Results 81-100 of 18,808 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (20 May 2025)

Michael McDowell: I identify with the calls that have been made for a proper debate on what is happening in Gaza. It is not unforeseeable. A number of us actually foresaw, almost to the detail, what is happening now in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas-inspired atrocity against Israeli citizens. It was shocking that, when we supported the occupied territories Bill, the Irish ambassador was called in in...

Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: Business of Joint Committee (20 May 2025)

Michael McDowell: I join the congratulations to the Cathaoirleach on his appointment and welcome his introductory remarks. Deputy Gannon referred to the imprisonment crisis, which is not going away, cannot go away and must be addressed. It may not be a great vote-getter but unless something is done about it, we are sitting on a powder keg. It is not just a matter of numbers. It is also about any prospect...

Seanad: Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025: Second Stage (14 May 2025)

Michael McDowell: I now regret that I did not add my name to the supporters of this legislation because the case that has been made by Senator Keogan and other supporters of the Bill seems to me to be a very strong one. Furthermore, I am of the view that given it is Government policy to go down this road, the question we really face this afternoon is one of timing. I fully accept the Government is entitled...

Seanad: Parole (Special Advocates) Bill 2024: Second Stage (13 May 2025)

Michael McDowell: I welcome the Minister. I congratulate Senator Ruane on her initiative in tabling this legislation. The Minister's request for more time to consider what is involved is sensible and reasonable in all the circumstances. The whole idea of a special advocate is novel in Irish law. A series of issues arise in respect of restricted evidence confined to legal practitioners who are not in a...

Seanad Select Committee on Subsidiarity (European Union Legislative Scrutiny): Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (3 Apr 2025)

Michael McDowell: It is not agreed, Chair.

Seanad Select Committee on Subsidiarity (European Union Legislative Scrutiny): Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals (3 Apr 2025)

Michael McDowell: Just before the committee goes into private session, I want to put on the public record my deeply held conviction that the Oireachtas, and the two Houses of the Oireachtas, are not fulfilling their function in relation to subsidiarity issues or examinations. I also want to put on the public record my view that the sectoral committees, the formation of which at the moment is now delayed, are...

Seanad: Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2023: Second Stage (26 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: Agreed.

Seanad: Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2023: Second Stage (26 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Troy. I indicate my personal support for this legislation. I understand the reasons he and the Department have been obliged to address the issue in the wake of the Zalewski decision as it applied to the ombudsman's procedures. There is a tendency now to set up specialist tribunals and to divide up what used to be the administration of justice and...

Seanad: Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2023: Second Stage (26 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: We trust each other. We do not shout each other down. It is a joyful contrast to some other places. I will not put it any further than that.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Funding (19 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: I thank the Minister of State for being here today. My involvement in this matter arises from a representation made to me by a colleague at work, a parent who has children in the school and received a letter warning him that, as and from 1 April, the school will close its doors and that the parent might attempt distance education. One can imagine what that means for working parents, single...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Funding (19 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: I thank the Minister of State for her response. I want to emphasise that the Minister of State, as an educationalist, will appreciate that this kind of crisis should not take place. There should be an early warning system rather than a fire brigade action at the end of a period of time. My information is that the crisis emerging at this school was present for some time. I am glad to see...

Seanad: Health (Scoliosis Treatment Services) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (19 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: I welcome the Minister to the Chamber today and thank her for being present and for making it to this place after all her travels. This legislation is not some exercise in opportunism, nor is it intended to be part of a party-political blame game or a point-scoring exercise. It is simply a measure to ensure a tragedy which unfolded for very many children and their parents comes to a...

Seanad: Health (Scoliosis Treatment Services) Bill 2024: Committee Stage (19 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: I am accepting the amendment.

Seanad: International Women's Day - Women's Health: Statements (5 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: With the permission of the House, I wish to share my time with Senators Clonan and Keogan.

Seanad: International Women's Day - Women's Health: Statements (5 Mar 2025)

Michael McDowell: I am very glad to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I welcome the Minister. The progress on women's health issues that she outlined in her statement is very encouraging material. I compliment the Government on all of the initiatives it is taking in this area. I want this to be understood. Women's health is not only an issue for women. It is also an issue for men. Men...

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (26 Feb 2025)

Michael McDowell: Do not worry, I will not take any offence.

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (26 Feb 2025)

Michael McDowell: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, to the Chamber and congratulate him on his appointment. I welcome him back to this House to which he has given such great service over the years. I listened to Senator Clifford-Lee speaking about the MetroLink. She made the point, and is possibly correct, that from the point of view of Swords, which is an area in her would-be...

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (26 Feb 2025)

Michael McDowell: -----for this transformative trip to Ranelagh. My public life will be well and truly over by the time that happens.

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (26 Feb 2025)

Michael McDowell: The opportunity cost of going ahead with MetroLink is vast. The things we will not be able to do because we are making that choice are numerous. The huge improvement we could make in the capital's transport system is enormous and it is not going to happen now because all of our money is going to go into this single line from Dartmouth Square in Ranelagh to Swords via the airport. At the...

Seanad: Public Transport: Motion (26 Feb 2025)

Michael McDowell: The OPW can get the Senator very cheap ones.