Results 34,521-34,540 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: In response to Deputy Conway-Walsh, Brexit itself does not give the capacity, but a review of the Common Fisheries Policy will take place next year. The Government will engage in all aspects of that with the European Commission and other member states. Deputy McGuinness pointed out that today is World Whistleblowers' Day. He has been very involved in a number of issues in that regard....

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, together. The economic recovery plan was launched on Tuesday, 1 June. With the economy now reopening in clear phases, and vaccine roll-out comprehensively under way, the plan sets out renewed supports, investments and policies for a new stage of economic recovery, building on the unprecedented support provided to date. The plan...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: There were quite a number of questions. Deputy Lahart's comments on children and young people not having a sufficient voice during the pandemic struck me and resonated with me. I take his point of view on board very seriously with regard to providing for the expression of their perspectives as we move through the summer and into the autumn period, particularly with regard to the reopening...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Barry referred to bank profits. As I said earlier in response to Deputy Paul Murphy, in terms of its original investment, the State realised a cash surplus in divesting its Bank of Ireland shares. There is no compelling historical evidence, which suggests that State banks do better than private sector banks. Neither model is perfect by any means. There are challenges with State...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 16, inclusive, together. Northern Ireland is experiencing a difficult and turbulent period and needs stability. It is very important that we all work collectively on the island, and between the two Governments, towards maintaining stability and calm heads, staying focused on what is important to the people within Northern Ireland. It is in everyone's...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I dtús báire, táim sásta comhoibriú a dhéanamh le gach aon pháirtí sa Tuaisceart agus go háirithe an DUP agus an UUP. Tá seanaithne agam ar Jeffrey Donaldson. Bhuail mé leis cheana féin i róil éagsúla a bhí againn sna blianta atá imithe tharainn. Tá sé riachtanach go mbeidh na páirtithe in...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 24, inclusive, together. The Cabinet committee on environment and climate change last met on 31 May 2021 and is scheduled to meet again on 1 July 2021. This Cabinet committee oversees the implementation of the ambitious programme for Government commitments in regard to the environment and climate change. Those commitments are reflected in the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Whitmore spoke first on the circular economy and the end-of-waste approval process. I will engage with the Minister in that regard. We met recently with the environmental and social pillar. We are broadening and expanding social dialogue. In that context, we met with the environmental and social pillar. We heard a good presentation on the circular economy from the NGO group. I...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: It will create jobs. The Deputy will try to recruit the people who get the jobs to her movement. That tends to be the cycle. To be serious about it, they are important jobs. In all of these operations, it is important that optimal practice pertains and prevails in respect of the minimisation of waste and the facilitation of the circular economy. The Minister will bring in legislation on...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: No, the Deputy said it was not a good idea. She said that she does not agree with EVs. She said that she does not agree with the concept, which is what I took from her comments.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I agree on public transport as well, but people are not going to stop using cars overnight, or indeed, on an ongoing basis. EVs are far cleaner, better for one's health and better for the environment than fossil fuel driven cars.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Covid-19 Pandemic (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: COVID-19 has brought grief and loss to our lives in ways that most of us have not experienced in our lifetime. In the Governments Covid-19 Residence and Recovery 2021 The Path Ahead we acknowledged that it will be important as a people that we pause and reflect, take time to remember and pay tribute both to those who have lost their lives but also to everyone who has contributed to how we...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I agree with the Deputy's fundamental assertions. I regret the fact that since this Government was formed, she has been so divisive in her approach to Covid-19. She has always sought to use it as an avenue to exploit for political gain. My more important point is this. Everyone in the House should take on board that the Delta variant is a serious and challenging issue, and will be across...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I asked the Deputy a question which she did not answer. The modelling from NPHET was new and stark in its scale with respect to the number of cases predicted through different scenarios, namely, optimistic, central 1, central 2 and pessimistic. However, I asked the Deputy a straight question and she did not answer me. Should we have proceeded? Should we have ignored the modelling and...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Through the Chair, nobody likes to be told------

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: There is an element here of turning on NPHET or its modelling. The results of the modelling are not something we all welcome. It is difficult and challenging. Therefore, I think we did the right thing to pause and delay the reopening of hospitality in light of the stark advice. Surely we have learned something from the past year and a half about this pandemic. I never underestimate this...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Again, the Delta variant has been described as a cloud on the horizon for quite some time. We got advice from which we formulated the original opening in July and at that stage we were told we were in a low- to medium-risk scenario. The Delta variant had not quite penetrated here at that point but everybody knew in the days leading up to last weekend that there were issues arising in the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy is being slightly disingenuous about briefings. I have had ongoing discussions with people. When things are going well with Covid-19, the Deputy never refers to the pandemic or seeks a briefing. That seems to be the rule of thumb. When challenges emerge, Deputies pile in. That tends to be the nature of the exchanges on Covid-19.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: We can leave that to one side. A briefing will be organised. The Deputy had a discussion with me not so long ago and arranged a briefing for me from the zero Covid group for which she was advocating. I met that group.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy's position all along has been that we should not open indoor hospitality at all. Let us be honest. That is her position.