Results 1,361-1,380 of 9,823 for speaker:Thomas Byrne

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: As the Deputy noted, the draft proposal is an option, not a decision. That is what the Minister of State emphasised to me today. This is very much at an early stage and subject to further engagement. I am glad that some engagement has already happened, with strong views being expressed at the meeting and in public statements. Clearly, further significant work is required to progress this...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: May I propose that the fourth Topical Issue matter be heard next? I am taking that as well. I believe I have agreement from the Deputies.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the House.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Quality (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an ábhar seo a ardú agus an deis a thabhairt dom, ar son an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, déileáil leis. I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and giving me an opportunity to address it on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who cannot be present but who sends...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Enrolments (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Deputy for mentioning the Ardcath group. I had good engagements with Mr. Mick Reilly, who I have known for a long time. I will engage with the Minister next week and will inform the Deputy in advance of that. We need to work on this together. It is something that can happen. There are things going against it because the school is closed. It is for sale so, presumably, money...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I very much thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I am glad the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte, is present to listen to his comments. There was not much we disagreed with on the substance of his points, quite frankly. In fairness to the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, there was not much she would disagree with either. The bottom line is no...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Enrolments (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I want to thank Deputy O’Rourke for raising this issue. As he rightly said, I am very familiar with it. I did give apologies to a public meeting that I could not attend last year. I fully support the Deputy’s proposal. I was at a public meeting three years ago when I put forward the exact same proposal. I tried to get action on it then. Unfortunately, people were not...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Enrolments (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: The official script.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I accept that, but that will not be the majority of cases. That will be a small number of cases. A significant number of issues have been put forward in the debate. I have no doubt but that the passport service will take into account all those issues and all the really good suggestions that have been made. I agree with Deputy Paul Murphy that we should not have to do this on behalf...

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I thank the Deputies for their contributions. The sentiments they have expressed are sentiments I know only too well. I apologise for the absence of the Minister, Deputy Coveney, but I am glad that the director of the passport service has been in the Chamber throughout the debate. Many suggestions have been made by Deputies during this debate. There were some good suggestions and many...

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: Three weeks.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: That is only a very small part of it.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: We can find ways around the problem and try to solve it. That is the point I am trying to make.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I agree.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I will clarify that for the Deputy.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I will clarify that.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I did not say that.

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I am not saying that. However, there are some errors. There is no question about it that there are some. People should check the Department website. It is also important to say that we have published estimated processing times. That processing time does not start when you start the application. The processing time for passport applications begins once the correct documents are sent into...

Passport Services: Statements (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I am glad to be able to address the Dáil on this important issue. I apologise for the absence of the Minister, Deputy Coveney. He is abroad on important State business. The passport service has been the subject of much public interest in recent weeks, as always. A passport is a very important document. As a Member of the House, I am fully aware of the number of requests for...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Special Educational Needs (26 May 2022)

Thomas Byrne: I thank Senator Murphy for raising this matter and for his ongoing strong representation and lobbying for St. Teresa's Special School. I will outline to the Seanad the current position on this major building project. It is included in the Department's construction programme, which is being delivered under the national development plan as part of the Project Ireland 2040 framework. Under...