Results 101-120 of 1,120 for speaker:Alan Dillon in 'Dáil debates'

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (21 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Tánaiste for his response. I note his key interest in both the marine and the Naval Service, and it is certainly an area where we certainly need additional resources to enhance the security of our offshore equipment. Our gas connectors play a pivotal role in these endeavours and the involvement of our Naval Service in this capacity is indispensable as we lay the foundations...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (21 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: 45. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50919/23]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (21 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I ask the Tánaiste provide an update on the ongoing efforts by the Department to boost numbers of permanent personnel in the Defence Forces. Additionally, I would like to hear his thoughts on the current situation regarding recruitment and retention within our Defence Forces and any plans or initiatives to address concerns.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (21 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I commend the Tánaiste and the efforts he has made to enhance recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. I have taken note of the commitment to increase recruitment by 2,000 by the end of 2028 , as well as the various strategies the Tánaiste has outlined that have been devised to bolster recruitment and address the existing shortfalls. The comprehensive packages encompassing...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (21 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: 1. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on environment and climate change will meet next. [49640/23]

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (21 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I wish to address energy security and the potential for indigenous gas supply in Ireland, recognising the need for gas as a transition fuel until renewables are fully brought online. Ireland currently imports a significant proportion of its gas, leaving us dependent on imports once Corrib is no longer viable. Europa Oil and Gas has requested an extension of its exploration licences at the...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (21 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: A commitment on page 15 of the programme for Government is to prioritise the report on the future of the western rail corridor and take immediate action. I have repeatedly raised the project in this Chamber and will continue to do so on behalf of the people of counties Mayo, Galway and Sligo. The western rail corridor is a vital piece of infrastructure along the Atlantic economic corridor,...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (15 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: Each year, we witness the graduation of numerous young farmers through the "green cert" programme. Not only are these individuals environmentally conscious but they also possess the essential knowledge and skills needed to transition the practices on their farms towards more eco-friendly ones. However, significant barriers exist. Once such obstacle is the failure of the Department of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Facilities (15 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Minister of State for the response. I want to acknowledge all of the work she has been doing within her portfolio in supporting older people and mental health. I accept that she was given a script today but the background to me raising this matter in the Dáil is the lack of a progress report from the HSE up to 6 October. We are now in mid-November and still there is no...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Facilities (15 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I express my gratitude to the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this crucial topic for discussion. It certainly holds significant importance for the people of Mayo. There is an urgent need to extend the emergency department and advanced medical assessment unit, MAU, at Mayo University Hospital, MUH. I emphasise the increasing need for action to support the capital investment programme for...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Community Development Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Minister for her response. In my county there is a challenge with maintaining our playgrounds. Certainly the local authority responds differently to the schemes in place. We have difficulty with the upkeep. We have had an influx of playgrounds in recent years. Mayo has one of the highest number of playgrounds in the country, which is good news, but it is very important that...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Community Development Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I thank the Minister. Mayo County Council has in the past made applications for funding but if we look at the number of playgrounds that need refurbishment and enhancements, I suggest that we should have a dedicated programme in place that would not only be designed to maintain inclusive and accessible equipment for children of all abilities but would also ensure that local authorities know...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Community Development Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: 10. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to consider establishing a dedicated grant scheme for the maintenance and upgrading of community playgrounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49654/23]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Community Development Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: Across Mayo, one prevalent issue concerning our town playgrounds is their maintenance. Over time, after several years of use, the equipment and surfaces within many playgrounds deteriorates and sometimes poses safety hazards. As a young father, I spend much time in playgrounds with my two-year-old and three-and-a-half-year-old. A dedicated grant scheme would ensure that our playgrounds are...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flexible Work Practices (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: Yesterday, I listened in to the Western Development Commission meeting, which recently had research completed by the University of Galway where 44% of respondents said that remote working was key to their future employment. Remote working and the hubs have been a game-changer, especially in rural Ireland. It has repopulated many towns and villages. In a relatively short time, when...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Regeneration Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: I appreciate the Minister's response and her hard work in securing the €205 million in budget 2024. Mayo County Council has shortlisted several projects of significant importance in the 2023 scheme and I brought one such project to the attention of the Taoiseach last week with regard to the urgent need of the Order of Malta in Castlebar to demolish and rebuild its headquarters. It...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Regeneration Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: With regard to the Minister's support, last year another €1.1 million was delivered for seven projects under the Mayo town and village renewal scheme. I vividly recall the Minister visiting the old courthouse building in Balla with me during her visit to the Connacht Gaelic Athletic Association centre of excellence in the county where a big dome was delivered under the rural...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Road Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: Mayo relies heavily on the local improvement scheme and we have a diverse road network like those of County Cork and County Kerry, and I am sure it is the same in the Minister's constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. This is a really important issue that councillors raise with Oireachtas Members. I support the call for the Department of Transport to match-fund any funding that is presented by the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Regeneration Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: 6. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the status of the town and village renewal scheme, TVRS, and inform us when successful applicants can expect to be notified about the outcomes of their applications in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49653/23]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Regeneration Projects (14 Nov 2023)

Alan Dillon: The town and village renewal scheme has played a crucial role in breeding new life into numerous towns and villages nationwide, and this transformation is particularly visible in my constituency of Mayo. In July of this year the Minister introduced the 2023 town and village scheme, which presents a significant opportunity for communities to secure investment in their local towns and...