Results 10,661-10,680 of 10,711 for speaker:Niamh Smyth

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: It would be naive to think they would not, whether it is inside school or outside school. The more we can have those conversations the more we can work in a collaborative way and, I think, have the best outcomes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: As I have said before, I think something like that could be very useful in the development of our national AI office, in our observatory and all that, having those conversations and having a collaborative approach, as a summit and as a conference. It is something we should certainly consider. As regards the EU Presidency, the Department has plans under way around digitalisation and a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: My excitement is about the innovation of the technology itself. It has been such an eye-opener since I have come into this role what companies like Microsoft and others are doing. I have tried to engage with as many of them as possible. We have eight of the nine companies developing AI here in Ireland, which is fantastic to see, and I think we are the envy of the 26 other member states in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: I will listen in very closely and attentively.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: The Chair is really nailing me down here.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: That is my ambition. If the committee wants to work with me on any of those ideas, I would be happy to do that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: It is primary legislation. There will be heads of a Bill, so there will be an opportunity then to discuss it.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: I am conscious that I did not fully answer Senator Ryan's question. I will get back to her with an answer.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medical Cards (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: I thank the Deputy for her heartfelt request and for raising this important issue. I welcome the opportunity to update the House on this matter on behalf of the Department of Health. Under the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange medical services for...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medical Cards (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: As I outlined, eligibility for the medical card is primarily based on means and a financial assessment conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970. The HSE has put in place a range of measures to assist people in applying for the medical card, which includes the availability of medical cards online. All of this the Deputy knows. I concur with the sentiment of her...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Middle East (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: I thank Deputy Brennan very much for his very eloquent, heartfelt and almost emotional contribution. He is speaking from experience in the aftermath of his visit out there. I know he has been very active and vocal on the occupied territories Bill at the committee, which is what he is seeking a response on today. I concur with the Deputy's comments about Senator Frances Black. She has...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Middle East (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: I concur with the Deputy’s sentiments. His parting thoughts leaving at the weekend were of the young people and the mentality of the young people having suffered what they had suffered. Yesterday, during Leaders’ Questions, we discussed the occupied territories Bill. The Taoiseach talked how if it were not for media and social media, we would be blind to much of what was...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Trade Relations (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: I thank the Deputy for his presentation. I concur, particularly with his opening piece on the vulnerabilities within Ireland. I disagree with him in the sense that he talked about the vulnerability. I sit on the trade forum established by the Tánaiste since the trade war, or the utterance of trade wars, began. All the Government agencies and State bodies, such as Fáilte Ireland...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Trade Relations (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: The Tánaiste and other Ministers have been vocal and constructive voices at the table to ensure the EU's approach remains measured and appropriate. The Government's constant and consistent position has been, and remains, that we need substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States. This is also the position of the EU. Our objective remains to reach...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: I thank the Deputy for her emotional presentation. I know she is acutely aware of the requirements that should be in place. She has the experience of a school that is doing the job really well. As she asked, why fix something that is not broken? Her experience of this school has obviously been a positive one. The Government is committed to the provision of additional special school...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: Deputy Ardagh has made the case well for Scoil Eoin. It is important that we, as public representatives, who have the opportunity to listen to the real-life stories of parents and teachers, such as in Scoil Eoin relay that to Department officials as well as the Deputy's sense that to make any change will dismantle something that works, that is good and that is providing the care and the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: 49. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review correspondence (details supplied); if he will expedite a driving test for the person given particular circumstances outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40135/25]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: 243. To ask the Minister for Health the plans in place for the roll out of a service (details supplied) in County Cavan; the discussions had in relation to this; the agreements that have been made regarding the prevision of this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39834/25]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disability Services (16 Jul 2025)

Niamh Smyth: 301. To ask the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40121/25]