Results 81-100 of 551 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:James O'Connor

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: School Accommodation (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: I thank the Minister for the information. It is very helpful and beneficial that we know what is going on. I have worked hand-in-hand with the Minister since she became a member of Cabinet with responsibility in this area. However, we acknowledge that in east Cork, and particularly across Cork county, there is rapid population growth. For example, the Fermoy area now has a deficit of...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (28 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: I want to ask about the DEIS scheme, which is a very important scheme that has huge benefits for many disadvantaged communities. Because of the budget surplus, we have an opportunity to increase the level of support available to communities that missed out on DEIS in the last round, particularly in areas that have taken on a huge number of Ukrainian refugees, like Youghal in east Cork,...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Care of the Elderly (22 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: That is no problem, given the gravity of the topic. I am sure all present agree it deserved the time. I thank the Minister of State.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Care of the Elderly (22 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Minister, I acknowledge the severe gravity of the subject. If you want to take a moment to compose yourself, I can ask Deputy O'Dowd to respond.

Ábhair Shaincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Matters (22 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 37 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Alan Dillon - to discuss policy and delivery of modular school accommodation. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - to discuss the current crime prevention resources available in Mahon, Cork. Deputies Cian O'Callaghan, Joan...

Apprenticeship and Further Education and Training: Statements (22 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: I want to take the opportunity to welcome Aghada National School and my extended relation, Mr. O’Neill, to the Gallery. They are very welcome.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: I raise the DEIS scheme which, as the Minister will know, is of huge importance to constituents in my area, particularly in Youghal. We have taken in a very substantial number of Ukrainian refugees, almost 1,000 in the town. There was already significant social need in that area. Is the Government looking at expanding the DEIS scheme further? Youghal very much needs supports for our three...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (1 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: As the Minister is aware, Youghal is a town very close to my heart. It is where I grew up. It is a town I feel has been dealt an extremely poor hand by the Government, with the loss of more than 70% of our tourism accommodation permanently because of the sale of the Quality Hotel in Redbarn for use as an emergency accommodation centre. While this is something the local community has...

Consultative Forum on International Security Policy: Statements (18 May 2023)

James O'Connor: Next is Deputy Durkan.

Consultative Forum on International Security Policy: Statements (18 May 2023)

James O'Connor: No. Under the running order, we had a Sinn Féin slot, a Rural Independent Group slot for ten minutes and then another Government slot, with Deputy Durkan being the next speaker. It will then be Deputy Pringle.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (18 May 2023)

James O'Connor: The N25 bypass in east Cork is a huge issue of importance to me. I ask about the appointment of a design consultant. There seems to be nothing happening with it for the last number of weeks. I am getting quite frustrated with the level of progress. It seems to be stuck in officialdom. Will the Tánaiste and the Minister for Transport look into this matter to get the design consultant...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (27 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: I came from the Committee of Public Accounts this morning, where we got a very thorough briefing on issues within An Bord Pleanála by its senior management. The members of senior management told us An Bord Pleanála is only processing 90 decisions per month, when it wishes to process 300. It has just €17.1 million in funding. We have a €26 billion of a surplus in tax...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Services (27 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: 8. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that passport applications that are unsuccessful are not looked at until the end of the "estimated issue date"; the reason the applicant could not be informed of the problem within the first week of the Passport Office receiving the application in order to speed up the process; and if he will make...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Services (27 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: I want to ask about and bring to the attention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the passport applications that are unsuccessful and the administrative issue that arises where an unsuccessful application is notified quite late in the process. The process does not necessarily allow applicants to amend the errors and there is a lack of an efficient and effective system in...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Services (27 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: The reason this is being raised is that we all know about the chaos that ensues when something goes wrong with a passport applications. As Deputies, we were all inundated with queries about that and the Minister's answer is perfectly justified in terms of the backlog that is there and that we are dealing with post Brexit, with people seeking Irish citizenship and passports, as well as the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Passport Services (27 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: Maybe there is not a backlog as such but the processing times for the applications, particularly for first-time applications, are what I am coming at. I accept there are systems in place and I acknowledge the fantastic and phenomenal work that is being done by officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs to try to cut down on waiting times, and some turnarounds have been as short as a...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Job Losses (25 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: The Deputy must conclude.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Job Losses (25 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: I apologise to Deputy Cowen for interrupting him earlier. He may now proceed with his Topical Issue.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Schemes (25 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: Gabh mo leithscéal. We can come back to you again, Deputy, if that is all right.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Departmental Schemes (25 Apr 2023)

James O'Connor: I apologise. There have been several no-shows, so I appreciate your frustration. I did let you cover for a colleague. I can revert to you if you wish.