Results 29,501-29,520 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Ceisteanna - Questions: Seanad Reform (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The legislation has been published and it is open to anyone to bring it forward in Private Members' time if he or she so wishes.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is an independent statutory agency operating under the aegis of my Department. The Council analyses and reports on strategic policy matters relevant to Ireland's economic, social, environmental and sustainable development. In accordance with the NESDO Act 2006 I have certain functions such as appointing the members of the NESC, presenting...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Administrative Arrangements (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The Parliamentary Liaison Unit (PLU) was established in 2016. It is staffed by 4 staff members; a Principal Officer; two Higher Executive Officers (1.5) and a Clerical Officer. Its role is to facilitate the enhanced relationship between the Government and the Oireachtas and in this regard its work is complementary to that of the Office of the Government Chief Whip helping to ensure the...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I met with the Leader of the British Labour Party, Mr Jeremy Corbyn MP in Government Buildings on Thursday 30 May 2019. Mr Corbyn was accompanied by Tony Lloyd, MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and advisers. We discussed Northern Ireland, Brexit, and the current political situation in Westminster. Discussions focused principally on the need to restore a power-sharing...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committee Meetings (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Since the formation of the current Government in June 2017, discussions about climate change at Cabinet Committee level primarily take place at meetings of Cabinet Committee D, which also deals with infrastructure and housing issues. Cabinet Committee D has met on the following dates: 27 May 2019; 31 January 2019; 1 February 2018; 23 November 2017 and 12 September 2017. Under the term...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I thank Dr. Scally and his team for their supplementary report, which was published yesterday. It was discussed at yesterday's Cabinet meeting. Reading through the report yesterday, I was struck by the words of one of the women affected by the controversy who is quoted as saying "The only way we can ever fix anything, is by highlighting...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I will. I ran out of time.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I did.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Deputy Martin is being a little over-sensitive. I did not blame the Opposition for anything and I am not blaming the Opposition for anything on this matter. I did run over time, as did Deputy Martin on two occasions. If the Deputy asks so many questions that he runs over time by several minutes, I do not have the time to answer them.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Deputy Martin needs to be reasonable in that regard.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: With respect, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, there is a question of reasonableness. If someone runs over time and asks 26 questions, it is not possible to answer them in the time allowed. It is even harder when I am constantly interrupted while trying to answer them.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I will answer if I am allowed to.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I think moving towards a no-fault compensation scheme is a good idea. It is something that requires consideration. We did not discover that as a Government in recent months or during the past year. We have set up a group to examine this matter and tort reform under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Charlie Meenan. We are waiting for him to come back to us with his suggestions in that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: One thing needs to be considered about a no-fault scheme. Generally, when no-fault schemes are established - they exist in other parts of the world and in Ireland - the awards are quite modest and they are no fault. No fault means that nobody is to blame, nobody is held to account, nobody is deemed negligent and nobody is deemed liable. If we are going to go down that route, we need to...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I think we all acknowledge the enormous value of home care in terms of helping people who are sick, elderly or disabled to remain in their homes for longer, thus not having to go into a nursing home. Home care helps patients to get out of hospital quicker, thus freeing up hospital beds for others who need them. There is no disagreement in the House about that. I spoke to the Minister of...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: We are keen to ensure that the extra 800,000 hours of home help that is funded and that has been voted for by this Oireachtas is delivered to the people who need it.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: We are going to act on this and the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, is going to meet the chief officers of the nine community healthcare organisations next week to see how we can resolve this issue. I come back to the basic, important, and fundamental point that the budget for home help has increased by 50% in four years. It has gone up from €300 million to €450 million...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I do not agree with the Deputy's assessment that the Sea-Fisheries (Amendment) Bill was rushed through the Dáil. There was no guillotine, nor has any legislation been guillotined in this Dáil, which has now been in existence for three years. Adequate time was provided for the discussion of that legislation, and there was no attempt to curtail or limit debate on it. The Government...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I do not know that.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (12 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The Deputy is very touchy today. Deputy Michael Collins's question about Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin has been answered for him. Ireland's position regarding Rockall is that there is no basis for excluding Irish fishing vessels from Rockall waters, as they are legitimately pursuing EU fishing opportunities and have done so unhindered for decades. We believe any concerns should be...