Results 2,361-2,380 of 7,788 for speaker:Michael Fitzmaurice

Security of Electricity Supply: Motion [Private Members] (15 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: In the national interest.

Security of Electricity Supply: Motion [Private Members] (15 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: We are talking about a wind farm in the county that you are from, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, that could power the second biggest county in Ireland and we are talking about Europe telling us what to do. We can bring out an emergency order if a Minister wants to do it. It is so frustrating.

Security of Electricity Supply: Motion [Private Members] (15 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: How long will it take, for Jesus's sake?

Security of Electricity Supply: Motion [Private Members] (15 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Is there one off the west coast yet?

Security of Electricity Supply: Motion [Private Members] (15 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: The west, I said.

Security of Electricity Supply: Motion [Private Members] (15 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I would never be that way. I thank the Regional Group for bringing this motion forward which I support. A few corrections need to be made to what was said by speakers earlier who would not have done much homework. In 1997, Derrybrien, under planning number 973470, did a full environmental impact survey, EIS. It was because Ireland did not transpose the environmental impact assessment,...

An Bord Pleanála: Statements (15 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: The Deputy can take a minute.

An Bord Pleanála: Statements (15 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: The planning issue is going on for years and planning is getting tighter. I believe the Government will table legislation in the next few months, and I hope it will be made more workable for rural families. The first thing I wish to talk about is An Bord Pleanála. Why is it that nearly all An Bord Pleanála employees are from or live in Dublin? If I live in Dublin, I know how...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Proposed Legislation (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: With the amendment Deputy Ó Cuív spoke about, the science is done already. There were categories 1 and 2. I remember when they were being done at the time. The science has been done by competent scientists. It is there for the Minister of State. No one else has to look at it. He decides then on the amendments. I think turbary rights have been sorted in recent weeks where...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Proposed Legislation (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Yes.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Proposed Legislation (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Sorry to talk out of turn but, given the Minister of State said he will hold a meeting for Deputies shortly, and, in fairness to the Ceann Comhairle, he has made it clear he is accommodating, and we thank him for that, it would be very helpful if it was possible for a representative of the Ceann Comhairle or the Ceann Comhairle to be available so that we would not be going over and back and...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Proposed Legislation (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I concur with Deputy Ó Cuív. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House, but, to be honest, what is going on is shambolic. I want to know if this is a Civil Service problem. We are sick and tired of this. In fairness, the Ceann Comhairle has gone above and beyond for everyone to ensure that this would be accommodated. Deputy Ó Cuív and myself have followed...

Measures to Assist with Household Bills: Motion [Private Members] (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: First, on the voucher the Government gives out for electricity, I hope that this time people who live over their premises get the rebate back because the last time they did not. Second, if the Minister of State wants solutions, I have a suggestion. In six to seven weeks, Lanesborough and Shannonbridge power stations can burn biomass. We are exporting biomass because we have no place to use...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Derogation and Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I thank our guests for coming in. The term "family farm" is being kicked around and our definitions of it might be totally different. What is the ICMSA's definition of a family farm? Tell me what is the number of cows. Our guests have referred to 30 ha fairly regularly. Is it under 100 cows? That is what I gather from what the association is saying.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Derogation and Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: We are then talking about under 100 cows being a family farm.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Derogation and Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Yes, I know that but I am asking what is the definition of a family farm in this line.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Derogation and Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Yes, I know. On average, I know dairy guys who have between 80 and 100 cows and they feel they are doing fairly well. Is that fair to say?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Derogation and Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: Would it alarm the association then that 3,642 derogation farmers are above 200 cows?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Derogation and Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: This is when we are talking about the family farm model.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Nitrates Derogation and Nitrates Action Programme: Discussion (14 Sep 2022)

Michael Fitzmaurice: I am going by what the Department figures show. They indicate that of farms with more than 500 units, 529 are in derogation; of those with more than 400 units, 411 are in derogation; of those with more than 300 units, 928 are in derogation; and of those with more than 200 units, 1,074 are in derogation. These are some of the figures the Department has given us. I was trying to get my head...