's statement in full
Maureen part of Late Debate RTE Radio1, 13 March
Click to select Late Debate 13 March
Taking part on thje RTE Radio 1 Late Debate, on Wednesday night, below are some of her commkents:
Maureen said on the Anglo-Irish promissory notes that so much of the processes and commentary were undiginified & dishonourable
and so removed from local people, who are finding their lives very difficult.
She raised, in relation to the way that decisions on these notes & payments were made, whether they are even constiutional
She expects on the agreements to be reached that at least there is a delay in the repayments if not something stronger emerges to deal with the massive burdens.
In relation to the lost Government vote at the Oireachtas finance committee
Maureen commented that members of the Dáil Technial group have sought that TDs be given opportunity to voice their own opinions outside of party whips to contribute to more meaningful debate
In calls for increasing transparency of NAMA she asked 'Who's buying the cheap property?' & potential risk of further future crisises
& while in Dublin Central there are responsible landlords, more unscrupulous landlords only interested in collecting rents for profit are not needed.
Maureen commented that communities have good ideas for use of possibly NAMA-owned property for social projects
& suggested that NAMA could support the redvelopment of 1916 battlefield site around Moore St
On prison conditions criticised in recent report Maureen made point that she has called for greater use of community courts & restorative justice processes and that more needs to be done to remember the diginity of persons within the prison system
Maureen said on the Anglo-Irish promissory notes that so much of the processes and commentary were undiginified & dishonourable
and so removed from local people, who are finding their lives very difficult.
She raised, in relation to the way that decisions on these notes & payments were made, whether they are even constiutional
She expects on the agreements to be reached that at least there is a delay in the repayments if not something stronger emerges to deal with the massive burdens.
In relation to the lost Government vote at the Oireachtas finance committee
Maureen commented that members of the Dáil Technial group have sought that TDs be given opportunity to voice their own opinions outside of party whips to contribute to more meaningful debate
In calls for increasing transparency of NAMA she asked 'Who's buying the cheap property?' & potential risk of further future crisises
& while in Dublin Central there are responsible landlords, more unscrupulous landlords only interested in collecting rents for profit are not needed.
Maureen commented that communities have good ideas for use of possibly NAMA-owned property for social projects
& suggested that NAMA could support the redvelopment of 1916 battlefield site around Moore St
On prison conditions criticised in recent report Maureen made point that she has called for greater use of community courts & restorative justice processes and that more needs to be done to remember the diginity of persons within the prison system
13 Martá An 'phlean' Gregory, Aglaimh ar TG4
Maureen on 7 Lá TG4 on an 'phlean' Gregory
Maureen in an interview with Paidí O Lionáird, on 7 Lá current affairs programme on TG4.
Maureen speaks, 'as Gaeilge' about Tony Gregory & the Gregory 'plean'
agreed 30 years ago in March 1982
The intereview is 10 minutes long & has subtiltles
13 March 2012 Priority Questions - Magdalene Laundries
Click to hear the full exchange
Maureen asking the Minister for Justice and Equality a priority question on he Magadelene Laundries, as to what is the position regarding the ongoing investigation into the Magdalene Laundry; in particular, if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the progress made to date on the Ministerial track of the investigation, item 2 as described in the Government’s statement; and if he will offer a commitment that the twin-tracks of the Government’s investigation are ongoing simultaneously, that he does not envisage them as consecutive that is the Ministerial track absolutely dependent on the conclusion of the Inter-Departmental Committee’s work. [14048/12]
Deputy Alan Shatter:The Government considered the circumstances of women and girls who resided in the laundries at its meeting on 14 June 2011 and decided that it was essential as a first step to fully establish the true facts and circumstances relating to the Magdalene laundries. A number of actions were agreed.
This included the setting up of an inter-departmental committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalene laundries, to clarify any State interaction, and to produce a narrative detailing such interaction. The committee, under the independent chairmanship of Senator Martin McAleese, has submitted an interim progress report and its final report is expected in the middle of this year.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I thank the Minister for that reply. It sounds as if progress is being made but the Minister would have to agree that justice has been delayed far too long for these ladies. The Irish Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Committee Against Torture recommended an apology, redress and that a start would be made to facilitate restorative justice and nothing has happened on any of those recommendations. There has not been even an apology from the State, the Church, religious orders, families or society. Time is of the essence because of the age of these ladies. The Minister was horrified when I suggested previously there could have been a delaying tactic around this issue, and I was glad to hear that expressed. As soon as that report is available mid-year, will the Minister then be ready to commence the implementation of the apology, the redress and the restorative justice process?
Click & scroll to read exchange in full
Deputy Alan Shatter:The Government considered the circumstances of women and girls who resided in the laundries at its meeting on 14 June 2011 and decided that it was essential as a first step to fully establish the true facts and circumstances relating to the Magdalene laundries. A number of actions were agreed.
This included the setting up of an inter-departmental committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalene laundries, to clarify any State interaction, and to produce a narrative detailing such interaction. The committee, under the independent chairmanship of Senator Martin McAleese, has submitted an interim progress report and its final report is expected in the middle of this year.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan: I thank the Minister for that reply. It sounds as if progress is being made but the Minister would have to agree that justice has been delayed far too long for these ladies. The Irish Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Committee Against Torture recommended an apology, redress and that a start would be made to facilitate restorative justice and nothing has happened on any of those recommendations. There has not been even an apology from the State, the Church, religious orders, families or society. Time is of the essence because of the age of these ladies. The Minister was horrified when I suggested previously there could have been a delaying tactic around this issue, and I was glad to hear that expressed. As soon as that report is available mid-year, will the Minister then be ready to commence the implementation of the apology, the redress and the restorative justice process?
Click & scroll to read exchange in full
10 March Plaque unveiled marking 30th Anniversary of Gregory 'deal'
Click to see RTE NEWS segment
Saturday was the unveiling of the plaque at Summerhill Parade where the
negotiations took place; the sculptor was Joe Moran from East Wall who
spoke on the symbolism of the open hands and birds, then the unveiling by Noel
Gregory and Tony Hayde. Fergus and Mick also spoke. I was the M.C.
on both Friday and Saturday.
I think we remembered Tony and what he achieved in a very poignant, dignified, effective way.
I hope he would have been pleased.
('beart de réir a bhriathar' means action to match his words)
negotiations took place; the sculptor was Joe Moran from East Wall who
spoke on the symbolism of the open hands and birds, then the unveiling by Noel
Gregory and Tony Hayde. Fergus and Mick also spoke. I was the M.C.
on both Friday and Saturday.
I think we remembered Tony and what he achieved in a very poignant, dignified, effective way.
I hope he would have been pleased.
('beart de réir a bhriathar' means action to match his words)
07 March Topical Issue Matters - Human Rights Issues Mrs. Asia Bibi
Click to hear Maureen speak on issue
I acknowledge the work of Deputy Tuffy and Mr. David Turner in organising a petition on the case of Mrs. Asia Bibi last September, which was a first positive step. Ireland is seeking election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2013-2015 term, and we deserve that seat. We have a fine reputation in respect of relationships with other countries and with regard to our development aid budget. Like Deputy Mac Lochlainn, I have just come from a meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, at which this point was being made. I also heard the same point last night at a presentation by various NGOs. As we know Ireland has such a reputation and has a voice that is listened to, I believe it has a role in this regard, even though it concerns a country that is far distant from Ireland.
Governor Salman Taseer was murdered in January 2011 and this was followed in March 2011 by the murder of the Federal Minister, Shahbaz Bhatti. They were two brave men who spoke out against Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and paid with their lives. The situation now has arisen concerning the aforementioned lady, Mrs. Asia Bibi, who is in jail. Part of her difficulty is that no date has been given and, consequently, she could remain in jail for a number of years before her case is heard. In common with my colleagues, I advocate marking this anniversary by reiterating our support for Articles 18 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In her response, the Minister might indicate any correspondence the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has had with the Pakistani authorities. . . .
. . . One of the other alarming aspects of cases of this nature is the way in which death sentences are carried out by mobs. I accept that the Pakistani Government has indicated that it is committed to this issue. However, it appears to be talking the talk rather than walking the walk. Given that the anniversary of the murder of the late Minister for minorities has just passed, I am of the view that strong representations should be made to the Pakistani ambassador and that he should be asked to take this matter further.
Governor Salman Taseer was murdered in January 2011 and this was followed in March 2011 by the murder of the Federal Minister, Shahbaz Bhatti. They were two brave men who spoke out against Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and paid with their lives. The situation now has arisen concerning the aforementioned lady, Mrs. Asia Bibi, who is in jail. Part of her difficulty is that no date has been given and, consequently, she could remain in jail for a number of years before her case is heard. In common with my colleagues, I advocate marking this anniversary by reiterating our support for Articles 18 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In her response, the Minister might indicate any correspondence the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has had with the Pakistani authorities. . . .
. . . One of the other alarming aspects of cases of this nature is the way in which death sentences are carried out by mobs. I accept that the Pakistani Government has indicated that it is committed to this issue. However, it appears to be talking the talk rather than walking the walk. Given that the anniversary of the murder of the late Minister for minorities has just passed, I am of the view that strong representations should be made to the Pakistani ambassador and that he should be asked to take this matter further.
07ú Márta Lá na Gaeilge: Ráiteas
Cnag chun éist leis ráiteas Maureen
"Tá áthas orm go bhfuil Seachtain na Gaeilge againn agus go bhfuil cuid de gnó na Dála ag leanúint ar aghaidh as Gaeilge. I slí eile, tá díomá orm toisc nach bhfuil ach seachtain amháin againn sa bhliain nuair a dhéanann muid iarracht leanúint ar aghaidh as Gaeilge. B’fhéidir go mba ceart dúinn níos mó iarrachta a dhéanamh sa Dáil agus lá nó maidin gach seachtain, nó ar a laghad gach mhí, a thabhairt le gnó na Dála a phlé trí Ghaeilge.
Tá Gaeilge agam, ach b’fhearr liom dá mbeadh sí i bhfad níos fearr. An fáth go bhfuil sí agam ná go raibh an suim ag mo mháthair i gcúrsaí Gaeilge. Bhí an t-ádh orm chomh maith nuair a bhí mé ag freastal ar an mheánscoil - Cnoc Carmel, Sráid Óstaí an Rí, Baile Átha Cliath - toisc go raibh beirt múinteoir Gaeilge agam a bhí ar fheabhas. Ba as Ciarraí an bheirt bhan agus ba chainteoiríó dhúchas iad. Spreag siad grá don teanga ionam agus i mo chairde. Bhí a fhios againn gur rud bheo í an Ghaeilge agus gur teanga í le labhairt in ionad í a fhágaint sna leabhair. Sin an tslí le dul ar aghaidh leis an Ghaeilge. . . . . "
Cnag anseo chun an ráiteas ar fad a léamh
Tá Gaeilge agam, ach b’fhearr liom dá mbeadh sí i bhfad níos fearr. An fáth go bhfuil sí agam ná go raibh an suim ag mo mháthair i gcúrsaí Gaeilge. Bhí an t-ádh orm chomh maith nuair a bhí mé ag freastal ar an mheánscoil - Cnoc Carmel, Sráid Óstaí an Rí, Baile Átha Cliath - toisc go raibh beirt múinteoir Gaeilge agam a bhí ar fheabhas. Ba as Ciarraí an bheirt bhan agus ba chainteoiríó dhúchas iad. Spreag siad grá don teanga ionam agus i mo chairde. Bhí a fhios againn gur rud bheo í an Ghaeilge agus gur teanga í le labhairt in ionad í a fhágaint sna leabhair. Sin an tslí le dul ar aghaidh leis an Ghaeilge. . . . . "
Cnag anseo chun an ráiteas ar fad a léamh
the 'Gregory Deal' 30th Anniversary
There are a number of events organised to mark the occasion:
Friday, 09 March 2012
from 7pm,
Public Gathering in the Pillar Room, Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square
7pm - Photographic slideshow of Tony Gregory & colleagues at work
at 7.30pm sharp Discussion, chaired by journalist Michael Clifford
with Fergus McCabe, Mick Rafferty, Noel Gregory, Philip Boyd
and others who were involved around the negotiations on the 'Gregory Deal'
Followed by inputs from Prof. Diarmaid Ferriter, Padraig Yeates (author & journalist),
Michael O'Regan (Irish Times) & Maureen O'Sullivan TD
Please confirm your attendance with office Tel: (01) 618 3488 Email: maureen.osullivan@oireachtas.ie
Saturday 10th March 2012
12 Noon, 'Summerhill Parade' Ballybough
A short ceremony to unveil a plaque marking the site where th 'Gregory Deal' was signed (08 March 1982)
Friday, 09 March 2012
from 7pm,
Public Gathering in the Pillar Room, Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square
7pm - Photographic slideshow of Tony Gregory & colleagues at work
at 7.30pm sharp Discussion, chaired by journalist Michael Clifford
with Fergus McCabe, Mick Rafferty, Noel Gregory, Philip Boyd
and others who were involved around the negotiations on the 'Gregory Deal'
Followed by inputs from Prof. Diarmaid Ferriter, Padraig Yeates (author & journalist),
Michael O'Regan (Irish Times) & Maureen O'Sullivan TD
Please confirm your attendance with office Tel: (01) 618 3488 Email: maureen.osullivan@oireachtas.ie
Saturday 10th March 2012
12 Noon, 'Summerhill Parade' Ballybough
A short ceremony to unveil a plaque marking the site where th 'Gregory Deal' was signed (08 March 1982)
03 March 30th anniversary of Gregory's famous deal
Click to view & hear about Tony Gregory
"HARD TO believe, but it’s 30 years since the late Tony Gregory and his fellow community activists signed the famous “Gregory deal” with Charlie Haughey.
A number of events are taking place in Dublin to mark the anniversary of the deal, signed on March 8th, 1982. . . ."
Read Miriam Lord in Irish Times in full here
Sunday 04th March Bowman Sunday Morning on Tony Gregory & the 'Deal' Listen from at 15 mins 50 seconds
A number of events are taking place in Dublin to mark the anniversary of the deal, signed on March 8th, 1982. . . ."
Read Miriam Lord in Irish Times in full here
Sunday 04th March Bowman Sunday Morning on Tony Gregory & the 'Deal' Listen from at 15 mins 50 seconds
03 March Crime link to gold trade denied (Irish Times report)
Click to hear Maureen's speech in full
" . . . Mr Shatter said “there may be a case for tighter requirements specifically in the cash for gold sector”. But he added that the Garda Commissioner had indicated no identifiable rise in crime as a result of the increase in cash for gold trading.
Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan dispute this. She said that at all community meetings in her Dublin Central constituency an increase in crime was highlighted.
“The commissioner also informed the Minister that cash for gold premises are all visited by the Garda Síochána. Again, I find that very difficult to believe,” she said.
They were speaking during the debate on the Scrap and Precious Metal Dealers Bill. . . . ."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan dispute this. She said that at all community meetings in her Dublin Central constituency an increase in crime was highlighted.
“The commissioner also informed the Minister that cash for gold premises are all visited by the Garda Síochána. Again, I find that very difficult to believe,” she said.
They were speaking during the debate on the Scrap and Precious Metal Dealers Bill. . . . ."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
29 February DÁIL INDEPENDENT GROUP WELCOMES DECISION TO HOLD REFERENDUM ON FISCAL TREATY TO GIVE PEOPLE THEIR SAY
Click to read the proposed treaty
"It is a just and moral decision made by the government to hold a referendum on the fiscal compact treaty so that the Irish people get to vote on this very important matter. I wish to add and to emphasise that there is a need for a rational debate."
Maureen O'Sullivan
The independent members of the Dáil’s Technical Group have today welcomed the joint announcement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Éamon Gilmore that a referendum on the European Fiscal Compact Treaty will take place.
The group, which prior to today’s announcement, had committed to doing all in its power to ensure that the people of Ireland would have the final word on whether this crucial treaty ought to be transposed into Irish law, highlighted the urgent need for a reasoned and balanced debate on the reasons for and against acceding to it. Furthermore the group has called on all parties concerned to avoid use of the politics of fear in their efforts to sway public opinion one way or the other and instead ensure that a mature and rational debate take place on the implications of the Treaty for the future of the State and its people.
Although the decision and announcement has been welcomed, the group has joined with other opposition groups in criticising the short notice at which the statement was made and at which Deputies were informed it would be made. An email was circulated to the various whips offices at 14.45, followed by telephone calls to opposition leaders at around 14.50. This, in spite of the fact that the Taoiseach stated the decision to hold a referendum and to make an announcement thereon had been made hours earlier during the government’s weekly cabinet meeting.
Notwithstanding the late notice, the decision to hold a referendum has been welcomed by the group of Independent TDs.
Deputy Shane Ross (Independent TD for Dublin South), speaking in the Dáil on behalf of the Technical Group in response to the announcement, inter alia, made the following statement,
“I ask the Taoiseach this before he signs up for this deal on Friday: that he looks at one thing and he promises one thing, that there would be a credit write-off for the Irish people as a minimum quid pro quo for this treaty” , in the event that it is ratified.
ENDS
For further comment on the Referendum announcement and the positions they will adopt on the arguments for and against the treaty, contact:
Maureen O’Sullivan, Stephen Donnelly, Luke “Ming” Flanagan, Tom Fleming, John Halligan, Finian McGrath, Mattie McGrath, Catherine Murphy, Thomas Pringle, Shane Ross and Mick Wallace
Maureen O'Sullivan
The independent members of the Dáil’s Technical Group have today welcomed the joint announcement by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Éamon Gilmore that a referendum on the European Fiscal Compact Treaty will take place.
The group, which prior to today’s announcement, had committed to doing all in its power to ensure that the people of Ireland would have the final word on whether this crucial treaty ought to be transposed into Irish law, highlighted the urgent need for a reasoned and balanced debate on the reasons for and against acceding to it. Furthermore the group has called on all parties concerned to avoid use of the politics of fear in their efforts to sway public opinion one way or the other and instead ensure that a mature and rational debate take place on the implications of the Treaty for the future of the State and its people.
Although the decision and announcement has been welcomed, the group has joined with other opposition groups in criticising the short notice at which the statement was made and at which Deputies were informed it would be made. An email was circulated to the various whips offices at 14.45, followed by telephone calls to opposition leaders at around 14.50. This, in spite of the fact that the Taoiseach stated the decision to hold a referendum and to make an announcement thereon had been made hours earlier during the government’s weekly cabinet meeting.
Notwithstanding the late notice, the decision to hold a referendum has been welcomed by the group of Independent TDs.
Deputy Shane Ross (Independent TD for Dublin South), speaking in the Dáil on behalf of the Technical Group in response to the announcement, inter alia, made the following statement,
“I ask the Taoiseach this before he signs up for this deal on Friday: that he looks at one thing and he promises one thing, that there would be a credit write-off for the Irish people as a minimum quid pro quo for this treaty” , in the event that it is ratified.
ENDS
For further comment on the Referendum announcement and the positions they will adopt on the arguments for and against the treaty, contact:
Maureen O’Sullivan, Stephen Donnelly, Luke “Ming” Flanagan, Tom Fleming, John Halligan, Finian McGrath, Mattie McGrath, Catherine Murphy, Thomas Pringle, Shane Ross and Mick Wallace
28 February Sale ofState Assets: Private Members’ Business - Motion
Click to read statement in full
Maureen speaking on Private Members' Motion on State Assets, "I am reminded of the cliché about marrying in haste and repenting at leisure. We have had decisions that were made rather hastily usually just based on figures and not considering the impact on lives. I am very glad about the repenting - the reversal on the proposed cuts to DEIS schools and today’s announcement that the people will be given the chance to vote in a referendum on the fiscal compact.
The review group that analysed State assets did so purely from a financial perspective without considering the social or environmental costs, which need to be taken into account. Selling State assets seems to be part of the IMF solution to economic recovery which has been seen in other countries such as Argentina. Selling State assets means privatisation. We have had the debacle of the privatisation of waste services in Dublin recently whereby a very suspect auditing company got the decision to make. The contract was given to a company that had been prosecuted and found guilty of charges under the EPA and there was a very definite lack of accountability in the contract. The aim seems to be to raise €3 billion from the privatisation programme with €2 billion being used to pay down the debt and €1 billion to assist in boosting employment. However, if the debt burden is €119 billion, €2 billion will not make much difference and there could be a wiser investment for it. . . ."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
The review group that analysed State assets did so purely from a financial perspective without considering the social or environmental costs, which need to be taken into account. Selling State assets seems to be part of the IMF solution to economic recovery which has been seen in other countries such as Argentina. Selling State assets means privatisation. We have had the debacle of the privatisation of waste services in Dublin recently whereby a very suspect auditing company got the decision to make. The contract was given to a company that had been prosecuted and found guilty of charges under the EPA and there was a very definite lack of accountability in the contract. The aim seems to be to raise €3 billion from the privatisation programme with €2 billion being used to pay down the debt and €1 billion to assist in boosting employment. However, if the debt burden is €119 billion, €2 billion will not make much difference and there could be a wiser investment for it. . . ."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
27 February Social workers: Transfer plan may put clients at risk Irish Examiner
Click to read full news article
Maureen responding to replies to her questions on relocation of social workers by HSE from the North Inner City, said,
"Nobody should be in a condemned building but it does not make sense to me to move the service so far away from where they need to be."
Social workers at the Ballymun Civic Centre have been told two thirds of staff working from the centre will be transferred to Park House on North Circular Road, while administrative staff, currently operating out of a condemned building elsewhere in Dublin, are moved in.
Social workers in north Dublin say the welfare of their clients could be at risk if a plan to relocate them to a new office is implemented.
"Nobody should be in a condemned building but it does not make sense to me to move the service so far away from where they need to be."
Social workers at the Ballymun Civic Centre have been told two thirds of staff working from the centre will be transferred to Park House on North Circular Road, while administrative staff, currently operating out of a condemned building elsewhere in Dublin, are moved in.
Social workers in north Dublin say the welfare of their clients could be at risk if a plan to relocate them to a new office is implemented.
23 February Oral Question Teaching Council
Click to hear exchange
Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has recovered the funding, some €5 to €6 million, given by the last Government to set up the Teaching Council; if his attention has been drawn to the anger among teachers of having to pay this fee and their criticisms of this organisation which is collecting approximately €5 million annually from teachers and in view of plans in England to disband their Teaching Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: It is essential there is in place a robust system of regulation for the teaching profession. The Teaching Council’s role is key to ensuring the development and implementation of standards for teachers’ conduct and performance, which complements the work of initial and continuing teacher training. Much progress has been made by the council, as reports placed before the House illustrate.
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
Deputy Ruairí Quinn: It is essential there is in place a robust system of regulation for the teaching profession. The Teaching Council’s role is key to ensuring the development and implementation of standards for teachers’ conduct and performance, which complements the work of initial and continuing teacher training. Much progress has been made by the council, as reports placed before the House illustrate.
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
23 February Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 Second Stage
Click to hear Maureen speak
Maureen spoke on the Legal Serives Bill, " I do not come from a legal background, but certain aspects of the Bill are extremely controversial.
In the Programme for National Recovery the Government set out to reform the legal services market, establish independent regulation of the legal profession, improve access and competition, make legal costs more transparent and ensure adequate procedures for addressing consumer complaints and all of these are laudable. Like other Deputies, I have been contacted by members of the legal profession with their concerns. They feel many provisions of the Bill in its current form would be detrimental to the judicial system not only for those working in it but for those who avail of it before the courts. I am not sure so I come to this wondering how I will end up thinking about it in the long run.
The Bill proposes a regulatory model which is far more expensive than necessary. The Law Society points out that at a time of economic distress and when in excess of 1,000 solicitors are unemployed, the cost will inevitably be passed on to the client. It states that it will be deeply ironic if a legislative measure designed to reduce costs to the consumer actually increases them.must come into the 21st century.
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
In the Programme for National Recovery the Government set out to reform the legal services market, establish independent regulation of the legal profession, improve access and competition, make legal costs more transparent and ensure adequate procedures for addressing consumer complaints and all of these are laudable. Like other Deputies, I have been contacted by members of the legal profession with their concerns. They feel many provisions of the Bill in its current form would be detrimental to the judicial system not only for those working in it but for those who avail of it before the courts. I am not sure so I come to this wondering how I will end up thinking about it in the long run.
The Bill proposes a regulatory model which is far more expensive than necessary. The Law Society points out that at a time of economic distress and when in excess of 1,000 solicitors are unemployed, the cost will inevitably be passed on to the client. It states that it will be deeply ironic if a legislative measure designed to reduce costs to the consumer actually increases them.must come into the 21st century.
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
21 Feb Priority Questions - International Debt Relief
Click to here full exchange
Maureen took a priority question on behalf of Stephen Donnelly TD on International Debt Relief. Responding to Minister for Trade & Development, Joe costelloe TD she said, "I thank the Ceann Comhairle’s office for allowing me to take this question in place of Deputy Stephen Donnelly.
I attended the conference held in Dublin Castle last Friday. Ireland’s reputation is second to none, but we could do more. The international financial institutions continue to lend money to countries which they know cannot repay it, knowing such borrowings will push these countries further into poverty. They are knowingly lending to oppressive regimes. . . " Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
I attended the conference held in Dublin Castle last Friday. Ireland’s reputation is second to none, but we could do more. The international financial institutions continue to lend money to countries which they know cannot repay it, knowing such borrowings will push these countries further into poverty. They are knowingly lending to oppressive regimes. . . " Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
17 February Action Plan for Jobs 2012: Statements
Click to hear Maureen's statement
Maureen speaking in Dáil on Government's Jobs Action Plan, "Losing one’s job is probably one of the most devastating things that can happen to somebody. It is a life defining and life changing moment because of all the feelings that come with it. Graduates are affected but I am concerned about 40 and 50 year olds who find themselves unemployed for the first time in their lives. They can feel worthless because of not being able to contribute to the household. There are endless days with no focus to them.
When we had a Private Members’ motion on mental health we found there were direct links between recession and the economic downturn, which have serious effects on people’s mental health. I hate using the term “suicide” in a threatening way but I have no doubt some of the reasons for the increase in the numbers of people taking their lives very tragically in this country has been because of the economic downturn. . . . "
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
"Maureen O’Sullivan (Ind, Dublin Central) said there was a need to be more proactive on job retention.
“I know of small businesses which are in trouble,’’ she added. “A small injection of funding would have kept them going.’’
She said that there were great opportunities in tourism, particularly in terms of culture and sport."
Click to read Irish Times article in full
When we had a Private Members’ motion on mental health we found there were direct links between recession and the economic downturn, which have serious effects on people’s mental health. I hate using the term “suicide” in a threatening way but I have no doubt some of the reasons for the increase in the numbers of people taking their lives very tragically in this country has been because of the economic downturn. . . . "
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
"Maureen O’Sullivan (Ind, Dublin Central) said there was a need to be more proactive on job retention.
“I know of small businesses which are in trouble,’’ she added. “A small injection of funding would have kept them going.’’
She said that there were great opportunities in tourism, particularly in terms of culture and sport."
Click to read Irish Times article in full
16 February Dublin college chief defends policy on Bahrain (Irish Times)
Bahrani activist Ms Zaniab Al Khawaja
" . . Prof Cathal Kelly (RCSI) was before the foreign affairs and trade committee of
the Oireachtas defending the college’s position in the controversy over
the arrest and alleged torture in Bahrain of medical personnel trained
by the college after they treated patients injured in civil disturbances
that began a year ago. . .
. . . Earlier, Andrew Anderson of Front Line, the Blackrock-based foundation for the protection of human rights defenders, highlighted the case of Adbulhadi Alkawaja, who formerly worked for the organisation in Bahrain. . . .
. . . Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan said the Bahrain authorities had failed to “respect the rights of doctors to treat all patients”
. . . Earlier, Andrew Anderson of Front Line, the Blackrock-based foundation for the protection of human rights defenders, highlighted the case of Adbulhadi Alkawaja, who formerly worked for the organisation in Bahrain. . . .
. . . Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan said the Bahrain authorities had failed to “respect the rights of doctors to treat all patients”
14 February Private Members Business Agreed Motion - Stroke Services
Click to hear Maureen speaking
Maureen moved the Private Members' Motion, on behalf of the Dáil Technical Group
"I move: That Dáil Éireann, in recognising the findings of the Irish Heart Foundation’s report entitled ‘Cost of Stroke in Ireland: Estimating the annual economic cost of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in Ireland’:
— acknowledges that in Ireland approximately 10,000 people per year will suffer a stroke which, at a cost of over 2,000 lives annually, makes stroke Ireland’s third largest killer;
— accepts that in the region of 50,000 people throughout Ireland are living with a disability attained through stroke and that stroke is the biggest cause of acquired disability in Ireland;
— finds it to be of grave concern that the lack of prioritisation of rehabilitation services for stroke survivors to date has created, and continues to create, an unnecessary barrier to the achievement of better outcomes for as many of those affected by stroke as possible, thereby limiting the life opportunities of many of those affected; and . . .
. . . It is said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. We agree with all of the aforementioned plans but we will have to see what happens. We know what is needed to bring about success, which is co-ordination between hospitals, clinics, professionals, local organisations, patients and their loved ones. Services should be provided at the point of most need and should continue to be provided for people, preferably within their community.
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
"I move: That Dáil Éireann, in recognising the findings of the Irish Heart Foundation’s report entitled ‘Cost of Stroke in Ireland: Estimating the annual economic cost of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in Ireland’:
— acknowledges that in Ireland approximately 10,000 people per year will suffer a stroke which, at a cost of over 2,000 lives annually, makes stroke Ireland’s third largest killer;
— accepts that in the region of 50,000 people throughout Ireland are living with a disability attained through stroke and that stroke is the biggest cause of acquired disability in Ireland;
— finds it to be of grave concern that the lack of prioritisation of rehabilitation services for stroke survivors to date has created, and continues to create, an unnecessary barrier to the achievement of better outcomes for as many of those affected by stroke as possible, thereby limiting the life opportunities of many of those affected; and . . .
. . . It is said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. We agree with all of the aforementioned plans but we will have to see what happens. We know what is needed to bring about success, which is co-ordination between hospitals, clinics, professionals, local organisations, patients and their loved ones. Services should be provided at the point of most need and should continue to be provided for people, preferably within their community.
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
14 February Tenants to be asked to vacate Army quarters The Irish Times (Click for article)
Click for RTE NEWS Item
In parliamentary question, Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence
how many former Army personnel or their widowed spouses or other family members
were still living in married quarters.
"I'm concerned that all tenants involved are treated fairly & with dignity" Maureen O'Sullivan TD
how many former Army personnel or their widowed spouses or other family members
were still living in married quarters.
"I'm concerned that all tenants involved are treated fairly & with dignity" Maureen O'Sullivan TD
13 February 'Badger culling to continue despite low TB rate' The Irish Times - Monday
Click to read article in full
" . . . The Minister of Agriculture told Independent TD Maureen O’sullivan that in Britain, which
did not cull badgers now but would begin a pilot project in the autumn, the
number of reactors had increased from 6,000 in 1999 to 33,000 in 2010.
Field trials in badger vaccination were under way and, if successful, they
would be incorporated in the eradication programme, Mr Coveney said.
But “it will be some years before the trials are completed and targeted badger removals will continue in the medium term”.. . .
But “it will be some years before the trials are completed and targeted badger removals will continue in the medium term”.. . .
09 February Priority Questions - Tuberculosis Incidence
Click to hear full exchange with Minster
In a Dáil priority question, Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the current badger population in Ireland; and if he can provide independent peer reviewed evidence that supports badger culling as a proven successful strategy in the eradication of bovine TB. [7543/12] . . .
Maureen's follow questions include, " . . that the use of the snare involves extended periods of suffering for badgers, leaving the young unattended. I do not understand how we, as a humane country, can justify the use of such a cruel instrument. A recent newspaper article reported that people engaged in badger baiting in the North of Ireland had been arrested. We need to ensure much more humane treatment of animals. The Minister and I will have to agree to disagree about whether badger culling is effective in eradicating TB.
Deputy Simon Coveney responded, "I agree with the Deputy on the boarder issue of badger baiting and the need for a new approach towards animal welfare. I will soon publish a new animal welfare Bill. I know the Deputy’s concern in this matter is genuine and hope she will participate in the debate on the forthcoming Bill. I have strong views on animal welfare, which will be evident from the new animal welfare Bill. The Deputy and I might perhaps have a more detailed debate on the boarder issues of animal welfare during debate on that Bill."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
Maureen's follow questions include, " . . that the use of the snare involves extended periods of suffering for badgers, leaving the young unattended. I do not understand how we, as a humane country, can justify the use of such a cruel instrument. A recent newspaper article reported that people engaged in badger baiting in the North of Ireland had been arrested. We need to ensure much more humane treatment of animals. The Minister and I will have to agree to disagree about whether badger culling is effective in eradicating TB.
Deputy Simon Coveney responded, "I agree with the Deputy on the boarder issue of badger baiting and the need for a new approach towards animal welfare. I will soon publish a new animal welfare Bill. I know the Deputy’s concern in this matter is genuine and hope she will participate in the debate on the forthcoming Bill. I have strong views on animal welfare, which will be evident from the new animal welfare Bill. The Deputy and I might perhaps have a more detailed debate on the boarder issues of animal welfare during debate on that Bill."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
09 February Maureen's brief response on West Cork communities' spirit
Click for Minister Coveney's comment
It was Synge’s play “Riders to the Sea” that encapsulated the sacrifices made by fishing communities and the number of people they have given to the sea. I appreciate the Minister’s comments. West County Cork is a place I know very well. Its community spirit is always present at times such as this.
09 February National Disability Strategy: Statements
Click to hear Maureen's full statement
Maureen made a Dáil statement on the National Disablility Strategy, including that " . . We must stress that it is the person at whom we are looking rather than his or her disability. In our civilised, humane society we can rise to meet the challenges to which I refer in order that no one with a disability will be precluded from taking a full and active role in that society. I accept that we must strike a balance in the context of the reality that exists and adopt a common-sense approach. . . "
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
07 February Community Employment Schemes: Motion
Click image to hear in full
Maureen speaking on Private Members's Motion, " . . .The cuts will
disproportionately affect certain people. While reviews are welcome,
the manner in which this was announced was most unfortunate. It was
followed by confused and contradictory messages and cuts were
implemented while the review was going on. Finally, the review cannot be
an exercise in filling in a form about expenditure. There is a
different kind of review and a different balance sheet, which is about
life and the effect on life. These schemes have let people back into
society to become productive members of, and contributors to, community
life and many of them have regained their families in the process.
Moreover, they have not burdened this country in the way the faceless
financial gangsters have. . . . "
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
07 February Priority Questions - Community Courts Service
Click image to listen to full exchange
In a Dáil Priority Question, Maureen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the principle of community courts being used to harness the power of the justice system to address more located crime; and if he considers that a pilot scheme could be initiated within the present resources.
Deputy Alan Shatter: "As the Deputy will be aware, the biggest volume of crime in Ireland is tried in the local District Courts which are established pursuant to the Constitution as courts of local and limited jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions also have developed what are sometimes referred to as problem solving courts. Models include community courts, drug courts and restorative programmes. These can vary in character but generally incorporate a combination of sanction for the crime, assistance in rehabilitation and reparation to either the victim or the community in which the offence took place. . . ."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
Deputy Alan Shatter: "As the Deputy will be aware, the biggest volume of crime in Ireland is tried in the local District Courts which are established pursuant to the Constitution as courts of local and limited jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions also have developed what are sometimes referred to as problem solving courts. Models include community courts, drug courts and restorative programmes. These can vary in character but generally incorporate a combination of sanction for the crime, assistance in rehabilitation and reparation to either the victim or the community in which the offence took place. . . ."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
05 February National anthem won't lose FF lyrics Sunday Independent article
Read question & response in full
There are no government plans to remove the worlds 'Fianna Fail' from the national anthem, the Minister for Finance has revealed.
This has been an occasional source of political and linguistic contention -- with two attempts by Fine Gael-led governments during the Fifties to remove them from the song.
Last week the independent TD Maureen O'Sullivan raised the issue again -- asking Michael Noonan whether the use of the phrase 'sinne Fianna Fail' "should be re-translated in order for it not to reflect a particular political party name".
This has been an occasional source of political and linguistic contention -- with two attempts by Fine Gael-led governments during the Fifties to remove them from the song.
Last week the independent TD Maureen O'Sullivan raised the issue again -- asking Michael Noonan whether the use of the phrase 'sinne Fianna Fail' "should be re-translated in order for it not to reflect a particular political party name".
Mortgage Arrears Bill withdrawn from Dáil The Irish Times - Saturday, February 4, 2012
Independent Dublin Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan expressed her concern about the
monthly Friday sittings of the Dáil, primarily used to discuss Opposition
legislation. Ms O’Sullivan asked: “What’s the point of Friday sittings if
anything suggested on this side of the House is automatically turned down by the
Government.”
monthly Friday sittings of the Dáil, primarily used to discuss Opposition
legislation. Ms O’Sullivan asked: “What’s the point of Friday sittings if
anything suggested on this side of the House is automatically turned down by the
Government.”
Call to halt coursing held in Mill Street Town Park
Click to read article
Coursing is once again set to become
a national debate, following the announcement that Independent TD Maureen
O'sullivan and Socialist TD Clare Daly intend to introduce a Private Member's
Bill in the Dáil to ban hare coursing.
a national debate, following the announcement that Independent TD Maureen
O'sullivan and Socialist TD Clare Daly intend to introduce a Private Member's
Bill in the Dáil to ban hare coursing.
04 February Family Home Protection
Click to hear Maureen' s speech in full
Maureen speaking on Friday on Stephen Donnelly 's Bill, "I think home ownership is linked to our history. We can go back to the landless tenants dispossessed during plantations and at the mercy of unscrupulous landlords.
The 19th century saw the land campaigns for the three F’s that are still relevant today, fair rent, free sale and fixity of tenure. This led to the Land Acts, whereby tenants could buy their holdings.
I can understand why the tradition of people buying their homes has developed from our history . . ."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
The 19th century saw the land campaigns for the three F’s that are still relevant today, fair rent, free sale and fixity of tenure. This led to the Land Acts, whereby tenants could buy their holdings.
I can understand why the tradition of people buying their homes has developed from our history . . ."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
02 February Health Service Plan 2012: Statement
Click to hear Maureen's full statement
Maureen speaking on Ist of February commenting on this year's HSE plan, " . . . .
The staff losses in the public sector will present a major challenge. The Taoiseach referred this morning to personal choice but this choice was encouraged by financial incentives, resulting in the loss of much expertise and knowledge. Those with knowledge and experience should have been incentivised to stay. The scheme ought to have been phased rather than establishing a specific date in February. . . "
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
The staff losses in the public sector will present a major challenge. The Taoiseach referred this morning to personal choice but this choice was encouraged by financial incentives, resulting in the loss of much expertise and knowledge. Those with knowledge and experience should have been incentivised to stay. The scheme ought to have been phased rather than establishing a specific date in February. . . "
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
02 February "If a school in a community is closed, it will affect more than just the school because schools are central to community life."
Click to listen Maureen's speech
Maureen speaking on private members's motion on cuts to small schools on Tuesday night, " I acknowledge what the Minister said in his speech about the reality of the situation he inherited. He has discussed savings. The previous Government had two schemes which, in the minds of many teachers, were a complete waste of money. One is the €5.6 million that went into setting up the Teaching Council which teachers did not want and the other was the money wasted on the supervision and substitution scheme."
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
Click & scroll to read Maureen's speech in full here
30 January Opposition TDs propose laws to ban hare coursing (thejournal.ie)
TDs plan hare-coursing ban Bill (Irish Times)
Click on image for more information
Technical group TDs Maureen O'Sullivan and
Clare Daly wish to outline their intention to introduce an anti-hare coursing
Bill in 2012 to protect animals from cruelty in sports and to address a range of
on-going animal rights issues.
We hope legislation will be passed which will
see the end of hare coursing in Ireland and other blood sports.
The Government has continuously declined to state whether hare coursing will be included in the animal health bill. We wish to address this directly in the Bill we are pushing as we are concerned that hare coursing will once again be exempted along with other animal rights abuses.
Hare coursing is dangerous for both hare and dog alike, leading to injuries which cause long term suffering, even to the dog. It is an unnecessary part to sporting events and one which condones violence against animals. The mistreatment to hares extends to the techniques used to collect hares from the wild, training them to run in straight lines on the track, use of weak hares and through the practice of ‘blooding’ which although illegal, still continues today.
These practices uphold a negative cultural attitude towards animals in general and their wellbeing.
Our concern for the animal rights issues has led us to begin pushing for an anti-hare coursing Bill in 2012.
- Deputies Maureen O'Sullivan, Clare Daly
The Government has continuously declined to state whether hare coursing will be included in the animal health bill. We wish to address this directly in the Bill we are pushing as we are concerned that hare coursing will once again be exempted along with other animal rights abuses.
Hare coursing is dangerous for both hare and dog alike, leading to injuries which cause long term suffering, even to the dog. It is an unnecessary part to sporting events and one which condones violence against animals. The mistreatment to hares extends to the techniques used to collect hares from the wild, training them to run in straight lines on the track, use of weak hares and through the practice of ‘blooding’ which although illegal, still continues today.
These practices uphold a negative cultural attitude towards animals in general and their wellbeing.
Our concern for the animal rights issues has led us to begin pushing for an anti-hare coursing Bill in 2012.
- Deputies Maureen O'Sullivan, Clare Daly
23 January School Guidance Counsellors: Motion (Resumed)
Click to listen to Maureen speak
18 January Maureen speaking on the private members' motion,
" . . . I acknowledge one aspect of the Government amendment, which is that guidance is part of the pastoral care system in a school involving year heads and form teachers. It is retrograde to leave schools without this service and leave the
burden of choice on principals. I ask the Minister to look at the substitution and supervision scheme instead, and leave guidance counsellors in place."
Read Maureen's speech in full here and scroll down page
" . . . I acknowledge one aspect of the Government amendment, which is that guidance is part of the pastoral care system in a school involving year heads and form teachers. It is retrograde to leave schools without this service and leave the
burden of choice on principals. I ask the Minister to look at the substitution and supervision scheme instead, and leave guidance counsellors in place."
Read Maureen's speech in full here and scroll down page
22 January 2012 Topical Issue Debate - Community Employment Schemes
Click to listen to full exchange
18th January, To ask the Minster for Health (with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy), in view of the uncertain and critical situation for Community Employment Schemes and the reduction in allowances to individual to outline the current and future status of CE ring-fenced Drugs Rehabilitation places that a central role in delivering the National Rehabilitation Strategy Maureen O’Sullivan TD
" . . . I am aware of the Minister of State’s commitment in this area. I take heart from two of the Minister’s statements, namely, the acknowledgement that these schemes have made a significant contribution to the broad rehabilitation effort, and that the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Joan Burton, will ensure the special place of these drug-specific CE places is protected and adequately funded. I agree with the Minister about those who have been stuck in methadone treatment and that there must be a way out. However, sometimes harm reduction is the only route for certain people. . . . "
Read Maureen's speech in full here and scroll down page
" . . . I am aware of the Minister of State’s commitment in this area. I take heart from two of the Minister’s statements, namely, the acknowledgement that these schemes have made a significant contribution to the broad rehabilitation effort, and that the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Joan Burton, will ensure the special place of these drug-specific CE places is protected and adequately funded. I agree with the Minister about those who have been stuck in methadone treatment and that there must be a way out. However, sometimes harm reduction is the only route for certain people. . . . "
Read Maureen's speech in full here and scroll down page
22 January Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2011
Click to listen to Maureen's speech
Maureen speaking on 18th January, Wednesday evening on the Bill" . . While I would like to believe workers will be protected by this legislation, the reality may be different. I was fortunate in my job as a teacher that it was a collaborative work environment; the Department of Education and Skills and the school’s board of management were not the worst of employers. This was mainly because it was not a profit-driven enterprise
That is not true, however, in many other worker-employer relationships in which workers are poorly treated and standards abandoned. Those in lower income groups, many of which already have many pressures through extra charges and costs, are particularly affected by poor working conditions. The less well-off pay disproportionately for the costs of the mistakes of others during the boom. While the poor get poorer, those others continue with their high lifestyles. We continue to pay the banks’ bondholders, that anonymous group of speculators and gamblers by taking from vulnerable people. More burdens are placed on the less well-off. The new poor are middle-class 30 to 39 year olds who bought into high mortgages but now face negative equity. Some of them are still working; others have lost their jobs. Where is the protection for them? . . . " Read Maureen's speech in full here and scroll down page
That is not true, however, in many other worker-employer relationships in which workers are poorly treated and standards abandoned. Those in lower income groups, many of which already have many pressures through extra charges and costs, are particularly affected by poor working conditions. The less well-off pay disproportionately for the costs of the mistakes of others during the boom. While the poor get poorer, those others continue with their high lifestyles. We continue to pay the banks’ bondholders, that anonymous group of speculators and gamblers by taking from vulnerable people. More burdens are placed on the less well-off. The new poor are middle-class 30 to 39 year olds who bought into high mortgages but now face negative equity. Some of them are still working; others have lost their jobs. Where is the protection for them? . . . " Read Maureen's speech in full here and scroll down page
20 January Deis protesters picket Department of Education
Click to view news of protest
A fantastic crowd at DEIS schools protest in Marlbrough street on Thursday, the Minister of Education must listen. There was great support from local communities and communities all across Dublin.
'I support schools calling for reversal of proposed DEIS cuts. These are appalling cuts in teachers and resources for disadvantaged schools in DEIS programme, particularly to the junior schools. Investment through DEIS has made a difference, seen in standardised test results in numeracy and literacy, improved school attendance and more involvement by the parents. It is completely unjust and wrong to remove these hard earned resources.'
13 January 2012 Local Authority Public Administration Bill 2011
Click to hear Maureen's contribution in full
"While this Bill deals with a particular issue, I would like to make some general points, in particular in regard to reform of local government in accordance with the programme for Government. The Government has set up a group entitled the Independent Local Government Efficiency Implementation Group, which as the Minister indicated in response to a parliamentary question, has met a number of times and will report at regular intervals. Perhaps the Minister will indicate at what stage the group is in terms of its work. Also, are community groups involved given they are the residents and groups whose lives are most impacted by the work of the local authority? The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, has stated that there will be a review of community employment schemes. I have asked that there be a random selection of participants on the schemes who could then have a direct input into the review. Likewise, a random selection of residents or community groups who are directly involved with the local authority could also be allowed to have an input into its review. . . .
. . . . The issue of where power rests within a local authority must be addressed because in some local authorities power is being taken from the elected representatives. I will conclude by noting the Minister has proposed a greater alignment of community and enterprise functions with the local government system in accordance with the programme of Government. He should indicate precisely what is meant by this because there have been attacks on and has been an undermining of community development, which is a shame."
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, responded, " . . . I give the highest priority to the devolution of power from central government to local government. In the coming months, I will discuss with the Government and the Oireachtas how this will occur. To give local authorities an opportunity, I will ask them to meet their statutory requirements in terms of public representation and to implement the regulations on customer service charters and action plans in the prescribed manner.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan mentioned her concern about the way we are heading in terms of community groups and local government. I value the role of each community group, be its work focusing on enterprise, community development or social support. I want to harness the groups’ potential in line with local government so that we might have a synergy of personnel and resources and allow for a more effective delivery of service to citizens. I do not intend to leave the local government system the way it is. Given the times we are in, its service delivery to citizens must be more efficient and effective. Substantial reform in terms of the devolution of powers and responsibility is also necessary. . . "
. . . . The issue of where power rests within a local authority must be addressed because in some local authorities power is being taken from the elected representatives. I will conclude by noting the Minister has proposed a greater alignment of community and enterprise functions with the local government system in accordance with the programme of Government. He should indicate precisely what is meant by this because there have been attacks on and has been an undermining of community development, which is a shame."
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, responded, " . . . I give the highest priority to the devolution of power from central government to local government. In the coming months, I will discuss with the Government and the Oireachtas how this will occur. To give local authorities an opportunity, I will ask them to meet their statutory requirements in terms of public representation and to implement the regulations on customer service charters and action plans in the prescribed manner.
Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan mentioned her concern about the way we are heading in terms of community groups and local government. I value the role of each community group, be its work focusing on enterprise, community development or social support. I want to harness the groups’ potential in line with local government so that we might have a synergy of personnel and resources and allow for a more effective delivery of service to citizens. I do not intend to leave the local government system the way it is. Given the times we are in, its service delivery to citizens must be more efficient and effective. Substantial reform in terms of the devolution of powers and responsibility is also necessary. . . "
13 January Independent TDs to call for reform of system that sees political parties recieve €10.7million per year in political funding
Click image to read full press release
“We do believe that there is merit in the provision of a certain degree of public funding to political parties in order to ensure that big business and corporate interests don’t have an undue influence on the policies of those parties but when that funding rises to the heights of €10.7 million per year being divided between four political parties strong questions need to be asked and big changes need to be made.”
11 January Technical group makes voice heard and gives bigger parties run for their money The Irish Times
Click image to read article
" . . . Those motions have tended to be the non-economic ones, surrounding the rights of citizens.
A motion in November decrying the lack of progress of the Vision for Change mental health policy is a good illustration. . . . "
A motion in November decrying the lack of progress of the Vision for Change mental health policy is a good illustration. . . . "
Maureen's recent speeches can be listened to by scrolling down this page & clicking on image
10 January Sad passing of John McCarthy
Click image for notice on Cork Independent
I was very shocked to hear today of the sad passing of John Mc Carthy, most associated with the organisation Mad Pride which seeks to' normalise madness'. He was only 61 with so many more battles to fight and causes to pursue.
One of the positives of being a T.D. is some of the people we meet and John was one of the most interesting, inspirational, frank, committed I met; passionate and knowledgeable on matters regarding mental health. I met him in the last Dáil and we just 'clicked', as they say. I met him many times in the last two years and learned so much from him. I supported his campaign to delete 59B which allowed electric shock treatment to be administered on the word of psychiatrists. He so believed in people with mental health issues having a voice and I asked the questions he wanted answered.
I was proud introducing the Technical Group's Private Members' motion on Mental Health (see below) - so much of what I said was guided by his thoughts and principles. I was on Marian Finucane just before Christmas and mental health was one of the topics I was discussing. I mentioned John, and his work, as I knew Marian had interviewed him.
Just after the programme I got a text from John = thanking me for the mention, saying 'well done for bringing it up'.
He honoured me by asking me for a comment on his book 'The Human Condition' and then including it on the jacket. This is what I wrote - .Best wishes with all your work especially in celebrating difference. You are never afraid to grasp the nettles in following your ideals. When I think of your name John, for me the J stands for joy = you radiate it, no matter what; O is for all the opportunities you use to pursue your beliefs; H is for your sense of honour; N for the nerve you show in everything you do and N for the nuisance you are to those with an agenda that doesn't put people at the centre'.
When he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone his comment was that he preferred it to depression because when he suffered from depression he couldn't receive love but in his Motor Neurone he could embrace all the love he was offered. And John had lots of love in his life, especially from Liz, his children, grandchildren and those for whom he spoke and campaigned.
I am so sorry I wont be receiving his calls, e mails and meeting up with him but I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet him, talk with him, campaign with him and laugh with him.
One of the positives of being a T.D. is some of the people we meet and John was one of the most interesting, inspirational, frank, committed I met; passionate and knowledgeable on matters regarding mental health. I met him in the last Dáil and we just 'clicked', as they say. I met him many times in the last two years and learned so much from him. I supported his campaign to delete 59B which allowed electric shock treatment to be administered on the word of psychiatrists. He so believed in people with mental health issues having a voice and I asked the questions he wanted answered.
I was proud introducing the Technical Group's Private Members' motion on Mental Health (see below) - so much of what I said was guided by his thoughts and principles. I was on Marian Finucane just before Christmas and mental health was one of the topics I was discussing. I mentioned John, and his work, as I knew Marian had interviewed him.
Just after the programme I got a text from John = thanking me for the mention, saying 'well done for bringing it up'.
He honoured me by asking me for a comment on his book 'The Human Condition' and then including it on the jacket. This is what I wrote - .Best wishes with all your work especially in celebrating difference. You are never afraid to grasp the nettles in following your ideals. When I think of your name John, for me the J stands for joy = you radiate it, no matter what; O is for all the opportunities you use to pursue your beliefs; H is for your sense of honour; N for the nerve you show in everything you do and N for the nuisance you are to those with an agenda that doesn't put people at the centre'.
When he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone his comment was that he preferred it to depression because when he suffered from depression he couldn't receive love but in his Motor Neurone he could embrace all the love he was offered. And John had lots of love in his life, especially from Liz, his children, grandchildren and those for whom he spoke and campaigned.
I am so sorry I wont be receiving his calls, e mails and meeting up with him but I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet him, talk with him, campaign with him and laugh with him.
15 November Mental Health Services Private Members' Motion (Click here to read in full)
Click to hear Maureen speak to the motion
Maureen introduced the Dáil Technical Group Private Members' Motion,
"The first question I would like to ask is what is mental health? Many people consider it is a question of somebody with a mental illness. We know that one in four people will develop a mental issue at some point in their lives. I think mental health has to do with all aspects of our lives. Sometimes it is more important than our physical health. We know what we should do to look after our physical health, even if we do not always do it. We know why we should take exercise, what kind of food we should eat and how much sleep we should get. We know to avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. Do we pay the same attention to our mental health as we pay to our physical health in order to ensure personal optimal mental health? I believe both are linked. Things that help our physical health will also help our mental health. . . "
Read Maureen's speech in full here and scroll down page
Click to hear Minister of State Kathleen Lynch TD Reply
"The first question I would like to ask is what is mental health? Many people consider it is a question of somebody with a mental illness. We know that one in four people will develop a mental issue at some point in their lives. I think mental health has to do with all aspects of our lives. Sometimes it is more important than our physical health. We know what we should do to look after our physical health, even if we do not always do it. We know why we should take exercise, what kind of food we should eat and how much sleep we should get. We know to avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. Do we pay the same attention to our mental health as we pay to our physical health in order to ensure personal optimal mental health? I believe both are linked. Things that help our physical health will also help our mental health. . . "
Read Maureen's speech in full here and scroll down page
Click to hear Minister of State Kathleen Lynch TD Reply
My intentions for 2012 are -
Maureen O'Sullivan Independent TD
To represent Dublin Central as well as I can;
To continue to support those particular causes which mean a lot to me - Mental Health, 'Daoine ar an Imeall', Animal Welfare, Development Aid and
Not to accept unjust cuts in Education, Health & Community which will further inequality in our society.
28 December Call for more detail on welfare fraud figures and reports
Click to hear Maureen challenge Department reports
"I wouldn't like
'statements on welfare fraud
clamp down'
to cloud the fact that
there are many people
who are totally dependent
on social welfare."
'statements on welfare fraud
clamp down'
to cloud the fact that
there are many people
who are totally dependent
on social welfare."
