Results 21-40 of 742 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Michael Lowry

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Lowry: Another issue is the shambolic management of Ireland's forestry policy, which has led to farmers losing complete confidence in the forestry sector. That is compounded by the refusal of the Department to provide appropriate recompense for farmers impacted by ash dieback. The total amount of land planted for forestry in 2023 was 1,650 ha. That corresponds with the lowest volume in the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Driver Test (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Lowry: I thank the Minister for that information. While there is an obvious and steady improvement, too many people are still waiting a prolonged period for a test, which is causing a great deal of stress, strain and inconvenience. The facts and the figures there regarding all of the centres in Tipperary are above the service level agreement. On the SLA, are there penalties and what kind of...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Driver Test (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Lowry: It would be helpful to all of us as elected representatives where some months ago I engaged with the chief operations officer of the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS. Among a number of matters, I strongly criticised its issuing of generic letters to elected representatives. Part of the reason is this suspicion by public representatives of the information they are getting is because the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Driver Test (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Lowry: 65. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the current waiting times for driving tests in all County Tipperary test centres; the number waiting in each test centre; the reason for the extended delays in each test centre; the steps he is taking to address these driving test delays; these matters require immediate attention and swift action to alleviate the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Driver Test (21 Mar 2024)

Michael Lowry: What are the current waiting times for driving tests in County Tipperary in all its test centres? What is the number for those waiting in each test centre? What is the reason for the extended delays in each test centre? What steps is the Minister taking to address driving test delays? These matters require immediate attention and swift action to alleviate the distress and inconvenience...

Child and Youth Mental Health: Statements (29 Feb 2024)

Michael Lowry: It came as no surprise to hear on Tuesday night that new laws to overhaul the country's existing mental health legislation would be brought forward before the summer recess. Considering the legislation has been in draft form since 2016 and has taken eight long years to reach this stage, it certainly cannot be deemed to have been rushed. As I mention that legislation, I thank the Minister of...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (29 Feb 2024)

Michael Lowry: I welcome the Government's decision to review and revise the regulation on eligibility for school transport. The bus pass travel scheme has been a shambles for years. The scheme is not fit for purpose and needs a radical overhaul. From my experience across Tipperary, the scheme is riddled with anomalies and inconsistencies. The rigid interpretation of rules and regulations has deprived...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (22 Feb 2024)

Michael Lowry: The ongoing shortage of some 300 prescription-only medications is causing significant stress for many people. This is compounded by news articles stating that pharmacists are being left with no alternative but to dispense substitute medications that have not been authorised or registered for use in Ireland. This has happened despite the fact these medications, known as exempt medicinal...

Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024: Second Stage (21 Feb 2024)

Michael Lowry: I welcome the Bill. In making its pre-budget submission, the Regional Group met the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and put forward several suggestions. On foot of doing so, we received a commitment. Therefore, I very much welcome this Bill. Its purpose is to exempt rent-a-room income of up to €14,000 per annum. It is to be...

Business Costs for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Motion [Private Members] (14 Feb 2024)

Michael Lowry: It takes initiative, conviction and courage to start a business. Those who take that leap of faith stake their future on making that business a success. No business sets out to fail. Managing a business involves hard work. It is time-consuming, demanding and full of stress and worry. It is constant, unrelenting pressure. It takes an emotional and physical toll on those who take on the...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (17 Jan 2024)

Michael Lowry: I refer to my recent representations to the Government concerning the dramatic level of closures across the hospitality and SME sector. The figures on closures make for grim reading. The sector is reeling from the perfect storm. A huge increase in operational costs, combined with the soaring cost of living, have sounded the death knell for these small businesses. A number of Government...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Jan 2024)

Michael Lowry: I welcome every initiative that can be taken to support and assist Roscrea and its people. In my opening address, I complimented the Minister on her commitment to Roscrea and to the organisations within Roscrea, and I am glad to hear today that the REACH project can now go forward. As the Minister is aware, I have been very active with her officials in successfully promoting other projects...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Jan 2024)

Michael Lowry: -----and recreational facilities?

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Jan 2024)

Michael Lowry: Before I address the issue of Roscrea, I wish to put on the record of this House that I am not a racist. I am not anti-immigrant and I have no record of provocative language, either in or outside this House. Unlike Deputy Smith, who happened to mention me on three occasions in her speech, I stand for something. In her position, she is against everything and for nothing. I have been in...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (17 Jan 2024)

Michael Lowry: That is my responsibility and obligation and I have done that. Let me now address the issue of Roscrea. On four occasions in the past year, I have raised the subject of immigration policy and the lack of strategy. Each time I spoke in this Chamber, I illustrated Roscrea as a classic example of a system that is not working – a town that was overburdened, overwhelmed and in urgent...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Policy (7 Dec 2023)

Michael Lowry: I welcome the progress with the Department's housing plans. It unfortunately still falls short of addressing the current chronic housing shortage. The deficiency is leading to high rent demands, most of which are beyond the reach of young families. This has left some parents and relatives with no alternative other than to help their loved ones. For some, the only way to help is to provide...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Policy (7 Dec 2023)

Michael Lowry: I will raise that issue again with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. However, in the context of social housing, I know the Minister of State has mentioned Kilkenny and Tipperary are proactive. How many councils are working to full capacity to deliver social housing and how many have the ability to do more than they are doing? In every system there are those that are good, that are competent...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Policy (7 Dec 2023)

Michael Lowry: 2. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government in light of the ongoing challenges in our housing sector, if he will provide an update on the progress and effectiveness of the current strategies implemented by his Department, particularly in the realms of affordable housing provision and homelessness prevention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54300/23]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Housing Policy (7 Dec 2023)

Michael Lowry: In light of ongoing challenges in our housing sector, will the Minister of State provide an update on the progress and effectiveness of the current strategies implemented by the Department, particularly in the realms of affordable housing provision and homelessness prevention? Will he make a statement on the matter?

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (5 Dec 2023)

Michael Lowry: I thank the Taoiseach for that very positive reply. This is an issue that I and my colleagues in the Regional Group have been putting forward on behalf of our local radio stations across the country. This allocation of funding will enable them to sustain their service, retain experienced, high-quality staff and recruit and train for the future. It will also allow them to further exploit...