Results 44,121-44,140 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: The Department is also working to resolve the issue in respect of the knackery situation, the fallen animals and the issues that have arisen. I am confident it can get a working resolution of that issue for farmers more generally. Our whole approach is to get payments to farmers to facilitate this. That is why we have allocated the resources. We are not out to get anybody or undermine...
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I think the statistics he outlined about the level of activity are quite significant. I am conscious that there are many staff in various Departments who are very enthusiastic in responding to the 52,000 parliamentary questions - I say that in jest. We have to remember the people who toil in the offices across the public service to do their best to get...
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: I am also extremely frustrated with what has transpired. We started a mediation process and it should never have broken down. We were looking at, first, dealing with the health dimension so that there would be absolute provision of healthcare benefits for victims of the thalidomide scandal, whole-of-life care in respect of housing adaptation and so forth, and a third aspect that was to be...
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: I will talk to the Minister Eamon Ryan, but no Member of this House is more passionate about advancing public transport and accessibility of public transport. Our budgets fir public transport infrastructure have increased exponentially to meet the needs of the climate issue and provide greater capacity and access for people.
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: The Government took a range of measures, as the Deputy said, including the €12 increase in weekly social welfare and pension rates, which will apply to all cases, increased rates in the qualified child payment, increased thresholds for the working family payment, which does not apply in this case - I do not know the full circumstances - the extension of child benefit to 18-year-olds in...
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: ----which will apply to those groups. Many of these-----
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: Some aspects the Deputy identified will not, but many others will-----
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: -----in respect of the various reductions we have facilitated right across-----
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: -----the cost of public services more generally.
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: Which three?
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: Yes, but-----
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: The length of time these investigations are taking is distressing for the family. A further court case is imminent, as the Deputy will be aware, in the Lebanese judicial system. We have a lawyer in court monitoring it, who cannot intervene on behalf of our State. The Garda Síochána investigation is advanced for the purpose of preparing a report for the coroner. It is almost...
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: However, the most significant one I am waiting for the is one from An Garda Síochána.
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: My understanding is that the Department is aware of the issues and will work to see if they can be resolved. I will raise the issue with the Minister for agriculture.
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: Again, if the Deputy can send any documentation he has, we would welcome any perspective. I will ask for an update in respect of the position of the Departments of Justice and Defence.
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: Ireland is doing everything it possibly can at every forum to intensify the pressure for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The situation in Gaza is intolerable and unacceptable. Over 18,000 people have been killed and 1.9 million people have been displaced. The death toll is totally shocking. The relentless bombing and slaughter of innocent civilians has to stop. I welcome the UN...
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: I will revert to the Deputy. I will discuss this with the Minister for housing and get a date for him.
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: I will talk to the Minister for Education. There has been a significant building programme this year. There are certain areas of the country where the population is growing very fast, such as north Kildare. It is challenging in terms of keeping up with increased population numbers. I will talk to the Minister to see what interim steps can be taken to resolve the issue.
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: I will raise that with the Minister, Deputy Martin. I will ask her to revert to the Deputy on the issue.
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (14 Dec 2023)
Micheál Martin: I am well aware of the scrambler issue. Deputy Paul McAuliffe led the charge some time back when the Government was formed to get the legislation passed because of his experience on various forums in Dublin City Council. I endorse what Deputy Donnelly has said about the purchase and use of scramblers by young people, which can endanger life and cause significant injury. These are...