Results 11,581-11,600 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

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...

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

Micheál Martin: That is happening.

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

Micheál Martin: I accept the point that there is huge pressure on motorists and people in general. All of these issues were examined in the context of the budget. The measures we took were designed to try to give people resources to deal with the energy costs. We have already subsidised petrol and diesel to a certain extent with the measures we took earlier in the year. However, we keep everything under...

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

Micheál Martin: There has been an expansion of demand for the service. The recent enhanced communications around additional needs mean many more people are applying and receiving assistance. That also reflects the general situation around energy pricing and inflation. Prior to that, the service had moved online for many people, many of whom now access payments online. I take the Deputy’s point...

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

Micheál Martin: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an ábhar tábhachtach seo a ardú. Is trua liom nach bhfuil an post seo líonta fós. Níl a fhios agam cén fáth ach déanfaidh mé é sin a fhiosrú leis an Aire, leis an Garda agus le Coimisinéir an Gharda cad é an fhadhb atá anseo. Go ginearálta táimid ag tabhairt...

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

Micheál Martin: What Deputy Berry said is music to my ears. I said this recently to the Committee on Gender Equality. I think employers have an obligation to facilitate people to participate in politics, particularly local politics. One of the big challenges facing all political parties will be that many people, if they get jobs in particular sectors, will see it as a career-limiting move even to indicate...

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

Micheál Martin: I will talk to the Minister about reflecting on the Deputy's comments on the need for greater efficiency in how public services are administered. I do not have the specifics about driving test appointments in Clonmel but I will raise it with the Minister.

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

Micheál Martin: Is the Deputy referring to the strategic workforce advisory group on home carers?

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

Micheál Martin: The Minister published the report on 15 October. It contains 16 key recommendations which will be progressed immediately via a dedicated implementation group. In 2021, some 20.4 million hours were provided, which is about 2.9 million more hours than in 2020. There was a 17% increase in one year between 2020 and 2021. That has created challenges. Some 14.2 million hours were delivered...

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

Micheál Martin: I accept the Deputy's points. They are well made. He has been advocating strongly for quite some time for this to be brought to a conclusion. I understand that officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have liaised with Clare County Council regarding the potential for some support from the local government fund. Funding for the National Monuments Service's...

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

Micheál Martin: Has Deputy Bacik engaged in swimming or on the issue?

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

Micheál Martin: We have taken significant measures to help students in the budget, not least the €1,000 reduction in fees this year and a further €500 reduction in the next academic year. There is also the renter's credit that parents who pay rent for students will be in a position to avail of. Those are significant measures. There is also the additional payment under the Student Universal...