Results 34,281-34,300 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: That is something we should work on.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Exchequer will provide funding for the equalisation fund, but we believe that providing 100% to each local authority is the right thing to do.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 17, inclusive, together. The European Union and international division of my Department works on all aspects of European Union and international policy within my Department, including issues relating to the European Union and the United Kingdom relationship. The division assists me in my role as a member of the European Council and in my other...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: In regard to the range of questions on the Middle East, Deputy McDonald correctly raised the issue of the appalling violations of human rights in Gaza and East Jerusalem. The Irish Government has been very consistent and very strong in regard to this issue, both at the UN Security Council and in terms of our engagement at European level. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, has...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I will just conclude on this quickly. We raised the matter at an international stage at the UN Human Rights Council on 15 March. Likewise, the EU has made a number of very clear statements on the situation in Hong Kong, including most recently on 11 March. Again, it is a matter of regret that fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and political pluralism that are essential to Hong...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together. I met with Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Chequers on Friday 14th May. We had constructive engagement across a number of issues. Our discussions focused on ways our two Governments can continue to work together to support all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and promote peace and prosperity on both a North/South and East/West...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Strategies (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: My Department's new Statement of Strategy, published earlier this year, reflects the role of the Department to support me as Taoiseach and the Government to develop a sustainable economy and a successful society, to pursue Ireland’s interests abroad, to implement the Government’s Programme, and to build a better future for Ireland and all her citizens. The Statement of Strategy...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committees (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Cabinet Committee on Education oversees implementation of the Programme for Government commitments in the area of Education, including preparing for post-Covid Education. This Cabinet Committee last met on 13 May and will meet again shortly.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Policies (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The development of new measures of well-being and progress was a commitment in the Programme for Government, in recognition that in order to achieve a well-rounded policy-making system there is a pressing need to move beyond uniquely economic measures. In early February, the Government agreed to an approach to developing an overarching Well-being Framework for Ireland utilising the OECD...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Programme for Government (2 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Government has been working hard to implement the commitments in the Programme for Government across a wide range of issues in all Departments. The ten Cabinet Committees established by this Government reflect the full range of policy areas that it will work on during its lifetime as set out in the Programme for Government. Cabinet Committees meet regularly to continue this work. Strategy...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: First, what has happened to the homeowners in County Donegal, and indeed in counties Mayo, Clare and elsewhere but particularly the vast majority in Donegal, is scandalous. It is devastating for those homeowners. I visited one such home last week owned by the Murtagh family in Raphoe. Last year, I saw the outsides of other houses. What has happened is appalling. We all know the impact...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I am just making that point. Generally speaking, we want to do the right thing by those who were let down by the provision of these defective blocks, which have rendered their homes, in many instances, unliveable and have created great anxiety.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: We want to help them and we are going to do that.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: First, as I said earlier, motions and slogans will not solve this. I had a very good meeting with the Mica Action Group last Thursday. As a result of that, I contacted the Minister again and said, "Let us put in place a process here." The Deputy talks about 100%, but 100% of what? It is not as simple as asserted. That came up in the conversation. There is a whole range of issues we have...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: That is why the Minister has corresponded with the group and spoken to it. He is anxious to get this up and running as quickly as possible. We will also consult the Mica Action Group on its issues and so on.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I make the point that the scheme was entered into in good faith. The Deputy's party colleague welcomed it at the time, as did everybody else.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Government is absolutely committed to doing the right thing and is going to provide-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: -----exceptional resources to make sure we can make these houses liveable again for the families involved in a way that ensures the kinds of impacts that have been suggested are addressed. Obviously, the working through of the scheme has created a lot of issues, as people have raised. The submission was made to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, at the end of April and he is responding...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I answered the question, in fairness.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (15 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: With respect, a Cheann Comhairle, this kind of intervention is unprecedented during Leaders' Questions. I will just make the point that I am not exploiting this for political reasons. The Deputy seems to want to exploit every issue for political advancement.