Results 16,841-16,860 of 18,496 for speaker:Brendan Smith

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Northern Ireland (10 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 242. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the need to have the assembly and Executive restored and fully functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56016/22]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Passport Services (10 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 243. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department’s attention has been drawn to public comments in Britain in relation to the issue of Irish passports (details supplied); if he will clarify the veracity of same; the number of passports issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56017/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Risk Management (15 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 85. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the level of funding for minor drainage works will be increased in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56458/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Risk Management (15 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: In 2009 the OPW introduced the minor flood mitigation works. These enabled local authorities to carry out flood mitigation works to address localised flooding. As has been said, these schemes have been extremely beneficial. There is good return on public investment. They are turned around in a short time. It is a scheme that merits increased funding on the basis that it addresses local...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Risk Management (15 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: It has been a very successful scheme with a relatively small investment that has brought great benefits to many communities right throughout the country. The Minister of State is encouraging local authorities to submit proposals to the OPW. My local authority in Cavan has a number of proposals with the OPW that I would like to see advanced as quickly as possible. Two are The Maples estate...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Risk Management (15 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister of State for agreeing to bring those two schemes to the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan. I would state very clearly here that Cavan local authority has put forward very realistic proposals on those two particular estates and other projects too. I hope that it would be possible to get clearance from the Department early in 2023 so that the council can set about...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (15 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 94. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the likely timescale for the launch of the PEACE PLUS programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56398/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (15 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: The different PEACE programmes and the INTERREG programme have been extremely beneficial to communities across the Border region, North and South. Not alone have they been beneficial but they have been essential. They have brought economic, social and community development benefits and many of these areas still need that type of investment. I sincerely hope it will be possible to have the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (15 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: I thank the Minister for his answer and commend him on his work. He has been driving this programme forward and I thank him for engaging with me so often on this new and exciting PEACE programme that will deliver €1.1 billion in investment across this island, particularly in the Border counties, North and South. I mention some of the suggestions I brought to the Minister on working...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: In the coming weeks, the Government will introduce the €1,000 State financial support towards student fees. It is a once-off payment and is, unfortunately, not at present applicable to those studying in Northern Ireland, Britain or elsewhere outside our State. That is wrong. We have to encourage students to travel to study on a cross-Border basis, particularly in our own country....

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Tourism Policy (17 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 33. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will ensure that a proposal (details supplied) is given detailed consideration in the context of the further development of Ireland's tourism industry on a cross-Border and all-Ireland basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56963/22]

Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Cross-Border Co-operation (17 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 43. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if specific funding along with the peace plus programme will be available over the next few years to develop cross-Border tourism projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56964/22]

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Early Childhood Care and Education (17 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 99. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is satisfied that adequate capital funding is available over the next few years to assist in the provision of new and upgraded childcare accommodation to cater for an increasing population and also the loss of some childcare services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56985/22]

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Early Childhood Care and Education (17 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 114. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the proposed reforms to the national childcare scheme will take effect from January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56978/22]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (17 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 323. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the amendment of forestry regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57245/22]

Written Answers — Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Forestry Sector (17 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 324. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the existing inspection programmes concerning maintenance of forests is adequate, given that the increasing incidents of falling trees are resulting in power outages and are causing serious problems for communities over large areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57246/22]

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the UK Government's Plans around the Human Rights Act: Amnesty International UK (10 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: Week in, week out, we get very good presentations at this committee but the testimony from our three speakers has been really powerful. As my colleague, Senator Blaney, said, we agree with every utterance Ms Teggart made in her initial contribution. She showed great clarity in outlining the issues and how important they are. Mr. Reavey and Mr. O'Hare showed great strength and character in...

Report of Committee of Selection: Motion: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (22 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 6. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager. [57857/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: 82. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his most recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to properly dealing with legacy issues; the status of the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57737/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Nov 2022)

Brendan Smith: It is utterly deplorable that the British Government has made a unilateral decision to abandon the Stormont House Agreement. That was a solemn agreement made between the British and Irish Governments and the political parties represented in Stormont. That agreement had the capacity to make progress in dealing with very important and sensitive issues. Progress on legacy has been delayed for...