Results 30,301-30,320 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committee Meetings (15 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Cabinet Committee C last met on Thursday, 21 June 2018. Following a Government decision on 25th July 2019 on the establishment of Cabinet Committees, Cabinet Committee structures were reorganised. A Cabinet Committee on Brexit, Foreign and European Affairs was established to ensure a coordinated approach in the areas of Brexit, Foreign and European Affairs, including Global Ireland 2025....

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committee Meetings (15 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together. Cabinet Committee G (Justice and Equality) last met on 10 June 2019 and Cabinet Committee F (National Security) last met on 1April 2019. Since then a new Cabinet Committee on Security has been established which deals with issues relating to justice, defence, Garda reform and national security. This Cabinet Committee was scheduled to meet...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Legislative Programme (15 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The sole Bill being prepared by my Department is the National Economic and Social Development Office (Amendment) Bill. This Bill will provide for the dissolution of the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) corporate framework which is no longer necessary. It also deals with related matters including the transfer of functions to the National Economic and Social Council...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (15 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together. I travelled to the US on 22 September for a five-day programme in New York and Los Angeles. My programme in New York centred around the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly, where I joined Heads of State and Government from around the world for a series of events. On Monday 23 September, I participated in the UN Climate Action...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (15 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 38 and 39 together. I attended the recent meeting of the UN in New York between 23 - 25 September, where I had the opportunity to meet with President Tusk. We took stock of the most recent Brexit developments. President Tusk reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with Ireland. Following a phone call with UK PM Johnson on 2 October, I spoke by phone with...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (15 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I met with Prime Minister Johnson in Cheshire on 10 October. We had detailed and constructive discussions on the current situation which concentrated on the challenges of customs and consent. It was clear that we both continue to believe a deal is in everybody’s interest and we agreed that we could see a pathway to a possible deal. We also discussed the potential to strengthen...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Legislative Measures (15 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together. No legislation has been passed by my Department since March 2011.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Staff Data (15 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The information requested by the Deputy regarding to the number of recruitments and retirements from 2014 to date, is set out in the following tables. My Department uses workforce planning and succession planning to ensure that there are sufficient staffing resources in place to deliver the Department's strategic goals. In the main, staff are recruited to my Department through the Public...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Cope Foundation is a voluntary organisation that provides a comprehensive range of services to approximately 2,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities on behalf of the HSE under section 38 of the Health Act. Services include early intervention, schooling, training, adult day services, supported employment, housing,...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Much like yesterday, the Deputy is trying to misrepresent and mischaracterise my response in order to score political points and make himself look good.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: It is exactly true and it is disappointing.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The Cope Foundation does fabulous work which we support and respect. It received a 26% budget increase in the past three years under this Government and will receive a further increase next year, as we have set aside €2 billion for disability services in 2020. The other truth is that when Deputy Micheál Martin was in government, his party cut the budget for disability services...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The Deputy is no friend of people with disabilities. Fianna Fáil's record on disability is appalling. It cut services and the disability allowance.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: We have increased the budget for services to a record high and restored the disability allowance. The Deputy should be ashamed of his record on disability and should not be so self-righteous in this House.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Fianna Fáil cut the disability allowance. It should be ashamed of how it treated people with disabilities.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Fianna Fáil hammered people with disabilities when it was in government.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I am sorry to hear the story the Deputy recounted to the Chamber a few moments ago. On the wider issue, the Government has prioritised mental health and taken it very seriously in recent years. There has been a major increase in resources for mental health. Since 2012, the budget for mental health services has increased by 44%. I doubt one could find such a large increase in mental health...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: That is a very significant investment in mental health services. We are seeing progress in some areas. The Deputy will be aware that the rate of suicide in Ireland has fallen by about 30% in recent years. Of course, any suicide is one too many, but we all welcome the fact that suicide rates in Ireland are dropping. It also reminds us that there is more to do. The Minister of State,...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Last week, a 24-hour mental health helpline was established for the first time. People often do not know how to access the 1,000 or so different mental health services out of hours, whether in the evening, at nighttime or on weekends. That helpline, which is based in the National Ambulance Service, is making a real difference. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, and...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Again, I do not want to comment on individual cases when I do not have the detailed information about them. Next year, spending on mental health will increase by €39 million, bringing it to in excess of €1 billion for the first time. It is new money. It is €13 million for new developments.