Results 10,401-10,420 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: National Economic and Social Council (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: Regarding the north west, I have spoken to the Minister for Transport on this matter. I am anxious for that to happen, but it is in the transport domain right now. Regarding the rail strategy, east-west connectivity is a big issue because the A5 has been caught in a lot of planning issues, public inquiries and so on. Then there is the rail issue. The largest number of submissions on rail...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Bodies (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 17, inclusive, together. The public service, justice and policing reform unit is part of the social policy and public service reform division of my Department. The work of the unit supports me in my role as Taoiseach on policing reform, criminal justice, public service reform, social affairs and other related matters, supports the Civil Service...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Bodies (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: No, Deputy McDonald is first.

Ceisteanna - Questions: National Economic and Social Council (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 9, inclusive, together. I am advised by NESC on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Ireland. The NESC work programme in 2022 has five main areas, including to carry out a major piece of research and consultation on climate, biodiversity and how to achieve a just transition in agriculture,...

Ceisteanna - Questions: National Economic and Social Council (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputies for raising a range of issues. We can in the future put to NESC the issue of the nationalisation of the entire energy sector, although I do not advocate that. We have a regulated market and an independent regulator.

Ceisteanna - Questions: National Economic and Social Council (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy made a specific point in respect of district heating but the specific issues pertaining to district heating would not in themselves merit the nationalisation of the entire energy network and system in the country.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: I cannot sing but I am tempted to sing “Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head”.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: The last point is very valid and I say to the Deputy that if he wants to come back to us with his local community group on Cratloe Wood, we are open to initiatives from the community up on biodiversity and in respect of native woodlands in particular. The Government would be very interested in getting behind that idea and developing a project around that. There are many projects across the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: Please do. The main point is that we must develop offshore wind, which is clear. We want to reduce and eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels. The most effective way to do that is both onshore and offshore wind, which we are both agreed upon. That has to be done in a regulated and planned way with inputs from all stakeholders, not least those representing our biodiversity. I have...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: Excuse me?

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy used the word “force”. Farmers have been attached to the land for a very long time in this country. We have to engage with all involved on the land, including our farming community, and food security is important. We have to balance all of that. We need a greater variety of production and we are, through the carbon tax revenues, encouraging environmentally...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: ----- the need for environmental sustainability. That is the objective and there was widespread consultation. Not everybody agreed with the outcome-----

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: -----and it was only announced about a year ago and has some distance to go yet in respect of its objectives. On the citizens’ assemblies, to respond to the point made by Deputy McDonald, I think the shared island initiative in respect of the dialogue series that is there is a far more effective way of building reconciliation and mutual trust through working with people on the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: We have not proposals worked up on that yet, but as soon as we have we will come back to the Irish Thalidomide Association as quickly as I can.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The programme for Government commits to establishing four citizens' assemblies, on the topics of biodiversity loss, the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin, drug use and the future of education. The Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and the Dublin Citizens' Assembly on local...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: That is not accurate from what the Minister has said to me. The officials in Kerry County Council know they can buy houses where those houses are being sold with rental accommodation scheme, RAS, or HAP tenants in them.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: No. That is a cop-out. I am not saying that is what they are saying. The Deputy put that forward. The facility is there. There needs to be proper engagement between the council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. In fairness-----

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: If other councils are doing it, it stands to reason that every council can do it. They have discretion.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: On the last question, that is a core part of the women’s health plan. Very significant progress has been made on women’s health over the past two years in particular. The Minister has given particular focus to that on a number of fronts. On Deputy Brendan Smith’s point, first, I understand he has very strong concerns as a Border Deputy. He understands full well the...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (19 Oct 2022)

Micheál Martin: This issue has been raised by Deputies Shortall and Gannon earlier. It needs a multifaceted response. It is not just a policing issue. The dereliction on the street is important. The development around Moore Street and O'Connell Street is important - that we transform the infrastructure on the street - and I know the Deputy's party opposes that development. I believe, given all the...