Results 9,981-10,000 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Report of Committee of Selection: Motion: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together. I had a short courtesy meeting with European Commission Executive Vice-President for a Europe fit for the digital age and competition, Margrethe Vestager, on 30 September. This year marks 50 years since the Irish people voted to join what is now the European Union, and Ireland and Denmark became members on the same day, 1...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: The Attorney General has advised on this particular issue and perhaps has a different legal perspective to the legal person the Deputy referenced in his contribution, and it would have a far wider range of application than just specific cases. The argument would be that any initial case would encompass the wider issues of family as well. I will seek further legal advice in respect of it and...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: I will come back to the Deputy on it.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I know she has been a great supporter of St. Clare's food kitchen and has worked to highlight the service it provides in Carlow on a continuing basis. The Minister and the Department of Social Protection have provided significant additional expenditure in respect of the school food and meal programme. We will continue to do that. We have expanded...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy has raised this issue for quite some time. I will talk to the Minister for Justice and get her response.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: This is a bit confusing because the Deputy just said the RSA stated it was not closing the centre but then asked me to clarify the matter.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: The RSA is not closing the centre. Does the Deputy accept that?

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: I do not know who is creating the speculation. The Deputy could be creating it himself.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: God forbid, I would suggest the Deputy is doing so.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: How many people work in the centre at present?

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: Is one person gone?

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: Okay, but the centre will get a second person. We will talk to the RSA about that. It is a two-person centre at present and one person has moved on for other reasons. The more critical issue the Deputy has raised is of whether we can get the tests accelerated. We do not want people to wait that length of time for tests.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: The Minister is examining these issues in terms of how best we can deal with that situation. Toll revenue is generally used for motorway maintenance and maintenance of the wider national road network. The Minister told me this morning that many Deputies have requested an increase in resources for roads in Cavan-Monaghan and the entire country. It is a balancing of that. The other point is...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: This Government is not neglecting childcare. We are investing approximately €1.25 billion in childcare. This means the first of five investment targets, €1 billion by 2028, has been achieved five years ahead of schedule. This year's budget allocation will support a reduction of up to 25% in childcare fees. This measure will put close to €2,100 every year back in the...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: On Deputy McDonald's issue I want to put on the record of the House my thanks to our public servants and my recognition of the work they do across government and the massive effort that has and continues to go into making sure those who have come to our country seeking refuge have speedy access to the shelter and support they need. We do not have an option but to avail of all offers of...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: -----the Deputy is familiar with it. Ultimately we have to be fairly straight with people. We have international obligations and with regard to fulfilling them the pressures are enormous because of a number of issues such as conflict, famine, drought, climate change and the war in Ukraine itself. The Minister and the Department are engaging with local representatives to provide the...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: The Minister is examining the situation. The tolls for private cars on most toll roads, if the increase is to go ahead, would increase by 10 cent. Some of these tolls are collected by private companies. What Deputy Carthy is asking is that we would subsidise private companies in this respect to deal with the issue.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí (Atógáil) - Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: I hear the Deputy in respect of her concerns about Saolta being too Galway-centric but in the discussions yesterday between the Minister and the consultants, it seemed that the emergency department surgical block was the key issue. The issue from hereon in is delivery and whether we can accelerate the timeline in terms of its construction because health capital projects, by definition, tend...

Visit of US Ambassador (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: I join in welcoming the US ambassador, who has been such a great friend to our country since her appointment and has strengthened the relationship between the US and Ireland.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí (Atógáil) - Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Nov 2022)

Micheál Martin: I thank Deputy Harkin for raising the question of Sligo University Hospital. The Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, met with the consultants from the hospital yesterday. I believe it was a constructive meeting. The Government is committed to the development of regional hospitals, such as Sligo University Hospital. There has been a significant increase in the funding allocated...