Results 3,921-3,940 of 14,127 for speaker:David Stanton

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Water Quality (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir Ó Céidigh as ucht an t-ábhar seo a ardú inniu. I thank Senator Ó Céidigh for raising this issue today and giving me an opportunity to discuss the quality of our bathing water, specifically in Galway Bay. The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, sends his apologies for not being...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Water Quality (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: On the Senator's point regarding cruise ships, my guess is that the matter falls under the regulations and controls governing cruise ships. We will get the relevant information to the Senator. Investment in wastewater infrastructure is prioritised in the Irish Water strategic funding plan, with capital expenditure on wastewater projects expected to be in the region of €1.9 billion...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Dementia Strategy (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: The Minister of State is otherwise engaged and sends his apologies. I will take this matter.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Dementia Strategy (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: I thank Senator Humphreys for raising this matter and I acknowledge his sincerity and interest in the area, as well as the work he has done. The Minister of State, Deputy Daly, wanted to be here but he is currently before the select committee and sends his apologies. As a response to the increasing number of people with dementia, the Government launched the Irish national dementia strategy...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Dementia Strategy (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: I acknowledge what the Senator said and I believe all of us have experience of this. Good friends of mine are also affected and we all agree with what the Senator said. I commend him and encourage him to continue fighting. We will work with him on it. The national dementia strategy matches with much of what Sláintecare aims to deliver and has a strong emphasis on creating a...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Respite Care Services (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: I thank the Senator for raising this matter which I am taking on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, who, unfortunately, is unable to attend. If I do not have all the answers to the Senator's questions, I will ask the Minister of State to provide them directly to him. This is a very important issue and I have been given the opportunity, on behalf of the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Respite Care Services (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is very much aware of the importance of access to planned respite which ensures people with disabilities receive opportunities to socialise. It facilitates families to receive a break from caring, preserve the family unit and provide stability. Respite services are an important part of a range of services that support people with disabilities...

Seanad: Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Bill 2019: Second Stage (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: It gives me great pleasure to be with Senators to present the Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Bill 2019. It is always a privilege to come before this House to advance new legislative proposals, and I am particularly happy to be here today to propose legislation that is intended to give effect to the outcome of a referendum to amend the Constitution. Senators will...

Seanad: Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Bill 2019: Second Stage (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: I agree with the Leas-Chathaoirleach that the debates in the Seanad are always very constructive, thoughtful, useful and welcome. I sincerely thank the Members present for their considered contributions and their views on this Bill in particular. I thank everybody for their co-operation in making extra time available to deal with all Stages of the Bill today. Deputy Ned O’Sullivan...

Seanad: Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Bill 2019: Second Stage (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: We should call that out for what it is. I welcome the recent support of, and remarks by, certain religious figures who have called that out for what it is and expressed their disgust that in some instances people have used religion as an excuse for not helping people who badly need our help and support. I encourage more people from all spheres of society to call out such behaviour for what...

Seanad: Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: I do, absolutely.

Seanad: Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: On that last point, that is under active consideration. I thank the Senator for her support and her ongoing commitment to this area, which is something we are taking very seriously. I hope to be in a position before the end of the year to come here to present some ideas and proposals in that whole area, which is of great importance. On the international dimension, which I mentioned at the...

Seanad: Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Bill 2019: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: Just one.

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: The establishment of a “Friends of the Centre” group in each centre providing accommodation to persons seeking international protection was a key recommendation of the Report of the Working Group on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers (known as The McMahon Report). All 38 accommodation centres plus the reception...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: I can inform the Deputy that my Department advertised a tender competition in September 2018 for suitable premises within 40km of Newbridge, Co. Kildare for accommodation and ancillary services for international protection applicants. Successful bidders were required to undertake mobilisation works to provide for cooking facilities for residents, a foodhall (where residents can procure...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (25 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: I can inform the Deputy that the law regulating the licensing of gaming machines is set out in Part III of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. In that Part, licensing requires a local authority resolution, a District Court certificate and a licence, upon payment of the relevant fees, issued by the Revenue Commissioners. The Minister for Justice and Equality has no role in this process, apart...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gender Equality (24 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: Tackling the gender pay gap is an important element in the Programme for a Partnership Government and is included as a key commitment in the Government's National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020. The Gender Pay Gap Information Bill 2019 was published on 8 April 2019 and the Bill completed Dáil Committee Stage in June. Report Stage is currently awaited. The aim of the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (24 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: As the Deputy will be aware, while a claim for International Protection is being examined, the State is legally obliged to offer accommodation and related services to anyone without means - which includes all meals, medical care and utilities. A weekly personal allowance is paid to each person in a centre and exceptional needs are covered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision Data (24 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: I can advise the Deputy that there are currently 38 accommodation centres in the State. The occupancy, as of 15 September, is set out in the following table along with the breakdown of the number of dependent children, requested by the Deputy. There are also 1,363 people currently in emergency accommodation in hotels and guest houses located throughout the State. My Department does not...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Direct Provision System (24 Sep 2019)

David Stanton: The State offers accommodation, food and a range of other services (including healthcare, utilities, a weekly personal allowance etc.) to any person who arrives in the State seeking international protection. No one is obliged to accept this offer and applicants can choose to stay with friends or family living in the community or to source and provide for their own accommodation if they have...