Results 14,001-14,020 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is proposed to take No. 8, statements on the Irish language and No. 2, Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 - Second Stage (Resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings in relation to No. 8 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after three hours and the following arrangements shall apply: the statement of a Minister or...

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Chief Whip has informed me that the election of Leas-Cheann Comhairle was never on the Order Paper for this week and that the timeline has been extended.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Deputy Micheál Martin raised the issue of waiting lists. In the programme for Government there is a very strong commitment to making a sustained effort to improve waiting times for patients, with a particular focus on those who have been waiting the longest. The Deputy mentioned the National Treatment Purchase Fund, in which he has a particular interest. There is a commitment to...

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: That is of no consolation to the individual who needs a particular operation. Having improved waiting times for scheduled or planned care for patients is a priority. Action was taken by the former Minister, Deputy Leo Varadkar, to deal with the matter. Among the initiatives taken by him were the provisiln of an extra €51 million in 2015 to reduce maximum waiting times. It was an...

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I understand it was not discussed at the Whips meeting. It was never on the Order Paper and the Chief Whip asked for an extension.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: She asked for an extension. It was not on the Order Paper and it was not discussed at the Whips meeting.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It was never on the Order Paper, so the Chief Whip has asked for an extension and she will discuss it.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: It was never on the Order Paper, so it is entirely appropriate for her to ask for an extension if she so sought it.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: The health information and safety legislation is being drafted. I made the point yesterday that given that the Government is only in place for a short period, there will be discussions between each Department and each Minister with the Taoiseach in the coming week to discuss the priority legislation and that will then be shared and discussed in the House. The priorities from each of the...

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: On the Deputy's question about the arts, I want to reiterate the central role of the arts and the fact the Government remains fully committed to supporting the arts, culture and heritage sectors. I agree entirely with what she has to say about the contribution of the arts to our economy and to our international reputation. The reconfiguration of the Department of the arts and the wider...

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: This is obviously something that has happened in a different jurisdiction and it does not set a precedent for us here. Certainly, our position on fracking was made clear by the last Government and that remains the case. I understand there are no plans for legislation right now. The Minister has not yet received the EPA report the Deputy mentioned and there are many environmental...

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Deadlines are discussed at the Whip's office frequently and changed and adapted for a variety of reasons. This was never on the Order Paper and was not discussed at the Whips' meeting. The Chief Whip asked for an extension and it was granted by the Ceann Comhairle. That is the sequence of events, I understand.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Is it not?

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: My apologies, a Cheann Comhairle. I was led to understand that your office - perhaps it was not personal - had been contacted and the extension was agreed. That is the understanding of the Whip. If that is not accurate, I withdraw it.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Absolutely. I am sure the House would appreciate that.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Yes.

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: Obviously, I would correct what I said in relation to the Ceann Comhairle's office. That was my understanding. This was never on the Order Paper and was not discussed by the Whips. I think that the points that are being made are not actually relevant-----

Order of Business (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: -----because it had not been discussed or put on the Order Paper.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Naturalisation Applications (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has made an application for a certificate of naturalisation. The processing of the application is ongoing with a view to establishing whether the conditions for naturalisation, such as good character and lawful residence are satisfied. All non-EEA nationals are required to keep...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Immigration Status (18 May 2016)

Frances Fitzgerald: I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that, in response to a notification pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), dated 20th November, 2014, the persons concerned have not submitted written representations. The position in the State of the persons concerned will now be decided by reference to the...