Results 181-200 of 742 for speaker:Michael Lowry in 'Dáil debates'

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Passport Services (30 Sep 2021)

Michael Lowry: I welcome the fact that priority is being given to clearing up the backlog. A great deal of frustration has built up over a period of time due to people's inability to make contact or get information on the progress of their applications. The Passport Office was under extreme pressure and it has done a fantastic job in the circumstances that have prevailed, but customer service must be...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Passport Services (30 Sep 2021)

Michael Lowry: 4. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that have been implemented to support and assist the management and staff of the Passport Office in dealing with the backlog of applications; the plans that can be introduced to avoid recurring delays, given that inordinate delays result in inconvenience and stress to waiting applicants; and if he will make a statement on the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Passport Services (30 Sep 2021)

Michael Lowry: What measures have been implemented to support and assist the management and staff of the Passport Office in dealing with the backlog of applications? What plans can be introduced to avoid recurring delays, given that the enormous delays in recent times have resulted in inconvenience and stress for many applicants?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Passport Services (30 Sep 2021)

Michael Lowry: Now that society is gradually returning to some normality, including in respect of international travel, it is vital that the backlog is cleared as quickly as possible. It is important that supports and systems are put in place to avoid a repeat of long delays, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, when thousands of people are expected to travel home, probably for the first time in two...

Garda Siochana (Functions and Operational Areas) Bill 2021: Second Stage (22 Sep 2021)

Michael Lowry: The aims of this Bill are to introduce structural changes to provide more front-line gardaí. The plan is to increase Garda visibility and provide a wider range of policing services for local communities. In simple terms, this Bill aims to streamline services. Its objective is to facilitate the roll-out of the new Garda operating model as part of the overall reform of An Garda...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: General Practitioner Services (15 Sep 2021)

Michael Lowry: The scenario in Templemore is being replicated throughout rural Ireland. The entire system must be examined as a matter of urgency. Attracting GPs to sole practices in rural areas has been a problem for a very long time. The problem is growing and will continue to grow. We must lift the excessive restrictions on qualified doctors from countries outside Europe who are willing to practice...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: General Practitioner Services (15 Sep 2021)

Michael Lowry: A thriving town centre general practice in Templemore is closing as the HSE has failed to appoint a replacement for the retiring doctor. The proposed closure of this practice, which has 800 patients, is causing distress, fear and inconvenience. Patient-doctor relationships are built on trust and confidence. The family doctor ethos is cherished and respected by every family in Templemore...

Confidence in Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence: Motion (15 Sep 2021)

Michael Lowry: The appointment of Katherine Zappone was mismanaged from the start. It has damaged the perception of Government competence and left the door open for legitimate criticism. However, Sinn Féin has magnified and exaggerated the issue. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, has explained through the required channels the details of events that occurred. He has admitted that things could, and...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (13 Jul 2021)

Michael Lowry: People are craving a sense of normality and a feeling of freedom. This is evident from the enthusiasm of the majority to be vaccinated. The issuing of digital green certificates will see thousands travel in the coming weeks. However, it will not bring joy to the thousands more who cannot obtain passports. While the April backlog of 83,000 has been reduced, there remains a minimum...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (1 Jul 2021)

Michael Lowry: There was much relief when in-person driver theory testing recommenced on 8 June. However, it now appears that, for many, this was a false dawn. Many young people across County Tipperary have contacted my office in frustration and anger due to unacceptable delays. Applicants who applied in February will not be offered an appointment until October. In one particular case, a young woman...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2021)

Michael Lowry: The rising cost of insurance for all sectors is a major concern. While it is understood that the cost of premiums is related to the level of risk, there seems to be a sweeping view taken when calculating that risk. Practicalities determine there is seldom, if ever, an individual assessment of risk carried out, which results in some businesses being penalised for the failings of others. ...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2021)

Michael Lowry: Another issue that has been brought to my attention is ghost broking. This appears to be gaining prevalence and should be highlighted in this House. The Garda has in the past issued warnings to motorists about ghost broking, which is an insurance scam to which many people have fallen victim. This scam sees motorists being charged for fake insurance policies which give them the...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Michael Lowry: I have been contacted by numerous people from Tipperary who are among the 12,000 Irish people currently working in and residing in the United Arab Emirates, UAE. They cannot travel directly home this summer to visit family without undergoing mandatory hotel quarantine. They faced significant local pressure to take the Sinopharm vaccine in order to stay in employment. They have received...

National Maternity Hospital: Motion [Private Members] (23 Jun 2021)

Michael Lowry: One thing is certain, and it is that Ireland needs a new national maternity hospital. This seems to be the only aspect of the current plans that is not shrouded in uncertainty. Plans to provide a modern maternity hospital at Elm Park date back to 2013 and at that time, the project had an estimated cost of €150million. The following years were dominated by disputes over governance of...

Common Agricultural Policy: Statements (16 Jun 2021)

Michael Lowry: The United Nations estimates that worldwide demand for food will increase by 60% by 2050. Experts estimate it will take as much innovation in agriculture in the next 40 years as in the preceding 10,000 years to meet the growing demand for food. What is currently anticipated for Ireland is far from being innovative. When farmers from across the country are driven to stage a day of action...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (16 Jun 2021)

Michael Lowry: There is currently a detailed and constructive submission with the Department seeking funding under the National Development Plan, NDP, to ensure the future of residential care at Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Unit, Roscrea. Doubts continue to loom over this valued and cherished facility. I appreciate that the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have acknowledged the need of Roscrea and that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (3 Jun 2021)

Michael Lowry: For the first time in 15 months there is a sense of optimism in the country. While this optimism is tinged with caution, it also brings with it a sense of anticipation and a feeling of hope. This is particularly so for SME’s across the country. These small and medium enterprises, SMEs, will form the backbone of Ireland’s recovery from the combined impact of the Covid pandemic...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (3 Jun 2021)

Michael Lowry: I thank the Tánaiste. It is important that we get on and expeditiously implement the agreements that are in place. Vodafone recently conducted a study that focused on 500 SMEs in rural and urban areas. The report underlined that 43% of these businesses state that they could not have remained productive without having invested in technology. It also showed that SMEs see the future...

National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Statements (2 Jun 2021)

Michael Lowry: The country released a collective sigh of relief on Friday last as the first real signs of normality began to emerge. Covid is not yet in the rear-view mirror but there is certainly a public feeling that it has moved to the side view. However, we must be cautious and vigilant against the threat of the Indian strain. The road to recovery opens ahead. It is time to revitalise and repair...

International Travel and Aviation: Statements (25 May 2021)

Michael Lowry: Vaccine passports, Covid passports or EU digital green certificates, call them what you will, are the way forward. At this stage, the only way to look is forward. Looking backward or standing still is not an option. When viable solutions present themselves, we must grab them with both hands. These travel documents offer a solution to one of our main issues and will ultimately be a vital...