Results 3,061-3,080 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: I acknowledge that the Deputy raised this matter on a number of occasions in the House last year and previously. I can confirm that it will be 100% redress, that there will be retrospection and that we will be establishing a new independent building regulator to try to make sure this does not happen again. That said, there will be checks and balances. It will not just be a case of people...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: Coillte is a State-owned enterprise. It is independent and its board makes its own commercial decisions. This decision was made by Coillte, not by the Government or by the Minister, Deputy McConalogue. The Deputy asked why we do not use some of our own funds to invest in a project like this and the answer is that we are. Coillte is partnering with our own sovereign wealth fund, the...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: I have confirmed with the Whip that we can commit to a Dáil debate on the issue of Coillte. It has to be scheduled but we can do that. I am happy for that to take place. On the other matter, I think the proposal of the Ceann Comhairle is a reasonable one. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, will make a statement. Members can then ask questions and he will reply to those questions. I...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: -----cross-examination and doing the work that is rightfully the work of an independent body such as the standards commission.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: No. There will be no statements on Davos.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: I saw plenty of Members in the Opposition nodding when I said I believe that accountability applies to everyone - Government and Opposition and Independents - but it is clear that Deputy McDonald does not think so.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: She should be willing to make a statement in this House-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: -----to explain the Dowdall donation - the €1,000 that she declared to be a personal donation and now claims was a donation to the party but has still not returned, even though she should.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: We do not have a statement in the House from Sinn Féin in relation to the two-year gap-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: -----between a payment it made to a UK polling company of €7,000-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: -----that was only accounted for when prompted by media query. Why should accountability not apply to all of us equally when it comes to these matters?
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: When it comes to matters of ethics and standards, it should apply equally.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: On the matter of Coillte and the Irish Strategic Forestry Fund, I am aware it is of concern up and down the country. I have heard what farmers, the Irish Wildlife Trust and others have to say about it and I am sure we can make time available through the Business Committee, whether here in the Chamber or in the relevant committee, to discuss this matter. I confirm it was not signed off by...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: -----which is ultimately a political body, into a court of law-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: -----nor should we try to take away the powers of the Standards in Public Office Commission-----
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: -----which is the body that is tasked with making the decisions in this regard.
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: To make one final point, accountability is important. It should apply to all of us - the Government, the Opposition and Independents. What is good for the goose is good for the gander and I invite Deputy McDonald to make a statement on the Dowdall donation. Was it a personal donation, as she reported it, or was it a donation to her party as she now claims? Will she also explain, and...
- An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: -----there was a two-year gap in accounting for a €7,000 payment to a British polling firm? 1 o’clock I would like to invite Deputy Doherty and Deputy McDonald to make statements to the House with regard to those matters.
- Appointment of Ministers of State (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: I think he is back. However, whether he is or not, we will have to do the transfer order which is not yet done. That may take a couple of days.
- Appointment of Ministers of State (18 Jan 2023)
Leo Varadkar: Questions will be as scheduled. The transfer of responsibilities has not happened yet but it will.