Results 3,381-3,400 of 8,048 for speaker:Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (27 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: It might be worthwhile for the Tánaiste to go back to his Department to look at the amount of gas we are getting from the UK or from Scotland for the simple reason that England, if you read the statistics and the facts, is in a slight bit of bother in relation to it, even though it has its own. On the second part of the Tánaiste's answer, yes, there were social welfare increases...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (27 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: 95. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel that have been stationed at Custume Barracks, Athlone over the past five years; if there are plans to upgrade its status in the next few years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4169/22]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (27 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I ask the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel that have been stationed in Custume Barracks over the past number of years and if there are plans to upgrade it. I say that in light of the development yesterday. I have heard the Minister’s comments today, in fairness, where he said he is looking at this in respect of Cathal Brugha Barracks. If changes will be...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (27 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I thank the Minister for his answer, although I think it is rather regrettable. I do not buy into it that "for operational reasons" they cannot tell us the number of Defence Forces personnel in any part of the country. It is disgraceful and whoever wrote that answer should be ashamed of themselves. Public representatives are not told, no matter where they are from, whether it is Cathal...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Defence Forces (27 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: If the Minister can have a look at it, I would welcome that. It will not be to the detriment of our country or our line of defence if Members know how many different Defence Forces personnel are in each part of the country. We are given a number right around the country. That would have been given previously. It would be interesting to see over the past number of years whether those...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (27 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: 246. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Defence Forces in its various areas over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4166/22]

Regulation of Providers of Building Works Bill 2022: Second Stage (Resumed) (26 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I thank the Acting Chairman. I do not necessarily have a problem with the Bill but I am somewhat at a loss to know what miraculous inspiration will be carried out by the Construction Industry Federation, CIF, by being registered with it, that will save everyone from perhaps buying bad blocks or timber, or whatever. I just cannot understand that part. The second part I am trying to fathom,...

Youth Mental Health: Statements (26 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I have known the Minister of State for a while and am not blaming her for any of this, but she is dealing with an elephant, in that she is in the Department of Health but the HSE does its own thing. A few years ago, elderly people with different needs were in the Rosalie unit in Castlerea. People right across the board - Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and Independents - did...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (Resumed) (26 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee. I am a contractor. As the lads would say, I am not a very big operator but when we are in politics some smart Alec will make a dig. I am a contractor and I do slurry and bailing. I might do 8,000 bales. I have just done a tally that if 50% of FCI members are not eligible for grant aid then between 30,000 to 40,000 farmers throughout...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (Resumed) (26 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: The maximum amount of grant aid is €40,000. It will not buy a big tank if people have to buy the tank and an agitator. Is this fair to say?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (Resumed) (26 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Is it correct to say some countries in the EU have facilitated contractors? My understanding is that one or two countries have facilitated contractors in the system because they understand farmers will not be doing it. To be honest, there is not much point in putting a 2,000 gallon tank behind a Massey Ferguson 135 even if a grant is given for it. I mean no disrespect to the Massey Ferguson...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (Resumed) (26 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I wish to ask Mr. Moroney a question. We are discussing climate change and low-emission slurry spreading. There is a report from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on anaerobic digestion. Once the digestate goes through an anaerobic digester at temperature, it is classed as an organic fertiliser, which will be helpful this year. A report done by Teagasc, NUIG, UCD and the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (Resumed) (26 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: How concerned is Mr. Moroney that, in March 2020, diesel was being bought at 44 cent or 43 cent – it went under 40 cent for a week – but it is at 92 cent in bulk today, or 94 cent for smaller amounts? I have been listening to contractors from my area. With the way the price of diesel is increasing and a carbon tax due to apply to it in May, many contractors now appear to be...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (Resumed) (26 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: This is my final question because I note the runners and the riders are running out of time here. I note the clock has gone to zero. If there was one message the contractors want us to send to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, what would their top message be? I thank the witnesses.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Vacant Properties (25 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: 334. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the grant to aid persons in purchasing and renovating derelict homes will be made available; the parameters or eligibility criteria for the scheme that have been determined to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3621/22]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Water Services (25 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: 333. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the new sewerage scheme grant for towns and villages which are not served by Irish Water infrastructure will be rolled out to the various local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3620/22]

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: State Examinations (19 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: First, I thank Minister coming into the House. Last Monday, Deputy Kerrane and myself met students in St Cuan’s College in Castleblakney. Those students last Monday gave up their dinner time or their lunch break and went out to stand together in solidarity looking for the hybrid system that they believe they deserve. I believe they deserve it. In fairness, most Deputies around the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: State Examinations (19 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Schools were opened, but the Minister should realise that many families got Covid-19, many teachers got Covid-19 and there was total disruption. On top of that, it is interesting that many teachers have said that they were surprised at the unions' talk as they were not consulted. We should not even be debating whether children should have the choice. This should be an option every year...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Cost and Supply of Fertiliser in the European Union: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (19 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I thank the Chair and the witness. Mr. Santini spoke about fertiliser. Would I be correct in saying that the fertiliser that is imported into Europe and the fertiliser that is made in Europe is used on land mostly?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Cost and Supply of Fertiliser in the European Union: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (19 Jan 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Is it the case that the fertiliser imported into Europe and that which is made in Europe is mostly used on land?