Results 1-20 of 18,325 for speaker:Brendan Smith

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Drug Dealing (15 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 152. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the proposals he has to address the prevalence and scourge of drugs in rural Ireland, and its consequences for community safety and resulting criminality in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24820/25]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Cross-Border Co-operation (15 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 153. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the outcome of his discussions with his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive; if the issues pertaining to cross-Border crime were discussed; if so, if it is proposed to implement additional measures or provide additional specific resources to enhance security on both sides of the Border; and if he will make a...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: I welcome the approval of more special classes for the coming school year. I recognise the commitment of the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, to build further on the progress made to date. We still need more investment in special education. One particular aspect of the approval of special classes...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Policy (14 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 110. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the income eligibility limits for social housing in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan will be increased to a realistic level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24805/25]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (14 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 111. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the progress to date with the local authority affordable purchase homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24806/25]

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Closed-Circuit Television Systems (14 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 145. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the proposals, if any, he has to extend CCTV coverage to towns in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24852/25]

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (13 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: I again raise the issue of the need for the British Government to repeal and replace the legacy legislation. This deplorable legislation gives murderers and terrorists the opportunity to absolve themselves of the most heinous of crimes regardless of whether they worked for British state forces or for paramilitary organisations. We need to see progress in replacing that legislation. We are...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (13 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 20. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland will meet next. [18745/25]

Ceisteanna - Questions: National Economic and Social Council (13 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 1. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the National Economic and Social Council, a statutory agency operating under the aegis of his Department. [14725/25]

Ceisteanna - Questions: National Economic and Social Council (13 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. NESC is doing comprehensive studies in very important areas. I want to again mention an issue that I flagged with the Taoiseach's predecessor, and with the Taoiseach when he held the office previously. Will NESC carry out an assessment of the all-Ireland economy, particularly in the context of cross-Border trade, where there has been development and...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. I will ask just one further supplementary question, given that other Members are waiting to ask questions also. The Tánaiste will be aware of another issue of interest to Defence Forces' organisations, which is the finding of the defence sector arbitration board on 18 November. It upheld a ruling that the terms and conditions the director of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: I ask this question on behalf of Deputy O'Meara. As the Tánaiste will know, Uachtarán na hÉireann today paid tribute to members of the Civil Defence. Ireland's Civil Defence has been in existence for 75 years. I am sure we all compliment them on the great work they do in our local communities. I welcome the Tánaiste's announcement during the week regarding...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: I understand that at the end of February there were in excess of 7,500 personnel enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces. This is just over 4,000 short of the ambition outlined in the programme for Government. We need to increase enlistment by 50%, which is a substantial target to achieve. Would the Tánaiste have any indication at this stage when he would hope to at least get the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: It is good to know there is stabilisation. Hopefully, stabilisation and an increase in enlistment would give more momentum to recruitment and obviously to the important retention aspect as well. The programme for Government has a welcome commitment to build on improvements in the recruitment process, including a nationwide programme for transition year and third level students and better...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Tánaiste for his further response. I genuinely believe that if we had a stronger Reserve Defence Forces, it would be a great conduit for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Forces. I represented two Border constituencies during many bad years on this island. I saw the importance of the Reserve Defence Forces along the Border working in the communities that I have the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 205. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is examining the feasibility of developing new accommodation for military personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18021/25]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 209. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on plans to audit the existing military estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18020/25]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 221. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the need to repeal the legacy legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23106/25]

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Business Supports (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 311. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 111 of 2 April 2025, when outstanding payments will issue in respect of applications under the 2024 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23100/25]

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Departmental Funding (8 May 2025)

Brendan Smith: 312. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of funding available in 2025 for the increased cost of business scheme; if a new round of this scheme will be announced shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23101/25]