Results 841-860 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: I recognise the work done by Deputy Howlin on this issue. I join him in condemning theses services, which have effectively abused women who are pregnant and have given information that is not truthful or objective. The Minister has been working on this. There has been a consultation. On foot of this, the Minister is proceeding with a designation of the two distinct professions of...
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: The Minister will be in a position to do that in September.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: Elder abuse is an issue that needs to be recognised. One of the initiatives that help hugely in recognition of this is, for example, the proper supervision by HIQA of nursing homes. If there is elder abuse in any situation and if anybody is aware of it, then it needs to be reported and action taken by the relevant services. I am not aware that any legislation is planned on it. It is...
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: -----that people need to recognise and ensure that action is taken to prevent it or interrupt it.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: I have no doubt that this will be considered in the context of the budget. I pay tribute to Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell who recently published a very comprehensive study on the issues relating to bereavement.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: I will ask the Minister to liaise directly with Deputy Ó Broin on that. It is my understanding that the legislation is still being worked on.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: I understand that amendments to the legislation are being worked on by the Minister but that the process in this regard will not be completed before the recess. The Bill will proceed later this year.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: The Minister has been extremely clear on this measure. I understand that Committee Stage proceedings in respect of the relevant legislation took place yesterday. Ongoing consultation with the Attorney General on an issue such as this would not be unusual.
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: The Taoiseach addressed the issue yesterday and, as Deputy Howlin said, the Government will publish the summer economic statement in the coming weeks.
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: It means in the coming weeks. I do not have a specific date.
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: It is clear that the fiscal space in 2018, in particular, will be limited and that reflects the carry-over of the full year cost of commitments from budget 2017 and the impact of the recent public service pay agreement, if ratified. Given that Deputy Howlin has raised the economy it is worth reflecting on the fact that we do have the fastest growing economy in Europe. Unemployment is...
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: As the Taoiseach said again yesterday, as the budget approaches balance we do have better scope to make decisions about investment in the future. We do have to plan for this growing economy, the growing population and the growing workforce. Because of the prudent management, in which Deputy Howlin himself played a part, we are now in a much better economic position to make those decisions...
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: One thing we do not do in this House is re-run court cases. There is a separation of powers.
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: We just heard the result of this case and we respect the court decision. Justice takes its course in any trial. The evidence is considered. This was a jury trial and the jury made its decision. Justice takes its course. We can discuss lots of things in this House but we certainly do not re-run the evidence that is given in a trial and I do not intend to do that now. Deputy Barry...
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: While a court case is under way in this House we have always followed the precedent of not commenting on it in detail. We follow that very carefully, as in many court cases there is always the possibility of appeal, and I intend to continue to do that today.
- Questions on Promised Legislation (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: I assure the Deputy that Ireland continues to regard the maintenance of a strong, effective and well-financed CAP that contributes to public good as a priority into the future. As the Deputy said, Commissioner Oettinger has today published a reflection paper on the future shape of the EU budget. That was to be expected. Reference was made to it in the newspaper article. A co-decided...
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: The Taoiseach in his then role as Minister for Social Protection clearly took action because the processing of maternity benefit payments is now up to date and claims from mothers going on maternity leave are processed as they start their leave. The message I want to get out to pregnant women is that those applications are being dealt with immediately and they will have their payment...
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: The Government has shown total respect for people who are making such claims and always will because we recognise the difficulties claimants have. The Deputy's characterisation is extremely inaccurate and the bottom line is that the issue has been dealt with. The action has been taken. The staff-----
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: It has been dealt with because the Department recognised there was an issue and provided the staff resources and training to ensure the people who needed this benefit in a timely way were dealt with.
- Leaders' Questions (29 Jun 2017)
Frances Fitzgerald: The issue has been dealt with. Everyone, including the then Minister and the staff in the Department, recognised that it was an issue that needed to be dealt with. Action has been taken and I ask the Deputy to recognise that.