Results 28,261-28,280 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (14 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: In the past month, we have held good-faith negotiations. We tabled detailed policy papers and clarified them. We set out not just what can be achieved over a full Dáil term but also what can be implemented in the next six to 12 months. In these negotiations, we have taken the approach of not issuing briefings and not seeking to spin media coverage.  We have played them straight....

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (14 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I have an important contribution to make and beg the indulgence of the Chair.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (14 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: It is not unreasonable to ask that people state whom they are willing to support. Many very candid positions have been stated in private which have yet to be repeated in public. We have repeatedly answered in the affirmative questions the Independents have put to us about our capacity and willingness to support a Fine Gael-led minority Government if the numbers dictated so. Fine Gael has...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (14 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I would like to address recent developments and the issue of where the Fianna Fáil Party stands in regard to the ongoing issue of the formation of government. This concerns both events before this vote and where we go from here. From the very start we have been consistent and up-front in all of our private discussions and public statements. On the Monday after the election, we set...

Dáil Reform: Statements (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I welcome the progress that has been made under the chairmanship of the Ceann Comhairle towards developing a substantive package of Dáil reforms. This effort remains in its early stages and I hope it will be possible for agreement to be reached on the remaining points on the agenda. The starting point for Dáil reform has to be that this becomes a Parliament in which every Member...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: It obviously does.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: It is not our mandate.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I have no difficulty with meeting anybody in the House.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I will conclude. I met with Deputy Burton last week and we had a very cordial exchange-----

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: -----which was much different from the presentation given. I respectfully suggest, and I address my remarks to the Taoiseach and to colleagues-----

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I am not. This is a very constructive point, and it is important for the conduct of discussions into the future. The Taoiseach must stop the briefings and the manipulation of opinions if there is to be any reasonable prospect of moving things forward. As a bottom line, parity of esteem and respect is important for everybody in the House. That means that if people are saying to Fianna...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: However, ruling this and that out is not conducive to constructive engagement. That point must be put on the record.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, for your indulgence on an important occasion such as this. We are working to implement the mandate we received. We seek to rebuild trust based on a new Government, new parties and reformed politics. It is not just a challenge for us, but a challenge for every Member of this House.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: I pay tribute to all those involved in organising the 1916 centenary celebrations, in particular the celebrations over the Easter weekend. The presentation of the various aspects of the celebrations was splendid. I pay particular tribute to RTE on its coverage of the centenary concert. The presentation was stunning and reflected well on the nation and our maturity and capacity to tolerate...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: Policy is beginning to triumph over the naked pursuit of power for its own sake. The six specific areas for action also include introducing a progressive approach to cutting costs for families and aid for communities under pressure, including a guarantee of key services and strengthening of community policing. While this includes substantial action for rural communities, it also addresses...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: We welcome the constructive discussions we have had and acknowledge the assistance provided by departmental officials. As our proposals were independently reviewed and costed, we have not had to revise their costings.  However, we must put on the record our concern that important fiscal information was not reflected in data published by the outgoing Government before the election.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: The underfunded budgets were not acknowledged by Ministers before the election.  This is a matter which should be taken up by a reformed budget oversight committee when it is established through the Dáil reform process. This applies in particular to the Department of Health. We were informed by officials that the underlying overrun by the end of February was already €60...

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: No purpose is served by aggressive point-scoring. What does have to be said is that we now have the position where some are busy lecturing others about what they are and are not entitled to seek to do with their mandate. We have the bizarre situation where some parties are demanding that others form a Government in order that they can get on with denouncing it.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: Never before have so many spent so much time calling for a Government they will vote against.

Nomination of Taoiseach (Resumed) (6 Apr 2016)

Micheál Martin: The process being followed at the moment by parties who want to lead Government is new for Ireland but common internationally.  After today, it will move forward. Our parliamentary party will meet to discuss the issue tomorrow. It is our intention to continue the ongoing discussions which are under way. It is important to say that one of the things which was rejected by the people in...