Results 20,101-20,120 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I said that in good form. That is the essence of it. If one thinks through the logic of mandatory quarantining, how many hotels would the State have to book? The proportionate point the Deputy made is valid and there are complex legal issues involved. Essentially, it is about contact tracing and knowing where people are. That is where the electronic locator form comes into play. It...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: Those are issues which I would like to discuss with the Deputy in greater detail, such as moving Shannon Heritage to a better home. That would take some detailed examination but I note the Deputy is concerned about its current operations in terms of its low level of activity and the impact on employment. I hope there might be opportunities arising out of the stimulus package that may be of...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: It is an important and serious report from HIQA. We will examine it in considerable detail. Some of the issues in the 45-page report are concerning in terms of breaches of regulations, management failings, staff shortages and lack of infection control measures. That was after dozens of inspections at homes with confirmed cases since May. Sometimes we do not acknowledge the role of HIQA...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: As we have consistently stated, the safest thing to do during Covid-19 right now is not to travel but rather to holiday in Ireland or stay at home. One of our overarching priorities or objectives - this is why we have taken a very cautious approach, particularly in terms of the commencement of phase 4 and the compulsory wearing of masks on public transport - which I ensured happened the week...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The electronic locator form will give us the capacity to follow up on the contacts of anyone who tests positive for Covid-19. People travelling from places such as those referred to by the Deputy would be jeopardising the overall health status of particular communities or schools. It is very important that we have the capacity to contact trace people and the electronic form will give us...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for her question and for raising the key issues pertaining to Rosslare Europort. In the context of Brexit, the Government is acutely aware of the necessity to work with the port and the Department and offices responsible in preparing for additional border controls and other impacts that will arise from Brexit. We acknowledge the role of Rosslare in that regard. The...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I confirm that we will examine the matter and give it our considered attention. At present, Rosslare Europort is undergoing a major transformation as part of its masterplan, which will see more than €30 million invested in customer facilities, port infrastructure, assets and new technology by the port authority and Ianród Éireann over the next five years. That is...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for her question. When I was Leader of the Opposition I saw my role as one of making a constructive contribution towards protecting public health and to rise above partisan political sniping.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: That said, the Leader of the Opposition suggested I was at odds with the Tánaiste, which I am not, but I have to put it to the Deputy that she seems to be at odds with herself. I am clear that the safest thing to do is not to travel. That is the clear message. We are saying to people to holiday at home this year. We have in respect of those 15 countries applied the normal precautions...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (22 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: In the first instance, on the all-island question put by the Deputy, I will work towards achieving the maximum synergy between the Northern Ireland Executive and our Government in the suppression of the virus on the island of Ireland. That is very important. I acknowledge, however, the de facto situation in terms of the roles and responsibilities of the Northern Executive and the fact that...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The answer is that it is not legally possible to do it.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy asked a question. The advices are there on the issue. There are quite substantive comprehensive advices, which I have seen. Let us be clear about the Bill. I met with its advocates. I identify with the principles behind the Bill and support them. No one, among the international people I have met, ever suggested that it would be a game changer. Let us keep it in perspective...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: The problem is very little internationally is impacting on Israeli Government policy, if the truth be told.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: Israel enjoys strong support from the United States Government on a continual basis. That is why I suggested that the Deputy should raise it more vociferously. My sense of it is that Sinn Féin goes silent when it comes to Capitol Hill. I take it that the Deputy is sincerely behind the issue but-----

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I am not worried at all but the Deputy knows there is an inextricable link between US policy underpinning and supporting Israeli Government policy

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: We have put it in the programme for Government. A former Minister for Foreign Affairs from Fianna Fáil, the late Deputy Brian Lenihan senior, was the first Minister in Europe to recognise the right of Palestinians to a homeland. We are very committed to this. This is about strategy and how to do it best; that is what this is about. I would like Israeli Government policy to change and...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: We must change the model of caring for our elderly. That is what the programme for Government is committed to in home and community based interventions as well as long-term nursing home care, for which there will always be a need.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: Putting the occupied territories Bill on our Statute Books would not change anything in terms of Israeli Government policy right now, if we are honest. What is important is that I do think we have to take a stand in respect of any proposals by the Israeli Government to annex more lands, as has been proposed but has not happened yet. There is significant opposition to that. The provisions...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: I am not sure they do. They might raise it with Congress representatives or Senators there. Sinn Féin has a sort of dual approach to this which is very strong here, but when it comes to United States, I do not get any sense that they raise this with the same degree of commitment as they do here in the House. That is my sense of it. I have raised it with US Congress members and...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (21 Jul 2020)

Micheál Martin: Yes.