Results 31,181-31,200 of 51,063 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: In response to Deputy Boyd Barrett's point, there are two dimensions. Our system has evolved. The Deputy mentioned himself that those particular nursing homes were Covid free. We need to put on record that quite a lot of nursing homes in Ireland did well in preventing Covid from spreading within them. I do take the Deputy's point that in the initial response, all the emphasis was on the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The answer is that it is not legally possible to do it.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy asked a question. The advices are there on the issue. There are quite substantive comprehensive advices, which I have seen. Let us be clear about the Bill. I met with its advocates. I identify with the principles behind the Bill and support them. No one, among the international people I have met, ever suggested that it would be a game changer. Let us keep it in perspective...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The problem is very little internationally is impacting on Israeli Government policy, if the truth be told.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: Israel enjoys strong support from the United States Government on a continual basis. That is why I suggested that the Deputy should raise it more vociferously. My sense of it is that Sinn Féin goes silent when it comes to Capitol Hill. I take it that the Deputy is sincerely behind the issue but-----

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I am not worried at all but the Deputy knows there is an inextricable link between US policy underpinning and supporting Israeli Government policy

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: We have put it in the programme for Government. A former Minister for Foreign Affairs from Fianna Fáil, the late Deputy Brian Lenihan senior, was the first Minister in Europe to recognise the right of Palestinians to a homeland. We are very committed to this. This is about strategy and how to do it best; that is what this is about. I would like Israeli Government policy to change and...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: We must change the model of caring for our elderly. That is what the programme for Government is committed to in home and community based interventions as well as long-term nursing home care, for which there will always be a need.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Covid-19 Pandemic (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The current public health advice is to avoid non-essential overseas travel and to holiday at home this summer. Coronavirus is still spreading around the world. Many countries are seeing the number of infections increase again. In Ireland, the NPHET recently emphasised its growing concern regarding the following:- · The increase in case numbers of this disease currently being reported in...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Ministerial Advisers (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: Having appointed Ministers and Ministers of State to their various portfolios across Government, I am also considering the advisory supports that I might need in my role as Taoiseach and Head of Government. The Public Service Management Act 1997, provides for the appointment of Special Advisers subject to specified limits. While I have not as yet fully finalised the make-up of my team, it...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Contracts (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: Neither the Department of the Taoiseach nor the body under its remit have awarded any contracts to the company in question or any of its subsidiaries from 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Communications (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I intend to publish my diary on the Department of the Taoiseach website on a quarterly basis.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Functions (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The role of my Department is to assist my work as Taoiseach and the effective operation of Government. The Department’s staffing needs and structure are currently being reviewed in light of the priorities set out in the Programme for Government, including the range of Cabinet Committees outlined. A new Statement of Strategy setting out the strategic priorities of my Department will be...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Office of the Attorney General (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: There are no discretionary allowances for staffing provided to the Attorney General.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Staff (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Programme for Government sets out a number of reforms to be implemented in order to ensure openness and constructive cooperation within government. These include the establishment of an Office of the Tánaiste and an Office of the Leader of the Green Party within the Department of the Taoiseach, located in Government Buildings. The Office of the Tánaiste will consist of a private...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for her question. When I was Leader of the Opposition I saw my role as one of making a constructive contribution towards protecting public health and to rise above partisan political sniping.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: That said, the Leader of the Opposition suggested I was at odds with the Tánaiste, which I am not, but I have to put it to the Deputy that she seems to be at odds with herself. I am clear that the safest thing to do is not to travel. That is the clear message. We are saying to people to holiday at home this year. We have in respect of those 15 countries applied the normal precautions...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: In the first instance, on the all-island question put by the Deputy, I will work towards achieving the maximum synergy between the Northern Ireland Executive and our Government in the suppression of the virus on the island of Ireland. That is very important. I acknowledge, however, the de facto situation in terms of the roles and responsibilities of the Northern Executive and the fact that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for her question and for raising the key issues pertaining to Rosslare Europort. In the context of Brexit, the Government is acutely aware of the necessity to work with the port and the Department and offices responsible in preparing for additional border controls and other impacts that will arise from Brexit. We acknowledge the role of Rosslare in that regard. The...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I confirm that we will examine the matter and give it our considered attention. At present, Rosslare Europort is undergoing a major transformation as part of its masterplan, which will see more than €30 million invested in customer facilities, port infrastructure, assets and new technology by the port authority and Ianród Éireann over the next five years. That is...