Results 1-20 of 136 for speaker:Séamus McGrath

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: 126. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of new class intakes that will enter Templemore this year; the expected overall number of students to enter Templemore in 2025; and the number of recruits in 2023 and 2024. [24765/25]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I appreciate the Minister's commitment to this issue. The programme for Government sets out an ambitious target in relation to the recruitment of gardaí. I know the Minister is committed to increasing the visibility of gardaí on our streets. One can see in Dublin that there has been an improvement in that respect but we need to see it across the country. The Minister visited...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: An Garda Síochána (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: It is to be welcomed that there were more than 6,000 expressions of interest in joining An Garda Síochána, as are the moves by the Minister to speed up the recruitment process in the interview process and so on. It needs to be curtailed as much as possible to fast-track the delivery of extra gardaí on our streets. I also welcome that three more classes will enter Templemore...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Vacant Properties (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for facilitating my taking of this question. I would appreciate it if the Minister would outline his plans to introduce a new voids programme.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Vacant Properties (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I thank the Minister and welcome his commitment to vacant housing and the voids. The figure of more than €300 million since 2014 is very significant. I very much welcome the Minister's statements on a commitment to a prompt turnaround of properties, ensuring only essential work is carried out so those houses can be re-let quickly and that any other work that is non-essential can be...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Vacant Properties (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: As the Minister said, there is a significant difference between some of the local authorities. He referred to counties Laois and Kerry, for example, between which there is a significant disparity. That is something we certainly have to delve into because how some local authorities can do it much faster than others needs to be examined to see how best practice can be applied across the local...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I thank the Minister and I know he very much values affordable housing. I thank him for the figures he provided indicating that 6,400 units will be provided this year, which is very welcome. Prior to the election I strongly committed to individuals and couples that I would be a strong voice in relation to affordable housing. We all know the cohort of people who are above the social housing...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I acknowledge the progress that has been made in Cork, both by Cork City Council and Cork County Council in the delivery of affordable purchase houses in particular. That is very welcome and I note the strong ambition in the programme for Government under the starter homes theme, which is important. Again, I reiterate that when one looks at the delivery of housing, the quantum of social...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: 5. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for his expectations for the delivery of affordable housing this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24902/25]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Provision (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Will the Minister outline his expectations for the delivery of affordable housing, particularly affordable purchase housing, for the coming year?

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: That is generous.

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: When the Comptroller and Auditor General highlights an issue in his report, such as a data breach or a procurement concern, is it only highlighted in the report or does he refer it to other bodies such as the Data Protection Commission or is it up to them to pick up on the highlighted issue? Does his office flag it?

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Does the same apply to procurement issues? The Comptroller and Auditor General would not necessarily refer them to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. It would be highlighted in the report. Does it go anywhere beyond that?

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: That is great. On the €6.5 million in the account without any interest, I presume the argument is that it may be needed on demand and so on, but it does not seem to be a good use or good treasury management that it was not earning some degree of interest. I am sure there are financial products out there where you can have money on demand and still receive some interest, so I think...

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: We will come back to it, I am sure.

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: But they are interesting.

Public Accounts Committee: Business of Committee (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: On a general point, procurement is coming up again and again in terms of the health sector, the education sector and so on. We are under pressure this morning time-wise but we need a discussion on how those issues are addressed. Cumulatively, it can add up to a lot of money that is not used correctly in procurement procedure and getting value for money. There appears to be a significant...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Policy (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: 74. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he intends to increase the qualifying income limits for eligibility for social housing supports; and when the last change to these limits was implemented. [24773/25]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Septic Tanks (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: 70. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if the criteria for applying for a septic tank upgrade grant will be changed to allow householders to apply on the basis of need rather than the current restrictive criteria. [17840/25]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (15 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: 250. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of the funding allocated to each local authority for housing acquisitions in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25067/25]