Results 2,041-2,060 of 4,873 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Seanad: Electoral (Amendment) (Voting at 16) Bill 2021: Second Stage (7 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Senators Malcolm Byrne, Fitzpatrick and McGreehan for their work in bringing forward this Bill. I might reflect back on some of the contributions before I go to the scripted reply, if that is okay. A number of comments were made by Senators Craughwell and Boyhan about their involvement in activism from a very early age. Certainly, my own path into activism began at a very young age...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Waterways Issues (7 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future includes a commitment to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver the flagship cross-border Ulster Canal project. My Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland co-operate effectively and communicate regularly to progress the various work programmes involved in the project, with the aim of providing a safe...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Waterways Issues (7 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The Barrow Blueway Project is a significant initiative which will support communities and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives. Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Barrow Blueway Project and is responsible for the overall project delivery. Waterways Ireland is responsible for the delivery of the...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Regulations (7 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to regulate and monitor the international trade in certain species of animals and plants, and to ensure that trade does not threaten their survival in the wild. Ireland became a CITES Party in 2002 with the NPWS of my Department being the CITES Management Authority in Ireland. The CITES...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Marine Protected Areas (7 Nov 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The Habitats and Birds Directives, transposed in Ireland via the Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations 2011, require Ireland to identify a network of Natura 2000 sites (European sites) where important or endangered species and habitats are present to a degree that is significant at a European level. The selection of these European sites is done on a scientific and ornithological basis,...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (25 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: On the issue of maintenance, which I think Deputy McGrath raised as well, it is important that consent processes have to be gone through. As regards the broader issue of the increased number of rainfall events we are having at the moment, we need to look and are looking at this through the land use plan, which is critical. There are some good agriculture schemes in place, such as the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Weather Events (24 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Absolutely. I thank the Senator for bringing this Commencement matter forward after a devastating few days in the southern part of the country and in many other parts of the country too. The increasing ferocity and frequency of these weather events is something that is catching us all. Unfortunately, it seems as though our future seems to have arrived. It is critically important to thank...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Weather Events (24 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I will take back that ask. A timeline for a localised approach is important. I had family members who lived in areas prone to flooding in Kilkenny city.In the past, local knowledge gave a certain indication of when a flood would breach houses. However, what we are dealing with now is vastly different. A month of rainfall was dumped in an area in 24 hours. It would be useful to have local...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Agriculture Industry (24 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Senator for raising another flooding-related issue that is also important, on whether provisional arrangements can be made to spread slurry due to the flooding of slurry storage facilities during Storm Babet. First, I take this opportunity to again sympathise with all those who have been impacted by Storm Babet. It has been devastating for communities. These exceptional weather...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Agriculture Industry (24 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I agree wholeheartedly. The vast majority of farmers have a great duty of care to the environment. Farmers who are unclear as to whether their tanks contain slurry or soil water should contact their local authorities. Going forward, farmers should prioritise emptying their slurry storage facilities as early in the growing season as possible. That is a practical measure. It will boast...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Staff (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir as an gceist. I thank the Senator for bringing to our attention the concerns of Keadue National School in County Roscommon. Ensuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government. The key factor for...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Staff (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I would be more than happy to take the Senator up on his invitation. I was in Roscommon until late last evening. It is a county I love dearly and I would be more than happy to visit Keadue at some point if the Senator sends me an invitation. The difference a new family can make in a community is crucial in that it may achieve the critical point whereby an additional one or two pupils are...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Office of Public Works (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Senator Martin for raising this important issue. I am taking the matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, who, unfortunately, is not available this morning. As the Senator can appreciate, this is very much an ongoing and fluid scenario and the situation locally at Castletown is changing day by day. I will provide some up-to-date information, taking note of the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Office of Public Works (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I am sure that the Senator will support the OPW in agreeing that while it would be preferable for these lands to be reunited with the historic demesne, this will only be possible where acceptable terms can be agreed. Again, I note the letter that he has brought to my attention here today. The OPW negotiates on the acquisition of lands, leasing of properties and access terms on behalf of the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Medicinal Products (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. The State acknowledged the importance of access to medicines and has made considerable investments in new medicines in recent years. This year, a record of almost €3 billion of public funding will be spent on medicines for patients in Ireland. This represents almost €1 of every...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Medicinal Products (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I appreciate the points made by the Senator, particularly in regard to the case he outlined about his own family. Certainly, that additional 18 months must have been immense comfort to his family at the time. It certainly gives a family additional time to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. It is critically important that the Mazars work is concluded and the recommendations brought...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Quality (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: In the first instance, the county council is responsible for investigating and dealing with complaints of poor air quality, including odours. I note the serious issues raised by the Deputy relating to Knock Road, Claremorris. All potential sources of the odour would need to be investigated to establish the cause and origins of the issues. The county council may be able to deal with the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Quality (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I reiterate that it is a matter for Uisce Éireann to investigate issues that pertain to its own sewer network. Certainly, we will pass on the message to Uisce Éireann with a view to resolving the issue, if it pertains to its network. My own experience with Uisce Éireann has been very good. I acknowledge that from time to time Deputies complain about the lack of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Deputies Murphy, O'Rourke and Ó Cathasaigh for raising this important issue. I hear loud and clear what they are saying about people not feeling supported. It is of great concern and I want to reflect this. I advise the Deputies that the HSE has developed an interim model of care for long Covid that aims to build on existing service provision in addition to establishing new...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Covid-19 Pandemic (18 Oct 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputies and I take the points made on public awareness, ventilation and clean air. There is a winter vaccination programme and I encourage people to avail of the vaccine over the coming weeks and months. The Government continues to support the roll-out of the national service for long Covid, with €2.2 million in funding for the implementation of the model of care...