Results 41,841-41,860 of 50,916 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Constitutional Amendments (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach the reason no consultations have been held with opposition parties and groups concerning the establishment of the Citizen's Assembly. [16292/11]

Constitutional Amendments (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach did not answer Question No. 7. Question No. 6 deals with constitutional amendments, while Question No. 7 relates to the establishment of the citizens' assembly.

Constitutional Amendments (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: There are two separate questions. To deal with Question No. 6 first, there are three constitutional amendments to be voted on in October. While the Taoiseach seems to focus on the particular issue of the abolition of the Seanad, three constitutional amendments have been committed to. However, there has been no consultation on the principles or details with any party in the House, which is...

Constitutional Amendments (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: Actions speak louder than words.

Constitutional Amendments (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: We are not being consulted - that is the point. The Taoiseach stated in the programme for Government that as a matter of practice there would be consultations prior to the drafting of Bills and other legislation. However, there has been no attempt to do this. I would have thought that, in the context of a profound matter such as a constitutional amendment of the type the Taoiseach has...

Constitutional Amendments (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: Question No. 7 concerns the citizen's assembly. Given consultation is its core purpose, the fact that we have had no consultation is remarkable. It is supposed to be legislated for over the next four weeks. Does the Taoiseach accept that will not happen? Can he explain what will be done before the legislation is published or passed to ensure the assembly is properly established and has...

National Partnership Agreement (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: Question 8: To ask the Taoiseach if he will detail efforts undertaken in his Department in relation to implementing the Croke Park agreement's terms in its operations. [16288/11]

National Partnership Agreement (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: I welcome the Taoiseach's comments last week where he praised the implementation of the Croke Park agreement. The evidence is that public servants are actively engaging in the process of delivering reforms and efficiencies. It is time that the rhetoric acknowledged this rather than being the empty tough talking some Ministers have engaged in regarding the agreement. Given the Taoiseach has...

National Partnership Agreement (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach is on record as saying the agreement was being ignored and so on. He has changed his tune in this regard and that is welcome but he should be clear about that. The Taoiseach's Department has a great deal of expertise in the handling of social partnership agreements and so on. Has he any remaining involvement in the partnership process and reform following the restructuring of...

Leaders' Questions (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: Last night the Short Strand area of Belfast saw its second night of serious disturbances. While it has been a flashpoint for decades, both the scale and nature of the violence are extremely serious. The only point on which there is clarity is that there are small groups which seek to inflame and exploit the situation. I am sure all Members will agree such people cannot be allowed to...

Leaders' Questions (22 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: The prize of peace has been hard won and the two Governments, together with the Northern Ireland Executive, must act with absolute resolve. It is clear the institutions which have been built up through the peace process are strong and that what is now needed is a redoubling of efforts on all sides to reach communities which are being targeted by such groups which wish to return to an endless...

Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: Is the Taoiseach saying "No"?

Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: He is really.

Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: I am talking about a substantive debate on the debt crisis.

Order of Business (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: The debt crisis facing Europe is the most substantive issue.

Leaders' Questions (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: When the jobs initiative was announced, the Taoiseach and the Government decided not to publish any supporting documentation on the impact of the €1.8 billion raid on personal pensions. This was a direct reversal of the policy that had been pursued for over a decade, whereby all background papers on revenue matters were published on-line. With other members of my party, I repeatedly asked...

Leaders' Questions (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: That is not the case. Sometime soon the Taoiseach will have to start taking responsibility for the decisions he took.(Interruptions).

Leaders' Questions (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach was warned-----

Leaders' Questions (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: -----by the relevant Minister and by officials that this levy could have a serious negative impact on personal pensions. The Taoiseach decided to reverse a decade old procedure and he withheld this information from the public until he had pushed the levy through. That is a fact. I have asked three times in this House for the Taoiseach to publish all background material on the pension levy....

Leaders' Questions (21 Jun 2011)

Micheál Martin: The Taoiseach knew what I asked at the time, and he decided not to release the material. In essence, the Taoiseach has not told me today. He did not answer the question I asked. Why did he ignore the warnings of the Minister for Social Protection and officials? Will he publish all materials pertaining to this decision? The Taoiseach covered up on this deliberately.