Results 2,381-2,400 of 9,362 for speaker:Hildegarde Naughton

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Job Losses (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: Of course the Government expresses its sympathies. We want to ensure that a resolution is found and that employers engage with the industrial relations architecture. That is clear. As I indicated in my initial response, the industrial dispute which was reported in the media today is a dispute over redundancies at Zenith Energy. NORA is not in any way involved in the aforementioned...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: National Car Test (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: The operation of roadworthiness testing, including the National Car Test Service, NCTS, is the statutory responsibility of the RSA. Applus+ Inspection Services Ireland Limited administers the test on behalf of the RSA. All operational issues, including the appointment of personnel are matters for Applus+ and the RSA, and it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister of State, to comment on...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Sports Facilities (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I will raise those specific comments with the Minister. It is clear to me and to Government that having amenities and supporting community and social infrastructure are critical to planning for sustainable communities. The provision of sufficient sporting, play and cultural spaces in our towns and cities for the residents of a neighbourhood provides significant social dividend in terms of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Job Losses (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy has stated, SIPTU members have served notice of strike action at Zenith Energy Bantry Bay Terminal Limited, located on Whiddy Island in County Cork. The strike action is due to commence on Tuesday, 13 December, in a dispute over redundancies at Zenith Energy. While the Deputy's question refers to the strike at the Zenith storage facility in Bantry, he also makes reference...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Sports Facilities (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputy for his question on the need to make land available to sporting clubs and organisations for the development of sporting and community facilities in villages, towns and cities. I am answering on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage continues to support the enhancement of amenities in...

Toll Charge Increases: Motion [Private Members] (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank Deputies for the opportunity to speak to the House about the increase in toll prices on a number of national roads. I can confirm that the Government is not opposing the motion. However, while the overall objective of the motion is in line with the Government's concern around the increase in the cost of living and its effect on workers, families and businesses, there were some...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Abortion Services (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank Senator Mullen. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. He welcomes this opportunity to update the House on this important matter. I would like to thank Senator Mullen for raising the issue. The model of care for the termination of pregnancy service became operational in January 2019 following the enactment and commencement of the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Abortion Services (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator. The Government is committed to providing timely access to a high-quality safe termination-of-pregnancy service as close to home or the community as possible. With this in mind, the Department continues to engage with the HSE on the most appropriate model of care for termination-of-pregnancy services and the findings of this review forms part of that deliberative process.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Health Services Staff (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator. I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister for Health. It is important to acknowledge the crucial work housekeeping staff carry out in our health service every day. The job evaluation scheme is an assessment of the responsibilities and tasks undertaken by support staff across the health service. Under the provisions of the Lansdowne Road agreement, it was...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Health Services Staff (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator. The Government acknowledges that current inflationary pressures present challenges and are a source of concern for public service workers. In acknowledgement of inflationary pressures and the rising cost of living, a review of the existing public service agreement, Building Momentum, was conducted this summer. This led to parties agreeing to an extension of the terms...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Citizens' Assembly (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. I welcome the opportunity to update the House regarding this topic. Senators will be aware that the Department of Health co-ordinates the implementation of the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, which is a health-led response to drugs and...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Citizens' Assembly (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Senator and assure him of the Government’s commitment and determination to implement the health-led approach to drug use as set out in the national drug strategy. Not only does the programme for Government commit to the citizens' assembly on drug use but it also commits to implementing the health diversion programme for people who are in possession of drugs for personal...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Citizens' Assembly (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, who asked me to thank the Senator for raising the issue and welcomes the opportunity to provide an update to the House on this matter. The ongoing development of both community and primary care is at the core of the Sláintecare vision to deliver increased levels of integrated health care, with service delivery reoriented...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Citizens' Assembly (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: I can ask the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, to come back to the Senator to give him specific clarification as I am taking this question on his behalf. On behalf of the Minister, I again thank the Senator for raising this matter. The Minister understands how vital these developments are for local communities across the country. With regard to the vacant clinic building, as mentioned, the...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Aviation Industry (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: As the Deputy may be aware, DAA has statutory responsibility to operate and manage Dublin Airport including matters relating to noise monitoring and complaints. Accordingly, as the issue raised by the Deputy is an operational one, I have forwarded your request to DAA for a direct response. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Coast Guard Service (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Coast Guard is currently compiling the requested statistics and they will be sent directly to the Deputy once fully collated.

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Haulage Industry (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: The Ukraine crisis and matters arising from it continue to adversely affect European and Global oil markets, causing a sustained increase in the price of crude and in the price of refined products on the retail market. The Government recognises the important role the haulage sector plays in supporting the economy and is fully aware of cost pressures on haulage businesses arising from...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Test (29 Nov 2022)

Hildegarde Naughton: The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Specific details on the number of persons awaiting a driving test and the length of time they have been waiting are held by the RSA. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not...