Results 38,961-38,980 of 50,916 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Order of Business (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: I note that last week a commitment was made to introduce legislation to provide for a constitutional amendment for voting rights for emigrants in a presidential election. The Tánaiste was reported as saying he favoured constitutional change in order that emigrants can be enabled to vote in this country's elections, and initially in a presidential election. Is the Government in a position...

Order of Business (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: I am seeking clarity on what the Government is proposing in terms of amendments to the Constitution. Ministers are announcing whatever suits the particular audience to which they are speaking in terms of amendments to the Constitution-----

Order of Business (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: -----great constitutional reform and putting together a convention to discuss whether one can vote at the age of 17 years as opposed to 18 years.

Order of Business (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: I am not asking that we discuss them. It is reasonable to ask if we can have a programme. We have a programme for Government and I ask that someone please outline what the Government will do in the next 12 or 18 months instead of making a series of announcements that never see the light of day and have far less substance than when they were originally communicated by the Government.

Order of Business (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: I missed it too, although I had representatives at it.

Order of Business (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach stated the two issues I raised would be addressed in the first 12 months.

Order of Business (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: I note the Tánaiste's use of the word "total".

Order of Business (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: What is the position on the referendum on the Seanad?

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: At the outset, I wish to take this opportunity to extend my sympathies and those of my party to the family of the late, great Jim Stynes, who passed away on Tuesday after a long illness. He was a true sportsman who used his other skills to help others, particularly children and young people, who were disadvantaged. He was a proud Dublin man and an Irishman who became an Australian national...

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: I am sure the Tánaiste will agree this approach simply is not working. It is no way to treat the vast majority of law-abiding reasonable, responsible people who wish to obey the law. The Tánaiste should remember that before the election, the Labour Party sought exemptions for those in negative equity, those who had paid stamp duty and so on. Yet, when Fianna Fáil tabled amendments to...

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: Fianna Fáil tabled further amendments on welfare dependants and medical card holders, which also were voted down by Fine Gael and the Labour Party. The Tánaiste might clarify whether it is possible to pay via the post office. I understand that Seán O'Rourke was obliged to clarify this point on the "News at One" radio programme after interviewing the Tánaiste. I believe the Tánaiste...

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: I suggest to the Tánaiste that one reason there is a difficulty with this charge is that both the Labour Party and the Fine Gael Party made cast-iron guarantees and promises to people that such a charge would not be introduced. At the time, the present Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, stated that a flat charge "is the unfairest possible way of all to introduce a property tax"....

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: Basically, can the Tánaiste explain what is his present position? This morning, I heard the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, state she thought there should be far easier ways to pay this charge than has been the case heretofore.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: The Tánaiste has now acknowledged the change in respect of the post office. He should spell out to the Dáil what he said to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan. In coded language, the Tánaiste has criticised the operation of this charge thus far. Is it his view that an extension should be put in place and facilitated?

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: The Tánaiste is the Deputy Leader of the Government.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: I am sure he has some say.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: In light of what was said on the "News at One" on RTE radio, that would not appear to be the case. Seán O'Rourke was obliged to correct the Tánaiste.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: Who talks to the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton? She appears to have her finger on the pulse to a greater degree than her colleagues.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: Labour stated that it would do its own thing in respect of this matter and Fine Gael had a different policy.

Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2012)

Micheál Martin: Of course it was not possible. Neither was it possible to introduce any of the exemptions that were promised.