Results 81-100 of 21,252 for speaker:Denis Naughten

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on the Social Welfare System: Discussion (24 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: Does Deputy Ó Laoghaire have anything else to say?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on the Social Welfare System: Discussion (24 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: Can I ask a couple of questions? As soon as the Minister sits down in the House, I will have to go, so I might have to look at the Official Report later for the responses. First, Dr. Griffin mentioned this debate between right and left. As we know there is a toxic atmosphere beginning to emerge in this country, particularly on the extreme right. One of the points they would raise...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on the Social Welfare System: Discussion (24 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: Since the members are happy, I thank all the witnesses for their evidence and engagement with the committee. We really appreciate it. As I said before I had to rush out, we are examining the public service performance report with the Department in respect of the Estimates. With regard to facilitating research based on Irish evidence and data, we would be very happy to hear thoughts and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on the Social Welfare System: Discussion (24 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: I do not know which of the academics is an expert on sheep farming but it raises a broader point, which I raised here last week. I gave an example of a sheep farmer who came in to me, and we were doing the means test. They were knocked off a scheme wrongly because the Department of Social Protection inspector did not understand sheep farming. The difficulty is that more people are moving...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Flood Relief Schemes (23 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: We are talking about a depth of water 3.38 m higher than the historical level of that lough for generations. That would flood the whole of this Chamber. That is the height we are talking about here. I was at an EPA climate lecture earlier this evening on the issue of climate and health. It was given by Professor Lea Berrang-Ford. She said the greatest impact of flooding on health relates...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Flood Relief Schemes (23 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: The Leas-Cheann Comhairle should be more generous with us from the west.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Flood Relief Schemes (23 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: After we recovering after a Connacht semi-final on Sunday, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle should take it easy on us. I wish to share my time with Deputies Kerrane and Fitzmaurice. As the Minister of State will be aware, the rising water levels on Lough Funshinagh have resulted in the evacuation of two families within the past fortnight, with another home sandbagged last week. Without...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Departmental Reports (18 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: 139. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to the commitment given by his officials to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection regarding when the final report of the independent analysis of the warmth and well-being scheme carried out by the London School of Tropical Medicine will be published; the reason for missing the latest publication...

Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024: Second Stage (Resumed) (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: As Deputy Connolly said, I will take up my 20 minutes, if that is of any assistance to people coming in. The Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 is designed to simplify pension decisions for workers and to make it easier for employers to offer workplace pensions. Under auto-enrolment, employees will have access to a workplace pension savings scheme, which is co-funded by...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: Approximately 15,000 people with Parkinson's disease in Ireland are supported by Parkinson's Ireland. The organisation, which receives €70,000 per annum in State funding, provides vital exercise supports nationwide to patients, among many other supports, which are as vital to their care as medicine. This service is under threat. Parkinson's Ireland has applied to the HSE for funding...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on Farm Assist and Other Social Welfare Schemes: Discussion (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: We have received apologies from Senators Gavan and Murphy. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action in respect of anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on Farm Assist and Other Social Welfare Schemes: Discussion (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: I now invite Ms Doyle to make her opening comments.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on Farm Assist and Other Social Welfare Schemes: Discussion (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: Thank you. I invite Mr. Roddy to make his opening statement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on Farm Assist and Other Social Welfare Schemes: Discussion (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: I will bring in all four groups. I will bring in the two groups that were specifically asked a question first and then the other two groups. I ask everyone to try not to repeat something that some of the other groups have already responded to. We have four groups and we are trying to manage it. I will bring in the INHFA first, followed by the ICMSA and then the other two farm organisations.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on Farm Assist and Other Social Welfare Schemes: Discussion (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: To clarify, SAC designation and payments are not within the remit of the committee. We do not want to delve into the remit of the agriculture committee. I understand the point Mr. Farrell is making. We could speak on it at length on it but we want to focus on the means test and its treatment by the Department of Social Protection.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on Farm Assist and Other Social Welfare Schemes: Discussion (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: Yes and I accept this point.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on Farm Assist and Other Social Welfare Schemes: Discussion (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: I invite the IFA to respond to the questions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection: Impact of Means Testing on Farm Assist and Other Social Welfare Schemes: Discussion (17 Apr 2024)

Denis Naughten: I would say to Deputy Ó Laoghaire that farm assist was originally the farmers' dole and there is a social and cultural aspect to this. People are reluctant to apply. It is only when their back is to the wall that they will consider it because it is seen as throwing in the towel in terms of a viable farm enterprise.