Results 8,061-8,080 of 51,889 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Departmental Communications (28 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: My Department, or any body under the aegis of my Department, has not facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issues with the organisations referred to by the Deputy from 2020 to date.

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Air Corps (28 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out an ambitious programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027 across the entire spectrum of military activities. In relation to Baldonnel, major capital works projects to the value of some €17m are currently being developed for the Aerodrome, including the relocation of St Bricin's Military Medical Facility to...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: On Deputy Tully's question, I do not have the details of the specific case she has raised. There has been an enormous investment in health, whatever way you look at it, over the last four years, exponentially increasing year on year. There are issues with the recruitment of radiologists more generally. I will try to check out the situation with the Minister for Health in respect of Temple...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I know, but the Deputy knows, as I do, that it is not that simple either-----

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: -----but we will follow it.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Covid-19 affected the numbers going through the training college. The numbers in Templemore now continue to increase. Approximately 500 trainees are currently in the system, with one more class due into Templemore on 27 December. Approximately 237 new gardaí have attested so far this year. The new attestation schedule is for 12 January. We are on track to have between 700 or 800 new...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Water is in public ownership and will remain in public ownership. There is no intention to privatise water supplies. I do not think the Deputy should try to twist the truth in that respect. I will pursue with Irish Water the specific issue the Deputy raised regarding the discolouring of water and the specific water supply challenges he identified.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the situation. The Taoiseach and the Minister for agriculture are meeting the environment Commissioner today in respect of the nitrates directive, with a particular focus on the issue of calving heifers in the very near future and the timelines around that. I visited the Timoleague catchment area some weeks ago. I spent a number of hours there with farmers. I can confirm...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: We announced an increase cost of doing business grant in 2024. It is available to small and medium sized businesses which operate from a ratable premises. I do not know if the pub which the Deputy instanced has availed of that funding to alleviate its energy bills.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: The scheme will make payments in 2024.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Sorry?

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: Which charge? I did not quite pick it up.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I am saying, in terms of general energy costs we have introduced a grant scheme. Over €250 million has been made available to small to medium sized enterprises to help with their energy bills.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: What new charge? I do not know specifically because the Deputy did not say. I did not pick up the name of the new charge the Deputy referenced.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: In my view remediated homes should be mortgageable.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I will ask the Minister for Finance to engage with the banking sector to discuss that.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of what the Deputy is saying although any case that has come before me, I have looked at on its individual merits and chosen not to reduce any award as the pension is awarded. I have done so on the individual merits of a given case that has come before me. I stand to be corrected, but I do not think a case has come before me yet where I have acceded to the idea of reducing it.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: I know there is a general point but I look at each case individually.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy has made a very good point. There is a broader issue where there is an interdepartmental group looking at the whole area of retirement from uniformed public services, whether An Garda Síochána, firefighting or Defence Forces. We have increased retirement age limits on an interim basis in the Defence Forces. We are living longer. Thankfully, Ireland has made dramatic...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (23 Nov 2023)

Micheál Martin: It is not a legacy of the Government at all.