Results 5,261-5,280 of 5,615 for speaker:Andrew Doyle

Topical Issue Debate: GLAS Payments (16 Jan 2018)

Andrew Doyle: That is certainly something that needs to be looked into but I cannot answer the Deputy on it now.

Topical Issue Debate: GLAS Payments (16 Jan 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I do not think it is fair to say that about the Department. We are the most efficient of all EU member states in drawing down money. The Deputy might not like to admit that but it is actually the case. In terms of the IT problem, I must make it clear that there are now three GLAS schemes in operation. There is a myriad of options and permutations, which overwhelmed the IT system. A...

Topical Issue Debate: GLAS Payments (16 Jan 2018)

Andrew Doyle: The Deputy can make flippant comments if he wishes but I am trying to answer the question that was put to me. This time last year, 27,300 farmers had been paid, which was only 72% of the active participants at that time. At the end of this week, 49,700 will have been paid, which is 87% of participants. Improvements have been made although I know that is cold comfort to the people who have...

Island Fisheries (Heritage Licence) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (1 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I thank the Deputies for their insight into the introduction of the Bill. I also thank them for their references to the committee that I chaired. When the committee commenced its proceedings, I noted that I was the only member who knew nothing about fishing. I learned a lot, however, and I appreciate the co-operation of Deputies Pringle and Ferris, who were both members of the committee....

Island Fisheries (Heritage Licence) Bill 2017: Second Stage [Private Members] (1 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I will continue. The direct, practical nature of the projects the FLAGs support is impressive and innovative. They include projects such as storage facilities for fishermen, which improve working conditions at harbours and piers, and the promotion of seafood through integration with tourism and community events. Island fishermen and other inshore fishermen can, of course, avail of a range...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: School Accommodation (1 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I thank Senator Byrne for raising this matter. I apologise on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Bruton, who is unable to be present because he is answering parliamentary questions in the Dáil Chamber. It is unfortunate that the times have clashed. I assure the House that ensuring children with special educational needs are supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: School Accommodation (1 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I reassure the Senator that her message will be conveyed back to the Minister. I understand the point that if the Down's syndrome child in question was on the ASD spectrum, he would have been included. I have a first cousin in her 50s who has Down's syndrome, which proves that the life expectancy of such people has improved. I sometimes think she is able to read our minds and buy and sell...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: School Management (1 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I understand there was a communication between the various people who schedule the business of both Houses and that a request was made to move this particular item to facilitate the Minister to come in. I cannot say for definite how that evolved. I will read out what I was given and the best thing I can do is relate the Senator's concerns to the Minister, which I certainly will do. I thank...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: School Management (1 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: The Senator has made his point. As somebody who has sat on boards of management of special needs schools and other schools, and whose wife has been involved in special needs education in all her 38 years of teaching, I have some knowledge of how schools work.I have four children who went through primary and secondary school, as well as third-level education. I cannot comment except to make a...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Local Authority Funding (1 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. The Government decided on 11 February 2014 to allocate funding of up to €69.5 million to local authorities in the areas worst affected by the severe weather of December 2013 and January 2014 in order to support the restoration of public infrastructure which had been damaged. It was agreed that the funding would be made available...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Local Authority Funding (1 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: When the works were assessed, it was clear which Departments and offices were to be engaged and the Votes involved and, from the outset, it was clear that the OPW was responsible for coastal protection repairs. I think it might be advisable for the Senator-----

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Carer's Allowance Delays (8 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I am very happy to be able to address the Senator's concern. The issue arises regularly in our constituency offices. I assure the Senator that the prompt processing of applications remains a priority for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Each scheme area is continually monitored and reviewed to ensure customers are responded to as quickly as possible, and their...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Climate Change Policy (8 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I thank the Senator for raising this very topical issue. The Government is fully committed to tackling climate change and protecting the oceans, but it has no plans to ban oil and gas prospecting offshore. Ireland’s transition to a low carbon energy future will involve progressively moving to lower emission fuels, for example, moving initially from peat and coal to natural gas and,...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Climate Change Policy (8 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I take issue with the Senator's use of the words "some sense". I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture in the last Dáil when it discussed energy policy.I was also a member of the previous committee on climate change and energy security and we did a lot of work on renewable energy. There is resistance all over the country to every type...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Climate Change Policy (8 Feb 2018)

Andrew Doyle: That is a very apt phrase.

Topical Issue Debate: Waste Management (8 Mar 2018)

Andrew Doyle: I will do my best.

Topical Issue Debate: Waste Management (8 Mar 2018)

Andrew Doyle: The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, unfortunately is out of the country and is unavailable to respond in person. I have been given his speaking notes and will try to respond to any other issues the Deputy may raise in my later reply. I understand that Galway County Council has granted planning permission for a waste transfer station that will...

Topical Issue Debate: Waste Management (8 Mar 2018)

Andrew Doyle: The Deputy has certainly made the case very strongly on behalf of the people who have expressed concerns. I know Ballinasloe very well and I appreciate it has suffered from many issues, including bypasses, downturns in the economy and changes in employment structures. However, it is a town that is ideally placed to fight back, given its location. To reiterate, the planning permission...

Topical Issue Debate: Compensation Schemes (8 Mar 2018)

Andrew Doyle: There is still 3 ft of snow outside my front door. Maybe we are a little more accustomed to it than others. A couple of my roofs are damaged. I appreciate the nature and extent of the damage. Throughout the period of adverse weather conditions last week caused by Storm Emma, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine was directly involved in a co-ordinated response as a member...

Topical Issue Debate: Compensation Schemes (8 Mar 2018)

Andrew Doyle: In respect of the roads, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, have requested all local authorities to assess the cost of the damage and the cost of engaging contractors and others to carry out work such as clearing roads. Some cannot do that yet because where I come from the roads are still white so no one can tell what damage has...