Results 61-80 of 1,972 for speaker:Steven Matthews in 'Dáil debates'

Confidence in Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Motion (13 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: That tenure mix will consist-----

Confidence in Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Motion (13 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: I hope the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will add the time on for the constant interruptions. If the Opposition would care to listen to some of the facts and information, we need to revitalise our town centres and address dereliction and vacancy. The tenure mix will be private, social, affordable and cost-rental, providing long-term secure tenancies at affordable rents in well-designed sustainable...

Confidence in Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Motion (13 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: The Government, through the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has introduced a vast range of legislation to address these matters. The Land Development Agency Act, the Affordable Housing Act, the Maritime Area Planning Act and, very shortly, the marine protected areas legislation to protect and preserve -----

Confidence in Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Motion (13 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: There were continuous interruptions. I hope the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will allow me a little more time.

Confidence in Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Motion (13 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: We are currently carrying out the most significant piece of planning reform and improvement since the 1963 and 2000 Acts and that will deliver. We have introduced zoned-land tax and a vacant homes tax capturing the State land value uplift from zoning and town centres first as our leading policy.

Confidence in Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Motion (13 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: I have worked with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien and his team in the Custom House as Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I know first hand his commitment on housing and homelessness and the huge range of issues in his remit.

Confidence in Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Motion (13 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: If any Member of People Before Profit wants to drop into the committee to actually learn about what is happening in the legislative process, I would be delighted to make time for him or her. However, having the right information would probably not suit their narrative. I have confidence in the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien to continue to deliver the critical issues for our country.

Confidence in Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Motion (13 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: There were constant interruptions while I was trying to speak.

Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Bill 2022: Second Stage (8 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: I find myself in agreement with Opposition speakers here today. We worked together on the relevant Oireachtas committee. As has been said by others, we heard from a number of witnesses who advised us and we put together a report with a number of recommendations. The most important piece of information the committee received was legal advice from the OPLA on a number of questions we raised....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Health Strategies (8 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: 13. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a review of the community ophthalmic services medical treatment scheme; if he will request this process to be expedited in view of ongoing concerns related to reimbursement from medical professionals in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60831/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Health Strategies (8 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: I raised the issue of the community ophthalmic services medical treatment scheme with the Minister previously with regard to reviewing the reimbursement to medical professionals in this sector. I asked whether that is under consideration. My understanding is that the reimbursement paid to them has not kept pace with the costs of delivering that service. This is an extremely important...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Health Strategies (8 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: I thank the Minister. It is welcome news to hear he has requested an evaluation to be carried out on the expansion of the scheme. I hope it will also include the payments that are made under the scheme to the practitioners. As the Minister outlined, it is a very valuable service and one I recently experienced. The Minister might have noticed the black eye I have at the moment. Many...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Health Strategies (8 Dec 2022)

Steven Matthews: I welcome that news. I will leave it in the Minister's capable hands to look at that. I know he understands the importance of this service. I am glad to receive that response this morning.

Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Sport and Recreational Development (17 Nov 2022)

Steven Matthews: 41. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the next round of sports capital funding will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56768/22]

Water Policy: Statements (9 Nov 2022)

Steven Matthews: I welcome the opportunity to make statements on water policy. Despite many of the complaints I hear about Irish Water and individual towns and locations, we need to look at this in a broader perspective. We would all have been taught about the hydrological cycle in school. We know where water comes from. We know that water is a finite and limited resource which is under severe pressure in...

Water Policy: Statements (9 Nov 2022)

Steven Matthews: I request that Irish Water set out a very clear timeline for all of its wastewater treatment plants and drinking water plants. What action is required to bring them up to the standard for discharge and drinking water? What is the funding requirement and what are the timelines? Those need to be set out. It will help us comply with the water framework directive and make our river basin...

Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Bill 2022: Second Stage (26 Oct 2022)

Steven Matthews: I thank the Minister of State for bringing this important legislation to the House in such a speedy and timely manner. It is a sensible move that seeks to protect renters from eviction. I acknowledge the work of Department officials in drafting this Bill and the work of the Attorney General’s office in ensuring that its provisions are constitutional, legally defensible and strike a...

Finance Bill 2022: Second Stage (25 Oct 2022)

Steven Matthews: I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Finance Bill, which underpins many of the budget announcements made last month. It is a progressive budget, despite what some commentators would say. It is wide-ranging and well thought out, and it provides immediate support to many people throughout the country when they need it most. It also offers core support for the future. It exemplifies the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (20 Oct 2022)

Steven Matthews: I thank the Minister for his response. It is positive that 124,000 people have been paid in recognition of the tremendous work that they did during the pandemic. It is not an understatement to say that many of us owe our lives or the lives of family members and friends to the work that was carried out by those organisations. I am glad that the Minister is progressing the payment for the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (20 Oct 2022)

Steven Matthews: I thank the Minister for the clarification. Essentially, this negotiation, as it were, it taking place between the HSE and those organisations. I might follow up this inquiry with the HSE directly just to support the particular worker to whom I referred. The case he has put to me seems to fit exactly with workers who were working in the exact same situation and are eligible for the...