Results 4,981-5,000 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: No, not most. We get about 30%. It is important that we are accurate. We get the balance from the UK and Norway. We are not self-sufficient in relation to gas supply in this country. Similarly, in respect of oil.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: The Deputy narrowed this issue down to fuel, which is a major issue, but he ignored the impact that the war is also having on food prices, fertiliser, input costs for farmers and so on. It might suit his ideological agenda to narrow it down to one specific issue. The impact of this is global and it is across a range of sectors that are impacting on the Irish economy. As a Government, we...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: Through our actions to date, we have demonstrated that the Government is agile and responsive. The Government is constantly monitoring the evolving situation. We are experiencing an incredible amount of volatility and the Government has responded to date. We will keep the situation under review and consider our options on an ongoing basis. However, we also have to be honest with people...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: It would be disingenuous to suggest that we could.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: We have already taken decisive steps and we will keep the situation under review-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: -----but we also need consistency from Deputy McDonald. She entered the House yesterday and called for the removal of VAT. On the very same day, Sinn Féin tabled a motion in the Dáil calling for a reduction in VAT. It is fine in opposition to be loose in one's language and suggest that the Government can do things that it cannot, but the Deputy knows well that the Government does...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: I thank Deputy Howlin for raising this issue and I acknowledge the manner in which he has done so. We all share his sentiments about the appalling atrocities in Ukraine that we are witnessing on our television screens, scenes that we believed belonged to a bygone era. Ireland is going to do everything it can to support the Ukrainian refugees who come to our country. We will welcome them...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: It is important to recognise that Ukrainian refugees arriving at the port are being looked after. That is thanks in no small part to the fantastic efforts of local community groups. State actors are also directly involved and are providing the essential supports to the refugees. I assure the Deputy that this specific issue is being treated with the urgency it deserves. There was a meeting...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: I thank Deputy McDonald for raising the issue of inflation and the cost of living pressures we as a Government acknowledge people are facing at this time. It was highlighted further by the ESRI report the Deputy mentioned in her introductory remarks. People will accept this is a global phenomenon. All developed economies in the world are experiencing a high level of inflation. For our...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Staff (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: The invasion of Ukraine has had tragic humanitarian consequences, the full impact of which are continuing to unfold. Ireland, with our EU and other partners, is committed to taking action to help Ukraine and its people. My Department is currently working with the Minister for Finance other Government Departments in respect of estimating potential resources that may be required to support...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Staff (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: I refer the Deputy to my earlier reply in this matter as set out in Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 2 February 2022. The general objective of the One Person One Salary principle is that public servants should not receive additional remuneration for undertaking other duties in the public service. While the initial policy focused primarily on board fees, it has been expanded over time to...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Contracts (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. I wish to advise the Deputy that each engagement with the named company was for the purposes of providing a translation service. Year Number of engagements Total Spend 2022 (to-date) 0 0 2021 8 €2,501 2020 ...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Freedom of Information (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: The Freedom of Information Act 2014 greatly expanded the number of bodies that are subject to the legislation. Where previously, bodies had to be explicitly listed in the legislation for FOI to apply to them, in the updated legislation, any entity that meets a broad set of criteria is subject to FOI by default. At present, approximately 600 diverse organisations are subject to FOI, across...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Fuel Prices (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: The mileage rates that apply in the recoupment of travel expenses across the civil and public service are a matter for my consideration in the first instance rather than for the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. It is established policy that travel for work in the civil and public service should, where possible, be by public transport. Where this is not possible, mileage payments may...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Contracts (23 Mar 2022)

Michael McGrath: I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department, including the Office of Government Procurement, has not awarded any contracts to the named company.