Results 20,141-20,160 of 50,453 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: On the previous occasion we discussed the Taoiseach's speech on climate change at the UN, he was incredibly sensitive about the idea that he was annoyed with an article criticising his main announcement as tokenistic. The Taoiseach said at the time that it was a shocking conspiracy theory to suggest that he sought the right of reply article which was carried the following week in the same...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: -----the extensive commentary about the Government's target for electric vehicles. Everybody in the House supports an aggressive programme to increase the use of such vehicles. Some of us have even voted for important moves to rebalance in favour of a more carbon-neutral future. The issue is not whether we should try to maximise electric vehicle use but whether there is any substance...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens Assembly (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: I would argue that much confusion is evident in the current status and operation of the new Citizens' Assembly on gender issues. What specific steps are left in terms of recruiting members, deciding agendas and beginning work? Where the assembly model has been effective in the past has been in providing a mechanism for deeper debate while the debate continued separately in the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: Copenhagen.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: They are all consistent.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: It is worse than the withdrawal agreement.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: For east-west trade.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: It was a UK-wide customs union for a long time.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: In her Chequers speech-----

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: Is that why he is pulling the UK out of the largest free trade agreement in the world?

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: We all said that.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Northern Ireland (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: I do not believe anyone could question the fact that the political settlement in Northern Ireland is in a deep and sustained crisis. The failure to intervene to stop the various breakdowns and the decision not to intensify attempts to have the institutions restored in the past three years have caused immense damage. I have said time and again that the decision to collapse the Assembly and...

An tOrd Gnó (Atógáil) - Order of Business (Resumed) (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: I asked about the commitments made in terms of the €1 million fund to assist couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation, IVF, in 2017. Many couples who are in very straitened financial circumstances and who are going through a lot of anxiety and stress were promised this funding. There can be nothing more cruel than to raise expectations for many couples and not to follow through or...

Acknowledgement and Apology to Women and Families affected by CervicalCheck Debacle: Statements (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: -----because the letter that issued to her put preconditions on such a meeting and in the spirit of this apology I would like to see that happen. In the future work of this House, we must make sure we honour the struggle of those who worked to get to the truth and demand reform. We cannot let the programme of change for the planning, delivery and oversight of screening services become...

Acknowledgement and Apology to Women and Families affected by CervicalCheck Debacle: Statements (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I strongly support and welcome the apology by the Government for what women and their families were put through as a result of the cervical cancer screening scandal. The incredible and avoidable stress that they and their families have had to endure, as well as too many serious delays in treatment, have quite rightly been a major concern for the Irish...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: As far back as 2017 the Department of Health announced that a funding model would be presented to the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, for assisted human reproduction. It was announced in January this year that €1 million was to be allocated for an IVF fund. It is particularly cruel to raise expectations for many couples who are finding it extremely difficult financially to afford...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: They should be briefed already on this.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: Can I ask a question, please, on a point of order? On this issue, a Cheann Comhairle, it is not unusual in this House that requests are made to alter the schedule and that the Business Committee would be asked to reconvene to take on board what has been articulated by some Members here this morning. I, for one, find it incredible that the Taoiseach has said here that he wants his two...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: -----in the history of the State, which is going off the rails.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Oct 2019)

Micheál Martin: I support Deputy Boyd Barrett. I raised the matter in Leaders' Questions earlier. The cost of this project has escalated beyond any reasonable expectation at the beginning. The resignation of the State procurement officer has all the appearances of a serious decision. There is reluctance on the part of Government to talk to the person, particularly the Minister for Public Expenditure and...