Results 17,721-17,740 of 50,830 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: Clearly, the Minister does not realise what this colleagues are saying. This is the incoherence at the heart of government. It took me a week to get the Taoiseach to say the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government was in charge.

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: It is money that was not spent during the last storm. I made representations on behalf of people to try and get basic provisions for them and there was too much red tape, regulation, barriers and obstacles for them to access the money. Of the sum of €25 million announced recently, only €225,000 has been given out.

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: This Minister should not be so defensive; this is the reality.

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: Times flies when one is being interrupted.

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: In November 2011, the Government allocated up to €10 million for flood damage. By May 2012, only €760,000 had been spent. That is a disgrace, particularly in the context of businesses that cannot take out flood insurance. The Government parties can make all the announcements they like but the money does not get to the people. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, needs...

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: Of course the Minister will in his normal way.

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: The reality is the Government promised 80% of property tax yield to councils but, by last November, it had taken the money from them and given it to Irish Water. That is why local authorities are strapped for money. They cannot even repair footpaths. That is why officials look askance when someone comes along and says he will give them €50 million. They would like money now to plug...

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: The Minister, Deputy Coveney, is wrong. It is not a transfer of functions. The Government promised the people that councils would get 80% of the property tax yield.

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: They were supposed to get it this year. The Government is continually misleading the people.

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: That €450 million would help councils to deal with the floods, coastal protection, rivers and barriers immediately. Deputy Cowen will introduce a Bill to deal with insurance for businesses and householders who cannot get insurance because of the way insurance companies are dealing with flooding similar to the legislation that has been adopted in the UK. Will such a Bill be introduced...

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: A comprehensive approach and significant investment is needs in places such as Athlone and County Offaly. The Government should consider using the National Pensions Reserve Fund, NPRF. The fund was used to finance Irish Water. This issue deserves to be the number one priority in the country because it will cost millions and millions of euro. We do not have a proper estimate of the cost....

Recent Flooding: Statements (12 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the tolerance the Acting Chairman often seeks from the Chair when he contributes and I will not over indulge in this regard. The use of the NPRF should be an option in the context of the scale of funding that will be required to deal with the impact on farming, fishing, business and householders. Something big is needed and it is not happening. The sum of €250,000...

Leaders' Questions (18 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: Ever since the reports appeared in The Sunday Times on the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, being placed under surveillance, the Government, in particular the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, has sought until now to undermine public confidence in GSOC and essentially rubbish the allegations about the alleged surveillance. The Taoiseach told an...

Leaders' Questions (18 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: I understand the Government has now decided to set up some form of inquiry, but does the Taoiseach accept that the Minister for Justice and Equality fundamentally withheld very basic and vital information that was in the public interest from the House last Tuesday evening? Is he satisfied with the Minister's behaviour in this entire episode?

Leaders' Questions (18 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: I was reminded of what Ombudsman, Mr. Peter Tyndall, had said and ask the Taoiseach if concurs with him. He stated:My job is answerable to the Oireachtas. It is not answerable to individual Ministers.Does the Taoiseach accept that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is not answerable to him or the Minister?

Leaders' Questions (18 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: Will the Taoiseach repeat that?

Leaders' Questions (18 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: The only people who have been endeavouring to sow confusion on this issue are the Taoiseach and the Minister. I ask the Taoiseach to clarify the role and remit of the retired High Court judge. Can we expect a commission of inquiry under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 or simply the appointment of a retired judge to review documentation and make subsequent recommendations? Is that...

Leaders' Questions (18 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: Just a review.

Leaders' Questions (18 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: To whom will the judge be answerable?

Leaders' Questions (18 Feb 2014)

Micheál Martin: That is the problem.