Results 241-260 of 51,889 for speaker:Micheál Martin
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: We would need to have a much broader outlook than that. We cannot make decisions on this on the hoof. I understand where the Deputy is coming from but, on the other hand, we have developed a model of childcare over two decades which involves either community provision, private sector provision, or some State provision. The State has tended to support access through grants and the...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: Career pathways need to be better in terms of remuneration and future prospects.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: Internationally, we have been to the fore in advancing the rights of the LGBTQI community, in particular at European Union level. Some member states are beginning to resile in respect of rights for the LGBTQI community. The law is the law in Ireland insofar as we can control that. I will certainly discuss the potential of what was outlined with the Attorney General but I surmise that we...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: I met the group last Friday week. I asked them in to Government Buildings and we met in the Taoiseach's offices and had a lengthy discussion. Deputy Murphy knows the history. I established the inquiry into the industrial schools. That was followed by a comprehensive redress scheme and other measures that were taken. We are willing to engage and I have asked my officials to look at all...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: No, it is not.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: We have the eighth-highest cost - and it is too high - of energy across the EU 27 when taken in the context of purchasing power parity. That is the situation. We have a very dispersed energy system. We have to invest very significantly in the grid over the coming years. We will have to triple the investment in our energy grid over the next number of years-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: -----and we have grown exponentially.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: There is a European framework. Gas is the price-setter.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: We are, unfortunately, importing too many fossil fuels and the sooner we can get to more and more renewables, the cheaper our energy will eventually become. In the meantime, we will keep the pressure on the companies. We will talk-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: We will talk to the CRU. There is a regulator there. The Deputies know that.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: The regulator does not agree with Deputy Tóibín's position, but at the same time, we understand fully the pressures on people and that is why are focusing-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: -----on those on lower incomes-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: -----as opposed to giving wealthy people energy credits.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for, as usual, a well-researched and detailed presentation.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: Sorry, Deputy Cullinane, but it was. Safety in the air is first and has to be prioritised. I will follow this up and talk to the Minister for Transport in respect of it. I know from my neck of the woods that there is a safe zone around Cork Airport where you cannot do anything or build anything and that has been the way for decades. I will pursue the issue the Deputy has raised.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: That hospital has been closed for a long time. It may not be easily available for housing, or amenable, given the investment that would be required and the historical nature of the building. Aspects of it are probably listed. I do not know that but I presume so. Every Department, therefore, has to look at it from a value-for-money perspective. It is in a prime location and it would seem...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: -----the emergency accommodation for Ukrainians-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: It is not just the Minister for housing. It is the Minister for Health and the HSE as well. They are all involved. Come on.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: The Minister has been briefed in respect of this and I will be engaging with a number of Ministers on this as to what the current situation is. When the Deputy says "approved", does he mean by the Minister for housing?
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Oct 2025)
Micheál Martin: We have committed to ending the waiver over the lifetime of this Government, which is five years and five budgets. We made a significant start on this occasion which will enable us to do it in five years. We have significantly increased the income disregard. It is the highest ever. If you look at some of the income levels now entitled to the carer's allowance when compared with some years...