Results 33,021-33,040 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Government is disposed, especially with the option in the fair deal scheme, to people having the option of home care-based supports. As the Deputy knows, in the recent budget there was a record allocation to home care packages and interventions in the community. It appears that is having an impact with a better flow in the hospital system and reduced waiting times for people on trolleys...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputies for raising this matter, the murder of two young innocent people in Belturbet in 1972. The victims were two teenagers, Geraldine O'Reilly and Patrick Stanley. It was a reprehensible crime. Deputies Smith and Smyth have been pursuing the matter for quite some time and the Garda investigation remains open. I will pursue the matter with the British authorities and the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together. The Government will shortly publish the national economic plan, a high-level framework setting out the Government’s priorities for a jobs-led sustainable and inclusive recovery. The plan will build upon commitments in the programme for Government relating to a high-level review of the economy and the development of a...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: A debate on CETA was initiated by Fianna Fáil in the last Dáil. Indeed, we initiated it in our own Private Members' time. I have always been in favour of debate on the Canada-EU free trade agreement. I believe in trade. The decisions of Seán Lemass in the 1960s led to the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Agreement in 1965, which removed tariffs and quotas on trade with Britain. That...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: It is the Commission's contention that the chapter of CETA on investment fully guarantees the protection of public interest measures from challenges by investors. One of the concerns raised in that case was whether CETA was compatible with the principle of equality before the law under Article 20 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the principle of...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: This does not endanger, in any way, the environment or any public interest measures or other measures we take. I have just returned from a meeting of the European Council at which the highest ever level of ambition with regard to the environment was agreed by all member states.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: It was agreed that greenhouse gas emissions would be cut by 55% by 2030 and that the EU would be carbon neutral by 2050. That is the European Union's agenda with regard to climate change. How, in the name of God, can CETA undermine that? It cannot and it will not.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: The only challenge we have within the European Union is the reluctance of some member states to be as fully engaged in action on climate change as others. This will be required if we are to achieve the goals to which we have all agreed. In this debate, I have heard the same points I hear on an ongoing basis. No one ever debates the merits. I am not clear on the economic model the Deputies...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together. The economic division of my Department assists me and the Government in developing and implementing policies across relevant areas, including the areas of economic growth, job creation, infrastructure, housing, climate action and social dialogue. This work is focused in particular on the delivery of commitments in the programme for...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Conway-Walsh asked the question in the first instance. The cost-benefit analysis is a very involved piece of work and it is not a simple matter to change the criteria overnight to suit particular projects or schemes. We need to apply rigorous criteria to public projects and initiatives to ensure we get value for money. The State cannot keep on allocating resources to particular...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform continues to review, but there is no plan for a major review of the criteria. However, I will engage with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the issues the Deputy has raised. She raised all these issues of regional imbalance which I was keen to address along with net zero carbon emissions. She mentioned the western rail...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: No, I speak as someone who believes in enterprise, trade and in creating jobs. It is the tradition I have come from, as well as that of strong investment in public services, by the way. I was reminded of that when watching the speech made by Seán Lemass in 1965 regarding removing trade barriers. He could see ahead, and that being a precursor to joining the Common Market. He was...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 12, inclusive, together. The Government established the high-level task force on Covid-19 vaccination to ensure the requisite oversight, agility and specialist input is available to support the HSE and the Department of Health in the effective, efficient and agile delivery of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.The task force, chaired by Professor Brian...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Murphy raised the issue of the decision to exit level 5. The people of Ireland were under level 5 for six weeks and, I think, adhered to it very well, to such an extent that Ireland has the lowest incidence of Covid-19 cases in Europe. That never gets acknowledged, but that happens to be a fact. On balance, I do not think we could have kept people under that level of restrictions...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: In terms of the impact of the second wave, our mortality rates compare favourably and are one of the best, if not the best, in Europe, and that is because of decisions taken by Government and by the people. There is a balance here and personal responsibility is extremely important as we move into the Christmas period. This is very difficult all round for people. It is difficult for...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: Livelihoods. Livelihoods matter as well as people's mental well-being.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: A lot of people are very worried, stressed and anxious about their future because of Covid-19. We are trying to protect both lives and livelihoods. It is not a question of balancing the two. Protecting both is the objective.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: I have said repeatedly "protect both". In any event, the social distancing will be required. If we can get the vaccine into nursing homes initially and to healthcare front-line staff, that in itself will make a significant difference. We can then move on to the various sequencing. I am, again, very disappointed in Deputy McDonald's comments and the very bitter and partisan political...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: I have answered it. It is not fair to be making assertions of that kind across the floor of the House.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic (15 Dec 2020)

Micheál Martin: Government does not go out of its way to deny anyone vaccination, least of all people with disabilities.