Results 10,881-10,900 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: This is national carer's week. I want to join my voice to those of the Deputy and others in this House who have paid tribute to carers, who do enormous work for their families and others. The Government and society place enormous value on the work of those who care for people in their own homes and in other homes. Those are not just words; in the last couple of years the Government has...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I am sorry if the Deputy is angry and upset once again, but the answer I am giving him is the honest one, and that is that we have to give due and full consideration to this matter. Before the Deputy brought in the smoking ban in the workplace, I am sure that he gave full consideration to the legal consequences and legal risks before proceeding.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I doubt he just went ahead without knowing the risks and preparing a defence.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The same applied for me when I published the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015. We studied the law and we made sure that we would be on robust grounds if it was challenged in the courts. We examined what happened in other jurisdictions-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: -----where it was challenged in the courts. I think-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Perhaps if the Deputy can calm down for a moment and contain-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: -----himself, I can give him something that might be of use and some help to him, that is, to advise him that powers do exist for local authorities to make decisions in this area.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: For example, recently Wexford County Council unanimously passed a motion calling on the Minister to extend the smoky coal ban to Enniscorthy. However, it is open to Wexford County Council to now make an order to begin the process to ban the burning of a substance under provisions of the Air Pollution Act 1987.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: So there are existing legal provisions that allow cities and counties to pursue the ban if they so wish-----

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: -----notwithstanding the risks.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I thank the Deputy and I join him in congratulating Deputies Clare Daly, Fitzgerald, Wallace and Kelleher on their election to the European Parliament. I understand that they will continue to be Members of this House until 2 July, but all of us would like to be associated in extending our congratulations to them as they move to a bigger House and new roles. It is very much Government...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is an independent statutory agency operating under the aegis of my Department. The Council analyses and reports on strategic policy matters relevant to Ireland's economic, social, environmental and sustainable development. In accordance with the NESDO Act 2006 I have certain functions such as appointing the members of the NESC, presenting...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Administrative Arrangements (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The Parliamentary Liaison Unit (PLU) was established in 2016. It is staffed by 4 staff members; a Principal Officer; two Higher Executive Officers (1.5) and a Clerical Officer. Its role is to facilitate the enhanced relationship between the Government and the Oireachtas and in this regard its work is complementary to that of the Office of the Government Chief Whip helping to ensure the...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I met with the Leader of the British Labour Party, Mr Jeremy Corbyn MP in Government Buildings on Thursday 30 May 2019. Mr Corbyn was accompanied by Tony Lloyd, MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and advisers. We discussed Northern Ireland, Brexit, and the current political situation in Westminster. Discussions focused principally on the need to restore a power-sharing...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committee Meetings (11 Jun 2019)

Leo Varadkar: Since the formation of the current Government in June 2017, discussions about climate change at Cabinet Committee level primarily take place at meetings of Cabinet Committee D, which also deals with infrastructure and housing issues. Cabinet Committee D has met on the following dates: 27 May 2019; 31 January 2019; 1 February 2018; 23 November 2017 and 12 September 2017. Under the term...

Working Group of Committee Chairmen: Public Policy Matters: Discussion (30 May 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I wish the members a good afternoon and thank the Chairman. Accompanying me is the Secretary General of my Department, Mr. Martin Fraser. In the programme for Government, we wanted to strengthen accountability through attendance at Oireachtas committees and I welcome this opportunity to hear the committee's issues of concern and discuss the Government's response. For that reason, I will...

Working Group of Committee Chairmen: Public Policy Matters: Discussion (30 May 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I thank the Deputies for their contributions. Deputy Fleming's suggestion is one worth considering. It is something we considered at the time of developing Project Ireland 2040 and decided not to go for it. Australia has such a body, Infrastructure Australia, a government agency tasked with overseeing and driving all its major infrastructure projects. It is an idea that is worth dusting...

Working Group of Committee Chairmen: Public Policy Matters: Discussion (30 May 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I will pick up on Deputy Fleming's point. It might be more of a question from me to him. Does the Committee of Public Accounts not have any oversight over the matter?

Working Group of Committee Chairmen: Public Policy Matters: Discussion (30 May 2019)

Leo Varadkar: I would have thought section 38 organisations at the least should be included.

Working Group of Committee Chairmen: Public Policy Matters: Discussion (30 May 2019)

Leo Varadkar: The same should apply maybe for section 39 organisations that have more than 50% funding.