Results 33,341-33,360 of 51,063 for speaker:Micheál Martin
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: This Minister should not be so defensive; this is the reality.
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: Times flies when one is being interrupted.
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: In November 2011, the Government allocated up to €10 million for flood damage. By May 2012, only €760,000 had been spent. That is a disgrace, particularly in the context of businesses that cannot take out flood insurance. The Government parties can make all the announcements they like but the money does not get to the people. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, needs...
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: Of course the Minister will in his normal way.
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: The reality is the Government promised 80% of property tax yield to councils but, by last November, it had taken the money from them and given it to Irish Water. That is why local authorities are strapped for money. They cannot even repair footpaths. That is why officials look askance when someone comes along and says he will give them €50 million. They would like money now to plug...
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: The Minister, Deputy Coveney, is wrong. It is not a transfer of functions. The Government promised the people that councils would get 80% of the property tax yield.
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: They were supposed to get it this year. The Government is continually misleading the people.
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: That €450 million would help councils to deal with the floods, coastal protection, rivers and barriers immediately. Deputy Cowen will introduce a Bill to deal with insurance for businesses and householders who cannot get insurance because of the way insurance companies are dealing with flooding similar to the legislation that has been adopted in the UK. Will such a Bill be introduced...
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: A comprehensive approach and significant investment is needs in places such as Athlone and County Offaly. The Government should consider using the National Pensions Reserve Fund, NPRF. The fund was used to finance Irish Water. This issue deserves to be the number one priority in the country because it will cost millions and millions of euro. We do not have a proper estimate of the cost....
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: I am aware of the tolerance the Acting Chairman often seeks from the Chair when he contributes and I will not over indulge in this regard. The use of the NPRF should be an option in the context of the scale of funding that will be required to deal with the impact on farming, fishing, business and householders. Something big is needed and it is not happening. The sum of €250,000...
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: I welcome the opportunity to speak in the House about the flooding and storm damage that has occurred throughout the country in the past month or so. I believe there has been a certain degree of complacency and a lack of urgency on the Government side in respect of the preparation and prevention mechanisms that could have been put in place. Irrespective of the arguments for and against...
- Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: We have no objection to the Deputy being given a few more minutes speaking time.
- Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: It has taken about two and a half hours to get to "incorrect".
- Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: They were not excessive, they were wrong.
- Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: I would admit it.
- Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: If we cannot discuss things that are far more central, then what is the use?
- Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: Section 80(5) of the Garda Síochána Act states: "The Ombudsman Commission may make any other reports that it considers appropriate for drawing to the Minister's attention matters that have come to its notice and that, in its opinion, should, because of their gravity or other exceptional circumstances, be the subject of a special report to the Minister." The Taoiseach is on the...
- Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: In the context of a question I put to the Taoiseach yesterday in regard to the setting aside of time for a debate on the financial model for Irish Water, I asked if people would know well in advance of the local elections what they are likely to be charged for water and the Taoiseach's response was that they would. The Taoiseach did not, perhaps, realise at that time that the regulator would...
- Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: I think it is in order to-----
- Order of Business (12 Feb 2014)
Micheál Martin: I am not going through the issues.