Results 9,361-9,380 of 12,388 for speaker:Paul Murphy

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Airport Policy (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: 2. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on further expansion of Dublin Airport, such as the lifting of the passenger cap and the growth in flights by private jets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53114/23]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Airport Policy (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: In recent weeks, there has been a clamour to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport to enable further untrammelled growth. That clamour is coming from the DAA and the airlines, including Mr. Michael O'Leary of Ryanair, who has said that the DAA should just ignore the cap. The Taoiseach, of course, has backed them up. Does the Minister support Fine Gael and Ryanair, which want to lift the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Airport Policy (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: I am disappointed.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Airport Policy (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: The Minister of State referred to “the sustainable development” of the airline sector. Does he accept that, if the number of passengers is increased from 32 million to 40 million per year, there will be a significant increase in emissions? It is that simple. I believe it was the CEO of the DAA whom I heard on the radio trying to claim that, by increasing the number of...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh (Atógáil) - Priority Questions (Resumed): Airport Policy (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: Until we have some technology, which remains very far away and may never arrive, sustainable growth of the airline sector is an oxymoron. Flying is the most carbon-intensive method of travel, and that is not even to mention private jets, which are even more carbon intensive, given all that weight taking off, fuelled by fossil fuels, for just a few passengers. Flying is the most...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: School Staff (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: 76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to address the high level of vacant teaching posts at primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52820/23]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: School Staff (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: The problem of vacant teaching posts has been growing year-on-year under the Minister's watch. The problem is now out of control with 800 vacant teaching posts at primary level and two thirds of secondary schools having unfilled vacancies. Special schools and DEIS schools in the Dublin area are suffering the most due to the housing and cost-of-living crisis. What will the Minister and the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: School Staff (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: Saying there are challenges in some schools or areas is a significant understatement of the problem. The problem is getting worse year on year. Of the 809 vacant primary teaching posts nationwide, 513 are in Dublin. In my constituency, Dublin 24 has 58 vacancies, Dublin 15 has 35 vacancies and Dublin 12 has 33 vacancies. Teachers and principals have written to the Minister warning her...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: School Staff (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: There are very immediate things that can be done. Some of the obstacles to teachers with qualifications from abroad could be removed. I will provide another example, this one a letter from the deputy principal of St. Aidan’s Senior National School in Brookfield. She wrote: Our school was granted permission to open a classroom for our pupils with a Mild General Learning Disability a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: It is not the Minister’s fault, but he is responsible for the No. 1 greenhouse gas-emitting sector of the economy. It has the lowest percentage reduction target to-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: That is fine.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: Then we certainly can be. Or we can go back and forth if the Deputy prefers. Agriculture has the smallest target in percentage terms, but it will have a large impact on whether we achieve our overall 51% reduction. The sector used 44% of the first carbon budget’s emissions ceiling in the first two years alone. Does the Minister accept that, as matters stand, the sector is...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: Will what the Minister outlined in his opening statement be enough to make up that ground?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: Does the Minister believe that we can meet the 25% reduction target without a reduction in the total volume of meat and dairy production?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: Is there any limit to how many dairy cows the Minister believes the country should have? Is that limit compatible with meeting the climate targets?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: I believe the Minister is wrong that the 25% reduction, which is itself inadequate, will be achievable without reducing the total volume of meat and dairy production. Related to that, what is the Minister’s opinion of the so-called Dublin declaration, which basically suggested that the production of meat and so on could be a positive for the environment?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: Does the Minister believe that the production of meat is beneficial to the environment?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Climate Action Plan Review: Discussion (Resumed) (30 Nov 2023)

Paul Murphy: The Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock claimed that the production of meat was beneficial to the environment. It is not clear whether the Minister is saying it is not beneficial but it is important for food production and, therefore, we have to take a hit on the environment or whether he is endorsing the claim that meat production is beneficial to the environment.