Results 11,521-11,540 of 20,894 for speaker:Mattie McGrath

Questions on Promised Legislation (13 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: During the talks on the formation of the Government, members of the Rural Independent Group raised an issue. The programme for Government committed to reviewing the discrimination against farming families and self-employed businesses, especially small business people, who require access to the fair deal scheme. I understand that a review has been carried out and that a working group has...

European Council: Statements (13 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: The 2017 management plan of the EU Directorate General on Agriculture and Rural Development states:The last reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was agreed in 2013. Since then, significant developments have taken place: First, falling agricultural prices have left farmers feeling highly vulnerable. Unfavourable terms of trade for the sector may well persist for some time. I note...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Student Grant Scheme Eligibility (13 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: 125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if expenses related to nursing home costs for a parent can be taken into consideration by SUSI in its assessment for the higher education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19048/17]

Report of the Joint Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services: Motion (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: I am happy to speak on this issue. Having watched the debate and the prolonged activity, I was as aghast and bewildered as many of the public were at how long this has gone on. The Minister spoke about the recommendations of the independent commission. It proposed that the funding of water services for normal domestic and personal use should be out of taxation and that excessive or...

Report of the Joint Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services: Motion (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: Statistics were released to me in a response to a parliamentary question last December by the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, regarding the amount paid to group water scheme operators which confirmed the absolute need to introduce exemptions in any future water charging regime. Where are the exemptions? My parliamentary question showed there was a massive drop in grant payments issued by...

Report of the Joint Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services: Motion (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: Then there are the farmers and the small businesses such as funeral parlours and hairdressers. They all have to pay for water and the prices are going to be doubled and tripled for them.

Report of the Joint Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services: Motion (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: They will have to carry the can again, no matter the business. Schools might get it for free but shops and other businesses will have to pay for water. The cost is going to be doubled and tripled to pay for the charade the Government has continued on with for the past two years. It is just silly. The ordinary, plain people of Ireland must hump off or do what they like. People with...

Report of the Fennelly Commission: Statements (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: Of course, but I am personally involved in a situation and I wish to put it on the record that I am not happy. As the Minister knows, I support the Garda Síochána, at least 99%. However, where there are bad apples they must be rooted out, and bad practices also must be rooted out. People are getting this type of treatment. They are entitled to their good name, which is all one...

Report of the Fennelly Commission: Statements (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: I, too, am delighted to get the opportunity to speak tonight on the Fennelly report. I will stick to the findings regarding the Tipperary division as I represent Tipperary with my colleague who is in the Chamber, Deputy Cahill, and others. I thank the eminent justice and his team for the work they have done in dealing with this hugely significant issue. I thank the Minister for her briefing...

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: The programme for Government is meant to support the post office network but nothing has happened. It is Spy Wednesday today and tomorrow is Holy Thursday but the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, did a Pontius Pilate on this two weeks ago. He washed his hands of it. Last July, legislation was passed in the House giving statutory instrument powers to the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, in...

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: What does the Taoiseach intend to do to fulfil the commitment in the programme for Government? The Rural Independent Group tabled a motion on this issue which was agreed unanimously. The Government accepted the motion, so what is the Taoiseach going to do about it?

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: Yes, who is going to be crucified? Will it be the Minister, Deputy Naughten? The Minister of State, Deputy Ring, went off and now all of us will be crucified because we will have no post offices.

Questions on Promised Legislation (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: He was ahead of Good Friday. He did it two weeks ago. Pontius Pilate.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: Sometimes.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: That is very unparliamentary language.

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good Friday Agreement (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: 45. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the efforts his Department is making to maintain and strengthen the Good Friday Agreement. [13878/17]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Religious Persecution (12 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: 48. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on discussions he has had at European Council level relating to the persecution of the Christian population in the Middle East. [13879/17]

Reform of An Garda Síochána: Motion [Private Members] (11 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to the motion. The Minister for Justice and Equality said that she would not for one moment seek to underestimate the seriousness of the issues that have arisen recently relating to fixed charge notices and mandatory alcohol tests. She said that what has emerged is unacceptable and disturbing. She also referred to last week's Fennelly report...

Order of Business (11 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: As a member of the Business Committee-----

Order of Business (11 Apr 2017)

Mattie McGrath: -----I resent being accused of messing. We do our business in the best manner we can and I object to the way it is being changed and undermined here, but I will not accept that we are messing. I would prefer if Deputy McDonald withdrew that comment.