Results 3,241-3,260 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Minister of State-----

Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, has responsibility for this area now. He has done a considerable amount of work on it. He will introduce some urgent amendments in legislation in the near future. It is hoped that drafting will begin on a more comprehensive Bill. I agree with the Deputy that it is needed. This is a largely unregulated area here. The Minister of State, Deputy...

Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is a priority of mine to ensure we have family courts. Consultations are continuing and I hope we will be in a position to finalise those very soon. We do not need a constitutional referendum to establish family courts. I hope we will be in a position in the very near future to begin the process of examining legislation to establish family courts.

Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I will ask the Minister for Education and Skills to respond.

Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I will ask the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people to come back to the Deputy with the details of the review. I beg your pardon. I did not realise the Minister of State was here.

Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: There was very detailed engagement on a range of issues. A total of 1,250 houses were built last year and there are detailed plans to deliver far more this year. A huge number of houses which were not available before the focus on that with the local authorities and the focus on the social programme were brought back into use. I will ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and...

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: We all share the goal Deputy Joan Collins outlined of creating high quality jobs in this country. We certainly want to see that. In relation to the statistics that were published today, I wish to make the point that the full impact of the recovery that is ongoing is not reflected in the 2015 figures because we have had improvements since the figures that are in the report today were...

Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: There were detailed discussions on this matter between the relevant spokespersons yesterday. I understand the PAC hopes to produce a report on the matter very shortly. It would be sensible to wait for that report to be published. Deputy MacSharry's own colleague suggested the same. We should wait for the report to be published and consider its findings before any further decisions are taken.

Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I take the point the Deputy made about the details that have just emerged. Whatever about the accuracy of the reports, they are a reminder of the very dark history of the Troubles on this island and everybody must face up to their responsibilities in that regard. It is clear there is a special obligation on any state to act at all times within the rule of law but we must also reflect on the...

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I would make a number of points on the issue that the Deputy has raised about a particular firm. First of all, workers have a right to be consulted on any change in their contract. That goes without saying; it is a basic principle and we want to see that observed. The second point is that, in this country, we have the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. Clearly, we would...

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy was at the Cabinet table when the legislation was passed by the Government. It was very important legislation. If what the Deputy is describing as a shadow system exists, it clearly needs to come out of the shadows. I have made that very clear. The legislation exists and lobbyists have a responsibility to register. If the Deputy has information about the shadow lobbying she...

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy has raised a number of issues. On the CSO data, I welcome that survey which shows that Ireland became a wealthier and more equal country in 2015 as compared with 2014. It is also shows an increase in income of 6.2%, with consistent poverty falling from 8.8% to 8.7% and a significant fall in deprivation rates. The rate of those not poor but at risk of falling into poverty is also...

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I put it to Deputy McDonald that the choice for ASTI members-----

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I will answer the Deputy's question. The choice is whether to accept the immediate benefits on offer and participate, with the other trade unions, in the further process of engagement or forgo these immediate benefits in favour of a very unpredictable future. It is for the ASTI leadership to explain its strategy in that respect. For the Government's part, as Deputy McDonald is aware, our...

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The answer to the question is that in terms of balancing this range of issues, the Government has taken the most prudent and careful decisions possible. We have also set up a process to engage with the trade unions and discuss future pay restoration, which will deal with those issues.

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I welcome the fact that the central executive committee of the ASTI took a decision to put the outcome of the recent talks process to a ballot of its members. We should await the result which will be announced later today. On the points raised, it is critical to note that three quarters of the gap for new entrants described by the Deputy has been closed in this deal. It is a good offer...

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: In response to the Deputy's dramatic statements, no decisions have been taken yet and no negotiations have begun. I do not think he should anticipate the outcome at this point. We have heard from many commentators and there are many opinions and individual comments, but we are not yet in negotiation mode, as the Deputy knows. We have had comments from many different European commentators....

Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: We are under absolutely no illusion about the nature and scale of the Brexit challenge and we have a clear and comprehensive plan. That has been evident in our approach to date. The Taoiseach has made his own views absolutely clear on the fact he is leading on this and will continue to do so. All Ministers across Government are also involved as part of comprehensive planning and reaction to...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Common Travel Area (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Common Travel Area has been in existence since Irish independence and has its origin in the close historic relationship between Ireland and the UK. While not addressed in a discrete piece of legislation, or one formal agreement, both jurisdictions have made administrative and legal provisions over many years as necessary to give effect to its operation. Of particular note, insofar as...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Garda Vetting of Personnel (2 Feb 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I wish to inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána does not charge a fee for the processing of Garda Vetting applications by the National Vetting Bureau. The question of fees, if any, that may be charged by a given organisation for the administrative services it provides to applicants is a matter for the individual organisation concerned.