Results 4,621-4,640 of 4,720 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Seanad: Political Donations: Motion (11 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Senators who tabled this motion for my daily visit to the Seanad. Before I get to the substantive issue of the motion, I wish to refer to the robust debate we have had. It must be that way sometimes, but I am always impressed by the level of debate in this House. It is important to point out that, in an era of political online campaigning where politics are increasingly fought...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (11 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: 222. To ask the Minister for Health if reimbursement of Covid-19-related costs will be forthcoming to disability service providers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35657/20]

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Covid-19 Restrictions (10 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Senator O'Reilly for raising this matter. I recall the virtual platform we shared with representatives from our sister city of Formigine in Italy. It was a very enjoyable experience. The matter raised by the Senator must be considered in the context of Ireland's approach to dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and in particular, the level 5 restrictions currently in place. The...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Covid-19 Restrictions (10 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I take on board the points made by the Senator. I agree with him that many people have, throughout this year, had a really terrible experience and had life experiences robbed from them. Family events and family occasions have all been denied to people. Our memories of this year will be very painful ones collectively for the nation and globally and it is important to acknowledge that. We...

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (10 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: Yes, if that is okay. I have an important vote in the other House.

Seanad: Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (10 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I am pleased to have an opportunity to take part in this Second Stage debate. It has been a very informed and wide-ranging debate so far. I thank Senators Byrne, Casey and Cassells for introducing the Bill, which enables us to debate and consider the relevant issues around extending the franchise of the universities panel of Seanad Éireann to all citizens of Ireland who are over the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Water Services (5 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Senators Garvey and Byrne for raising this important issue and doing it so well and speaking so eloquently on behalf of the communities they represent. I am very familiar with some of the places listed, as someone from as a neighbouring county in a beautiful part of the country. From the programme for Government point of view, it is vitally important that this is a core element of...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Water Services (5 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: That is a very constructive proposal. We are certainly more than happy to have a wider debate on this issue. It would be very useful. What I have outlined this morning are the overarching objectives of Irish Water and the Government as regards front-loading funding.It might be useful to go into more detail about specific programmes and plans for smaller towns and villages, and as Senator...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Flood Relief Schemes (5 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Senator for raising this issue. It concerns a part of the country that I am familiar with, having holidayed there again this year. My family and I love that part of Ireland and once the restrictions were lifted, we were lucky enough to get to that beautiful part of county Cork. I want to offer our sympathies to all of the families and businesses that were affected by the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Flood Relief Schemes (5 Nov 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I take on board the concerns of the Deputy and will take the points he raised back to the Department and my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, who has responsibility for local government. It is important that the Government is securing a package for local government that specifically relates to Covid and the non-rates element. We are attempting to ensure that local...

Seanad: Electoral (Civil Society Freedom)(Amendment) Bill 2019: Second Stage (22 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I am pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Second Stage debate on the Electoral (Civil Society Freedom) (Amendment) Bill 2019. I thank Senator Ruane for bringing the Bill forward which enables us to debate and consider the relevant issues around the definition of "political purposes" as set out in electoral law. I would also like to commend the Civil Engagement Group on its...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disability Services Provision (22 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: 184. To ask the Minister for Health if a residential place will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in view of the recommendation received from Tusla [32160/20]

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Provision (21 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I assure the Deputy that we are looking at a total of 875 units between social and affordable housing. We have reiterated our commitment to progress this site and we are ready to work with all key stakeholders towards social and affordable housing delivery objectives so I share the Deputy's aspirations in that regard. As a Government, we will, in parallel with these impact measures,...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Provision (21 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: The Government is focused on ensuring that affordable and high quality housing solutions are available to everyone in society. This is clearly reflected in the programme for Government, Our Shared Future, which confirms our view that home ownership should be a realistic aspiration for people. Everyone should have access to good-quality housing to purchase or rent at an affordable price in...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Quality (20 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: The Deputy certainly has my commitment in that regard. He is absolutely correct that it is frustrating, particularly in the depths of a pandemic, that people would have to accept what he outlined. One of the basic components of the sustainable development goals relates to clean water and sanitation, and it is a basic necessity that we provide that. Irish Water's primary functions are to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Quality (20 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which is one of serious local concern, as he quite rightly pointed out. Certainly it needs resolution. The Deputy appreciates that the operation of the Galtee regional water supply scheme is a matter for Irish Water, which, since 1 January 2014, has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at...

Ministerial Power (Repeal) (Ban Co-Living and Build to Rent) Bill 2020: Second Stage [Private Members] (20 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Deputy Ó Broin and Sinn Féin for bringing forward this Bill. It is important. We have had a good debate. It is useful and the Government fully recognises the sentiment and intent of the Bill, albeit that there are unintended consequences which is why the Government will not be supporting it. Before I sum up, I will refer to a number of points that have been raised....

Ministerial Power (Repeal) (Ban Co-Living and Build to Rent) Bill 2020: Second Stage [Private Members] (20 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: I believe we have completed that. Gabhaim buíochas, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. A consistent regulatory approach through the country is essential to provide clarity to both public and private investment and to progress construction and development projects through the planning system. The Bill also seeks to repeal by deletion, specified sections on the build-to-rent and shared...

Financial Resolutions 2020 - Financial Resolution No. 7: General (Resumed) (14 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: Today's announcement of almost €96 million, an overall increase of 51%, recognises the vital role played by our natural and built heritage in supporting the physical and mental well-being of the nation and in realising many of the commitments set out in the programme for Government. The €95.95 million announced today will support an accelerated programme of conservation health...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: EU Regulations (8 Oct 2020)

Malcolm Noonan: As the Deputy said, I met representatives of the NARGC. It was after the vote on 3 September. I had a constructive meeting with them. There were difficulties but it was constructive. I recognise the conservation efforts and work that council members do around the country, including on grey partridge and other projects. They do fantastic work in that regard. As a general principle, I...