Results 23,021-23,040 of 50,909 for speaker:Micheál Martin

European Council Meeting: Statements (22 Mar 2016)

Micheál Martin: I commence my speech on the European Council meeting by again condemning the attacks in Brussels and extending our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have been bereaved and the many who have been wounded and injured. The reports are still coming in. It is an horrific attack on our institutions, democracy and fellow citizens across Europe and beyond. On another occasion it will...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Home Help Service Data (22 Mar 2016)

Micheál Martin: 406. To ask the Minister for Health the number of home help hours allocated nationally and for Cork county in each of the years 2014 and 2015 and to date in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5279/16]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Accommodation (22 Mar 2016)

Micheál Martin: 503. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans in place to ensure adequate and acceptable accommodation for Rochestown Educate Together national school for the term beginning September 2016; if she will split the campus over two sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5280/16]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Site Acquisitions (22 Mar 2016)

Micheál Martin: 504. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will secure a permanent site for Rochestown Educate Together national school; her medium plans for the development of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5281/16]

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy can tell me later about them.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I pay tribute to all those involved in organising the 1916 centenary celebrations, in particular the celebrations over the Easter weekend. The presentation of the various aspects of the celebrations was splendid. I pay particular tribute to RTE on its coverage of the centenary concert. The presentation was stunning and reflected well on the nation and our maturity and capacity to tolerate...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: Policy is beginning to triumph over the naked pursuit of power for its own sake. The six specific areas for action also include introducing a progressive approach to cutting costs for families and aid for communities under pressure, including a guarantee of key services and strengthening of community policing. While this includes substantial action for rural communities, it also addresses...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: We welcome the constructive discussions we have had and acknowledge the assistance provided by departmental officials. As our proposals were independently reviewed and costed, we have not had to revise their costings.  However, we must put on the record our concern that important fiscal information was not reflected in data published by the outgoing Government before the election.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: The underfunded budgets were not acknowledged by Ministers before the election.  This is a matter which should be taken up by a reformed budget oversight committee when it is established through the Dáil reform process. This applies in particular to the Department of Health. We were informed by officials that the underlying overrun by the end of February was already €60...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: No purpose is served by aggressive point-scoring. What does have to be said is that we now have the position where some are busy lecturing others about what they are and are not entitled to seek to do with their mandate. We have the bizarre situation where some parties are demanding that others form a Government in order that they can get on with denouncing it.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: Never before have so many spent so much time calling for a Government they will vote against.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: The process being followed at the moment by parties who want to lead Government is new for Ireland but common internationally.  After today, it will move forward. Our parliamentary party will meet to discuss the issue tomorrow. It is our intention to continue the ongoing discussions which are under way. It is important to say that one of the things which was rejected by the people in...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I have no difficulty with meeting anybody in the House.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I will conclude. I met with Deputy Burton last week and we had a very cordial exchange-----

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: -----which was much different from the presentation given. I respectfully suggest, and I address my remarks to the Taoiseach and to colleagues-----

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I am not. This is a very constructive point, and it is important for the conduct of discussions into the future. The Taoiseach must stop the briefings and the manipulation of opinions if there is to be any reasonable prospect of moving things forward. As a bottom line, parity of esteem and respect is important for everybody in the House. That means that if people are saying to Fianna...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: However, ruling this and that out is not conducive to constructive engagement. That point must be put on the record.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for your indulgence on an important occasion such as this. We are working to implement the mandate we received. We seek to rebuild trust based on a new Government, new parties and reformed politics. It is not just a challenge for us, but a challenge for every Member of this House.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: It obviously does.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: It is not our mandate.