Results 24,401-24,420 of 32,924 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: The matter raised by the Deputy does not refer to legislation or commitment within the programme for Government. That said, I will make a brief comment on it. Historically, many rural dwellers have used group water schemes or private schemes to access water. That is why I am of the view that it is critical in any future discussion on water charges that we recognise those who have been...
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: We all know how important the issue of rates is, particularly for the owners of small and medium-sized companies who need predictability regarding the bills they will be facing in the future. In recognition of that, I understand that the heads of that Bill will be presented in April.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: My understanding is there will be statements on that matter this evening at 6 p.m. The Minister for Finance will be dealing with the matter. The Government has been very clear that issues of public concern relating to Project Eagle had to be dealt with and believed that the Committee of Public Accounts was the appropriate forum for that. It is not my role to speak for others in the House...
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: I am very much aware of the huge changes in technology that are bringing hope to many families. Clearly, alongside all of that there is a huge need for that area to be better regulated than it is at present. In direct answer to the Deputy, I understand that the heads of that Bill will be available to the Oireachtas in June.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: The matter will be discussed tonight via a Private Member's motion tabled by Deputy Mattie McGrath and others. In answer to the Deputy's question, I understand that the heads of that Bill will be available at the end of April.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: It is nice to hear the Deputy express the view that I am not responsible for the last Government; it is a view not often articulated by his party colleagues. In response to his question, I understand that the heads of that Bill will be drafted in quarter three of this year, after which the Bill will be available. I was in the Digital Hub at the end of last week and saw at first hand how...
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: Deputy Adams has called for a debate. I understand that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, is before the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport today and will, I am sure, answer questions from all Deputies on the matter. Reference was made to investment in Bus Éireann. I stated earlier that it is because of the Government's recognition of the...
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: It is precisely in recognition of the independent nature of our courts and because of the fact that they are free from political influence in making their decisions that I am not going to comment on the individual case that has been raised.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: Deputy Coppinger raised a question on proposed legislation. I understand the Bill in question is being drafted. It is a priority for drafting within the Office of the Attorney General and I understand the it will be presented during this session.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: I have had no such discussions on the matter with the Minister.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: The Government has no plans to withdraw that legislation. However, it does touch on an important issue raised by Deputy Healy-Rae. It is great to see the Deputy's brother back in action today after the nasty incident he experienced recently.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: I am. I am keen to address the particular issue the Deputy has raised. It is important to be clear that the issue relating to the use of the breathalyser arises in respect of the number of the incidents recorded. However, the evidence produced by the use of those breathalysers in tests was still used to deal with dangerous driving on our roads to make our roads safer. I will answer the...
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: My first comment is on the general matter of the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, is working hard on that project to ensure it is realised. His work represents the acknowledgment we want to put in place in respect of the rights of those who need services and support. The...
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: I understand that the legislation to which that question relates is Private Members' legislation drafted by Deputy Gino Kenny.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: I will respond with the information that I have to hand and then I will deal then with the second point. The committee hearings on the matter are due to take place in April. It will provide an opportunity for the Oireachtas to engage on this matter. I cannot give a time for the particular legislation from the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, but I will contact his Department and get the...
- Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: What I do agree with the Deputy on is that we need more competition in Irish banking. The Government is very clear that we want to see very healthy competition between Irish and international banks within our jurisdiction to ensure that credit is offered at competitive prices to businesses, farmers and to small and large companies that need it. What I disagree strongly with the Deputy on is...
- Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: I never said in my response to the Deputy that I was not aware of any difficulties. Of course I am aware of the difficulties and problems that our citizens and companies face. I was very clear, however, in outlining what I believe to be the best approach to it, which the Government is in the process of implementing. That involves proper competition within our banking market to ensure that...
- Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: We have done that and it is under way. We will not be undermining the role of the Central Bank. The Central Bank is an independent organisation-----
- Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: -----that is at the heart of being able to regulate our banking sector.
- Leaders' Questions (29 Mar 2017)
Paschal Donohoe: We have all seen, to our great cost, what happens when that regulation is not in place and not implemented. The Government remains fully committed to putting in place measures to regain as much as possible of all of the investment that was put in place to support our pillar banks.