Results 8,501-8,520 of 32,864 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: The Deputy in his initial question raised a set of circumstances to me that I responded to as not being aware of them. What I am very clear on, and the Government is clear on, is that our overwhelming prerogative is the integrity and reputation of An Garda Síochána. It is part of the glue that holds any society together - the respect for and independence of a police force. That...

Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: What I do agree with the Deputy on is that we need more competition in Irish banking. The Government is very clear that we want to see very healthy competition between Irish and international banks within our jurisdiction to ensure that credit is offered at competitive prices to businesses, farmers and to small and large companies that need it. What I disagree strongly with the Deputy on is...

Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: I never said in my response to the Deputy that I was not aware of any difficulties. Of course I am aware of the difficulties and problems that our citizens and companies face. I was very clear, however, in outlining what I believe to be the best approach to it, which the Government is in the process of implementing. That involves proper competition within our banking market to ensure that...

Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: We have done that and it is under way. We will not be undermining the role of the Central Bank. The Central Bank is an independent organisation-----

Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: -----that is at the heart of being able to regulate our banking sector.

Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: We have all seen, to our great cost, what happens when that regulation is not in place and not implemented. The Government remains fully committed to putting in place measures to regain as much as possible of all of the investment that was put in place to support our pillar banks.

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: The Policing Authority and the Department of Justice and Equality should have been aware of the conclusions of the final audit that yielded the discrepancy that is now the cause of such public disquiet. It is important to acknowledge that these matters are now in the public arena. It is right that this is the case. What is even more important now is that we have the right set of actions to...

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: Deputy Adams has called for a debate. I understand that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, is before the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport today and will, I am sure, answer questions from all Deputies on the matter. Reference was made to investment in Bus Éireann. I stated earlier that it is because of the Government's recognition of the...

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: It is precisely in recognition of the independent nature of our courts and because of the fact that they are free from political influence in making their decisions that I am not going to comment on the individual case that has been raised.

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: Deputy Coppinger raised a question on proposed legislation. I understand the Bill in question is being drafted. It is a priority for drafting within the Office of the Attorney General and I understand the it will be presented during this session.

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: I have had no such discussions on the matter with the Minister.

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: The Government has no plans to withdraw that legislation. However, it does touch on an important issue raised by Deputy Healy-Rae. It is great to see the Deputy's brother back in action today after the nasty incident he experienced recently.

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: I am. I am keen to address the particular issue the Deputy has raised. It is important to be clear that the issue relating to the use of the breathalyser arises in respect of the number of the incidents recorded. However, the evidence produced by the use of those breathalysers in tests was still used to deal with dangerous driving on our roads to make our roads safer. I will answer the...

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: My first comment is on the general matter of the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, is working hard on that project to ensure it is realised. His work represents the acknowledgment we want to put in place in respect of the rights of those who need services and support. The...

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: I understand that the legislation to which that question relates is Private Members' legislation drafted by Deputy Gino Kenny.

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: I will respond with the information that I have to hand and then I will deal then with the second point. The committee hearings on the matter are due to take place in April. It will provide an opportunity for the Oireachtas to engage on this matter. I cannot give a time for the particular legislation from the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, but I will contact his Department and get the...

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: The Government and Irish farmers are absolutely committed to high standards in food production, ensuring that consumers have confidence in food, as well as ensuring that people who seek to buy that food will have confidence in it, particularly if they are abroad. No trade agreements to which the Government is a party or which it might enter into will be allowed to undermine that confidence.

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: The rationale for the amalgamation is that the Government believes that there is expertise residing in both organisations that could be more effectively used to deal with issues, particularly with regard to consumer confidence, if both organisations are brought together. Regarding the timing, I understand that the Bill will be before the House during this session.

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: First, no proposal has been brought by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, to Cabinet on changes to the television licence and how that revenue could be collected. We acknowledge how important the television licence is for the funding of our public service broadcaster. Clearly, were any changes to be made to the licence in the future, we would...

Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)

Paschal Donohoe: The matter raised by the Deputy does not refer to legislation or commitment within the programme for Government. That said, I will make a brief comment on it. Historically, many rural dwellers have used group water schemes or private schemes to access water. That is why I am of the view that it is critical in any future discussion on water charges that we recognise those who have been...