Results 2,301-2,320 of 3,488 for speaker:Emer Higgins

National Retrofitting Scheme: Statements (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I welcome the opportunity to discuss this scheme. Contrary to its name, retrofitting is a modern and progressive move for us, as a Government, to be making. In light of constraints relating to energy and electricity, along with a growing need to address the climate emergency, this scheme is so welcome. Nationally, we are seeing a culture change with regard to energy efficiency and our...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: The Minister knows that the waiting list for surgery for children with scoliosis and spina bifida is under extreme pressure. The list has grown by almost one third since the pandemic began. That means that many young people and many children are living in pain, waiting for life-changing surgery. We need a solution. We urgently need enough funding, staff and theatre space to make those...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Philanthropy Initiatives (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank the Minister of State for his response. As he rightly outlined, the existence of a vibrant and thriving philanthropic community is a very important element of civic society. In recent years especially, we have seen outstanding philanthropic work from individuals and organisations. Even at times of such difficulty and constraint Irish people have always managed to find the time and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Philanthropy Initiatives (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank the Minister of State for his response. We know the regulatory and fiscal frameworks vary between countries. There is no single example of best practice in this regard. One aspect is, of course, Government support for philanthropic endeavour through providing tax or other incentives. The OECD has indicated there is no single accepted rationale for the preferential tax treatment of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Philanthropy Initiatives (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: 9. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the work carried out by her Department to encourage and further develop philanthropy in Ireland. [8607/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Philanthropy Initiatives (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank the Acting Chair for her discretion. My apologies, but I was attending a committee meeting. This question is about the work being carried out by the Department to encourage and further develop philanthropy in Ireland.

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Rural Schemes (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: 66. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the local development strategy for the Leader programme; if this will include a review of geographical boundaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8606/22]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: 107. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of minor naturalisation applications that are currently waiting to be processed; the current waiting time for an application to be processed; the estimated length of time that it will take to clear the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8598/22]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Drug Dealing (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: 132. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the actions that are being taken to tackle illegal drug dealing in Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8599/22]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Exemptions (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: 193. To ask the Minister for Finance when the tax exemption limit for persons aged 65 years and over will be reviewed in order that it increases in line with the increase in the old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8882/22]

Committee on Public Petitions: Election of Vice Chairman (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I echo those sentiments and thank Deputy Devlin for all his assistance to me as a new member of the committee.

Committee on Public Petitions: Annual Reports of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman: Press Ombudsman (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank the ombudsman for his time and his comprehensive opening statement. I was particularly interested to hear about the service his office provides in terms of addressing individual complaints, and his comments in regard to the ability of social media to, as he put it, tarnish debates. I am keen to understand his perspective on the online safety and media regulation Bill and, in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Aligning Education with the UNCRPD (Resumed): Discussion (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank Ms Lawless. That is very valuable feedback. I do not know if is symptomatic of the agenda we set but, unfortunately, it is that kind of experience we hear about at this committee more than anything else. We feel she is certainly not on her own.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: General Scheme of the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank all of the witnesses. Hearing Mr. Keaney's voice brought me right back to 2019 and sitting in South Dublin County Council chamber at marathon meetings debating Clonburris strategic development zone for weeks on end.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: General Scheme of the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: This is what my question is about. It is about the development of housing and how it integrates with the general scheme. I would like to hear the perspective of each of the witnesses on this. I welcome the threat of significant sanction where our heritage and monuments may be undermined. With all of the housebuilding going on throughout the country, how will developers know when they have...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: General Scheme of the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I thank Mr. Doyle.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: General Scheme of the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: We will bring in the Heritage Council representatives. They are keen to respond too.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: General Scheme of the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: We will go to Deputy Ó Snodaigh again. I remind members that if anybody would like to contribute again, it appears we will have time to do so. We will also come back to the witnesses to ask for their high-level overview of the recommendations that we as a committee should be looking at. I call Deputy Ó Snodaigh now, please.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: General Scheme of the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (17 Feb 2022)

Emer Higgins: I take this opportunity to ask the witnesses from each of the organisations to outline some of the high-level recommendations the committee should be seeking to implement.