Results 36,261-36,280 of 51,299 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising a very important matter. On the question of Ukraine, there is a range of EU meetings tomorrow and Thursday, including an EU Council meeting. Ukraine and the position pertaining to Russia will be raised. We have already had preliminary discussions and preparatory meetings late last week in respect of that matter. It is entirely unacceptable that this type of...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I have discussed this with the Minister for Defence. We want a strong and accelerated follow-through on the recommendations of the commission. It cannot be a report that is just left on the shelf. It has to be activated, followed through on and implemented. Obviously, we will have to see the nature of the recommendations and make an assessment of them, but it is critical to the country....

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: First, I want to pay tribute to the sector, which I think has responded very well since we reopened society and sectors of the economy. Since the springtime, the construction sector has really rebounded, to be fair to it. From October to October, we are looking at approximately 31,000 housing commencements, which is a significant piece of work in terms of getting housebuilding back on track...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I acknowledge the Deputy's experience in the contracting world and so on. The Minister has responded to the issues. Contracts will now permit mutual cost recovery for material price changes of more than 15%. Therefore, where costs rise by more than 15%, the contractor can recover that. Measures have been taken in response to this issue. The balance always has to be struck between...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: The period is 24 months.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: The assistance we are giving to people to help with their electricity bills is a good initiative. The Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has developed this. We were anxious to do something in addition to the budgetary measures on tax relief, increasing the eligibility threshold for the fuel allowance as well as increasing the fuel allowance to give additional help to people faced with...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: It will be done very quickly on the resumption of the House.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: On the national broadband plan - Deputy Denis Naughten probably knows more about this than most of us - the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, will be in this evening for oral questions. He will be before the House at 9.25 p.m. for 90 minutes. Obviously, it will not all be about that issue but he will take questions and will be happy to comment on...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy mentioned water as well.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: What about the people of Dublin? They need a bit of water too.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: What about national solidarity?

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: The poor people of Dublin will be left with no water if you keep going.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: That is my position on it. On the issue of broadband, the Department and the Minister will deal with that this evening. Some 35,000 premises are currently ready for service. I have a whole list to hand but it would not be appropriate to go through it now. I make the point that the Minister will be here this evening to deal with the issue.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: There will be questions on it.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: No.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: Generally speaking, throughout the vaccination programme the focus has always been on those who are most vulnerable to the disease and who need protection first. That is a clinical decision and it has always been the public health advice. Hence, the older age cohorts got vaccinated first, along with those with underlying conditions and those who are immunocompromised. That has always been...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: The system that has developed in terms of vaccine efficacy is based on prioritising those who need a vaccine most for health reasons. In the budget a number of measures were taken to support carers in the very valuable work they do and to restore respite services.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: No, I certainly have not, and nobody in the Cabinet has either. Therefore, I am a bit surprised by the Deputy's comment. There is no foundation to it.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I pay tribute to the workers in Tesco and indeed workers across the country in the retail sector, who have consistently performed magnificently in the middle of the pandemic in very challenging circumstances, and to all the companies involved for the overall team effort involved. It is important in the retail sector, as in every other sector, that proper pay and conditions apply. The...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I will explore that with the Minister and we will come back to the Deputy on it. I accept his strong commitment to the issue.