Results 41-60 of 2,180 for speaker:John Cummins

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (27 Mar 2025)

John Cummins: I thank both Deputies for their advocacy in this area. As I stated in my opening remarks, I do understand it. I taught in the education system myself. I have met children who are similar to the children in the examples given by the Deputies. It is important to also put in context that the Department will spend €2.9 billion this year on special education, one quarter of the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Road Safety (27 Mar 2025)

John Cummins: I apologise as I have a cold, but I will try to get through the reply. I thank Deputy Shane Moynihan for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport today. As the Deputy rightly points out, in 2022, the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland sought to investigate the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (27 Mar 2025)

John Cummins: I want to stress that enabling students with additional educational needs to receive an appropriate education is an absolute priority for this Government. I taught in the education system and taught students with additional needs, so I understand the issue. It is the Government's priority to ensure that all children have an appropriate school placement and that the necessary supports are...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Health Services (27 Mar 2025)

John Cummins: I thank the Senator very much. I know the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, has spoken to him on this matter. I thank him for raising the wider issue. As he will appreciate, I cannot speak to the individual case he referred to. However, I reiterate the Government's commitment to ensuring ongoing improvements in paediatric orthopaedic services to ensure that children with scoliosis and...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Health Services (27 Mar 2025)

John Cummins: I again thank the Senator for raising this matter. I take on board the points he raised. The programme for Government commits to a number of measures, including additional staffing and resources to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the system, and using private capacity both at home and abroad. The Senator's points are very well made. I understand that behind every number is a family...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Coillte Teoranta (27 Mar 2025)

John Cummins: I thank Senator Noonan for raising this important matter relating to Coillte's organisational structure, which I will address on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Heydon. I welcome the opportunity to answer the questions the Senator raised and to update the House on recent developments. Coillte was set up as a commercial State body under the Forestry Act 1988 and, therefore, is independent...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Coillte Teoranta (27 Mar 2025)

John Cummins: I note the concerns the Senator has raised but, as stated, the Minister is committed to addressing the issues that are within his remit in accordance with the provisions set out in the Forestry Act 1988. The most important part of the response from Coillte is that the reorganisation will allow a more integrated approach to all nature and biodiversity projects. As stated, Coillte has said...

Housing Commission Report: Statements (27 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: I join the Minister in thanking the Housing Commission for its work. I commend each member of the commission on their efforts by any objective measure. The commission's report is an impressive piece of work and is having the intended impact on informing the policy debate and providing innovative ideas and solutions to the challenges we collectively face in the housing space. The...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Planning Framework (27 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his new role and I congratulate Senators on their election or appointment to the House. It is good to be back here for the second time this week. I thank Senator Fitzpatrick for raising this important matter. We soldiered together on the joint committee on housing over the past five years. All things housing are important to the Senator, everyone else...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: National Planning Framework (27 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: I thank Senator Fitzpatrick. Nationally, rural housing continues to be an important component of overall housing delivery. It is a vital element in the fabric of our society. I look forward to working with the Minster, Deputy Browne, to finalise the completion of the updated rural housing guidelines and to deliver on the programme for Government, which continues to support one-off rural...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Provision (27 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: I would like to thank Senator McCarthy for raising this important issue. If anyone understands this issue it is him, given his work with Tiglin and dealing first-hand with people who find themselves in difficult circumstances. I commend him on his work in that regard. Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority, I can assure Senators of that....

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Housing Provision (27 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: Homelessness is a complex matter, as the Senator knows. A whole-of-government approach is required. That is the approach of the Government and we will continue in that vein. It is important to say that €303 million has been allocated to homeless services for 2025. An additional €25 million in capital funding for the delivery of high-quality transitional emergency...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Local Authorities (25 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: Although it a little strange, it is fantastic to be back here in the Seanad Chamber for my first Commencement matter. I thank Senator Ahearn for raising this important matter, which I know all Members of the House will agree on. In the context of the recent revision of the security allowance made for Oireachtas Members, I have raised the issue with my officials. We want to make progress on...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Local Authorities (25 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: It is important to state that Revenue does not have an issue with the 100% element. I have to make that business case to the Department of public expenditure regarding changes in that respect.The Senator has rightly pointed out that the lower amount for councillors, relative to the rate for Oireachtas Members, is in recognition of the fact that councillors do not, by and large, have offices....

Housing Policy: Motion [Private Members] (12 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: I thank everybody for their contributions. I reassert the Government's commitment to tackling the challenges we collectively face in the housing sector. As a 37-year-old, I am acutely aware of the impact these challenges have on my generation and those younger than me. I have taken note of some of the suggestions and points made by Deputies and I will touch on a couple of them....

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Provision (12 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: I again thank Deputy McAuliffe for raising this important issue. I assure him that, from the information I have been provided with, a dialogue is occurring in order to try to find a satisfactory resolution. As he is aware, this is a very important development for the area. It is being delivered under Housing for All. We are committed to ensuring that it will be delivered in good time and...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Provision (12 Feb 2025)

John Cummins: As this is my first contribution in the House, I ask for its indulgence for a moment as I thank my wife, my family, my friends, my supporters and the Fine Gael members who have assisted me in recent years and, in particular, during November's election campaign. Most importantly, I wish to place on record my thanks to the people of Waterford, who have placed their trust in me, and to the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs (22 Jan 2025)

John Cummins: 659. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special classes in mainstream primary and secondary schools in each county, for the years 2020 to 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1978/25]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Assisted Human Reproduction (22 Jan 2025)

John Cummins: 1670. To ask the Minister for Health the timeline for the expansion of State-funded IVF treatment, as announced in budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1974/25]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Assisted Human Reproduction (22 Jan 2025)

John Cummins: 1671. To ask the Minister for Health the criteria that will apply to families seeking to avail of State-funded IVF treatment who already have a child born previously through privately funded IVF treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1975/25]