Results 81-100 of 12,854 for speaker:Dara Calleary

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Homeless Accommodation (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I assure Deputy Quinlivan that the most efficient way to deal with this and what people want is extra supply. What people want is more homes and they are being built through Housing For All, the Minister's plan. The latest CSO data on planning permission dating back to 7 December show that nationally, 9,662 dwelling units were granted planning permission in quarter three 2023, an increase...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Schools Building Projects (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank the Deputy for raising the matter as it provides an opportunity to outline the current position with regard to the major building project for Mercy Convent Primary School, Naas. I know the Deputy has been consistent in raising the issue with the Minister, Deputy Foley. As the House is aware, the project is included in the Department of Education’s construction programme,...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Schools Building Projects (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I assure the Deputy the Minister is very committed to this project. Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in schools throughout the country, involving the completion of more than 800 school building projects, with construction currently under way at approximately 300 other projects, including 34 new school buildings. The 300 projects...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Homeless Accommodation (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The latest Housing for All progress report, which covered quarter 4 of 2023, showed that the number of new homes delivered last year was the highest in 15 years, with 32,695 new homes completed in 2023, which is 10% higher than in 2022 and exceeds Housing for All’s 2023 target by almost 13%. The pipeline is also strong, with 32,800 new homes...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Inland Fisheries (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank Deputy Ring. Unfortunately, I will have to read him a prepared script. I know he has followed this issue hard and has stood up on this matter over a number of years. This is the second occasion a Minister of the Department has not been present, so I will bring it to the attention of the Minister on his behalf. The matter of protected disclosures has been received in both the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Inland Fisheries (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: Again, I can assure Deputy Ring that I will bring his concerns and the script of his remarks directly to the Minister's attention and ask him to follow it up with the Deputy.

Reform of the Television Licence Fee Model: Motion [Private Members] (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teach as an deis a bheith páirteach sa díospóireacht seo. Ní aontaím leis an rún ach gabhaim buíochas le Sinn Féin as ucht na díospóireachta agus leis an Aire, an Teachta Martin, as rún an Rialtais a mholadh. It is clear that there is general agreement across the House on the value and importance of...

Reform of the Television Licence Fee Model: Motion [Private Members] (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: We understand you.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Special Educational Needs (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this matter and acknowledge her long-time work in this space. I stress at the outset that enabling students with additional needs to receive an education appropriate to those needs is an ongoing priority for this Government. The SET allocations provide additional teaching support for students with special educational needs enrolled in mainstream...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Special Educational Needs (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I again acknowledge the Senator's expertise in this space. The notification of hours was not ideal and the Department has acknowledged that and apologised. That school profiles are going to be updated every year, as opposed to every number of years, may deal with the issue and ensure the allocations are relevant. However, I will bring the Senator's specific concerns directly to the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank the Senator for raising this issue around the Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, and the Minister, Deputy Foley. As the Senator knows, this project requires the provision of a new site. The site acquisition process has been progressed in respect of the requirement in question and in line with the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Schools Building Projects (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I have noted the Senator’s remarks. As I said, there is engagement around a site process and, as the Senator will understand, there are commercial sensitivities, so we cannot go into detail. However, the school can be assured that engagement is under way.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Defective Building Materials (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank Senator Boyhan for raising this very important issue. He is absolutely right. The level of distress caused by pyrite and mica in defective concrete blocks is extreme, particularly for those families who are having to live through it. On behalf of the Minister, I am in a position to give an update on the two issues raised. The Department has received a copy of the EU petitions...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Defective Building Materials (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: No.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Special Educational Needs (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank Senator Wall for raising this issue. A priority for this Government is to ensure all children have an appropriate school placement and that all the necessary supports are provided to our schools to cater for the needs of children with special educational needs. It is important to remember that the vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Rural Schemes (13 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: 623. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has received an application from a group (details supplied) via the community centres investment fund; if she recognises the importance of the organisation to Ballina and the strength of their funding application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6088/24]

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank the Civil Engagement Group for putting forward this amendment. It is grouped with No. 2. I cannot accept them as both relate to amendments associated with references to the name of the Digital Services Co-ordinator in Ireland, which is Coimisiún na Meán. This new body was established in 2023 under the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media through...

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: It is always good as a Mayo person to welcome Galway people to anywhere, except MacHale Park. I want to say to in advance that I am not going to be accepting any amendments today. However, I thank the Civil Engagement Group members for their engagement with the Bill. It might be useful, and I can set this meeting up, for them to meet the officials to get a full understanding of how we have...

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I share the Senator's concerns about algorithmic safety. The European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency deals with this issue. This organisation will be able to work and use research from the risk assessments and audits carried out through the Digital Services Act. However, I will also bring the Senator's proposal to the attention of both the digital services commissioner, John Evans,...

Seanad: Digital Services Bill 2023: Committee and Remaining Stages (8 Feb 2024)

Dara Calleary: I thank the Senator. I oppose amendment No. 8, which is grouped with amendments Nos. 9 to 12, inclusive, 21, 43, 52 and 53. All those amendments relate to proposals to make certain actions obligatory for Coimisiún na Meán or the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission, CCPC. The Digital Services Bill provides that during an investigation into a suspected contravention,...