Results 13,081-13,100 of 50,151 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Strategies (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: In terms of online safety, very significant progress has been made. The Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, as Deputy Ó Laoghaire will be aware, recently brought a memorandum to Government on that issue, in terms of establishing a commission - an online safety regulator. That was approved by Cabinet. There is a range of work that still has to be undertaken. It is a mammoth task...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Strategies (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: -----the multitude of ideas people have in regard to this. Very significant resources will be required for this. Also, the legislation is continuing apace, as the Deputy will be aware. We will deliver this in respect of the safety issue because it is very important for citizens in respect of the harm that can be done online to people. There is no question, in regard to bullying, in...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Strategies (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: There is a three-pronged approach being undertaken by the Minister in respect of the broader issue of social housing. There was a modest change recently in some counties, where the income threshold was increased, but not enough in terms of it not being a national decision. The Minister is continuing to consider that in regard to the income threshold for social housing.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Boyd Barrett raised the Russia-Ukraine crisis. He and Deputy Barry said they would be critical of a possible attack by the Russians on Ukraine.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: I welcome that. However, the point is that I do not see that the roles of NATO and Russia are comparable. Some 130,000 troops amassed on the border is a fairly intimidating prospect for any country and it is not justified. There are security issues that Russia can justifiably seek assurances on and dialogue is the best way to do that. There are well-worn international mechanisms for such...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: -----and should not be equivocated on either. There are issues in eastern Europe. We have the luxury of telling them how they should live and protect themselves but they are entitled, as democratic states, to organise their protection. They have fears and genuine vulnerabilities because of past experiences and we should acknowledge that. That said, sensible people should sit around a...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: I do. My view is that, generally speaking, the United Kingdom is our nearest neighbour and so we should get on with the United Kingdom and have a good relationship with it. Thankfully, in the last 30 years we have transformed relations with the United Kingdom, which is very positive. With regard to Deputy Ó Laoghaire's point, there is a long history with the UK and Ireland. We are...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Strategies (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 to 23, inclusive, together. The economic recovery plan, launched in June 2021, is helping to drive a jobs-rich recovery and support the transition towards a decarbonised and digital economy. It includes an overarching ambition of 2.5 million people in work by 2024. Crucially, these jobs will be more productive, innovative, resilient and in new areas...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Social Partnership Meetings (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: I will talk to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, about the pig meat sector. I will also talk to the European Commission but I will talk to the Minister in the first instance. It is under huge pressure because of the wider issues pertaining to costs, input costs and so on. I will come back to the Deputy on that.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to takes Questions Nos. 11 to 17, inclusive, together. The relationship between Ireland and the United States is deep and long-standing. It is important to the country in many ways, not least politically and economically. It is one to which I attach the highest value. I have had a number of contacts with the President of United States. Most recently, I spoke to him by...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Social Partnership Meetings (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Ó Ríordáin asked about the cost of living measures and the remote working legislation. Suffice to say that the Government allocated approximately €1 billion in the most recent budget towards cost of living issues, from taxation relief of some €630 million to more than €500 million in respect of social protection measures. That was added to last...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Social Partnership Meetings (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, together. The Government recognises the importance of regular and open engagement with all sectors of society. Social dialogue between Government, trade unions and other representative groups takes place through structures like the national economic dialogue, the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, the National Competitiveness...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: As I said, this Government would be the first Government to do it. No other Government has done this. We should do it. I take the Deputy's point.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: It was a significant challenge to get the scheme on an administrative basis in the first instance. I pay tribute to the Minister for doing that. I was anxious that would happen. I am not clear as to the legislative timeline for it but I will revert to the Deputy on that.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: As I said earlier, the Minister will shortly bring before Government an overall plan for waiting list reductions for 2022. Approximately €350 million will be allocated for 2022, with a multiannual waiting list initiative afterwards as part of that. There is an urgent need to get waiting lists down as we emerge from Covid-19.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: In the first instance, we stand ready to support HSE South and the HSE more generally in respect of any plans that emanate from the region. The HSE at national level has taken an interest in what is happening in the south region in terms of structures and so on. The capacity issue also needs to be enhanced. We need proposals as well from the hospital and the hospital group in terms of...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: It is a Courts Service issue. I will ask the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to engage with the Courts Service on the matter. We are always anxious to do what we can for Kerry.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: The specific functions and objectives of the agency have yet to be determined. The overall objective is to co-ordinate much more effectively services and policy in relation to domestic violence, sexual violence and gender-based violence. It is felt that pulling the different strands together under one agency is the best way to go. Prioritising that will be policy, the wraparound services...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: To be fair, the Government has responded to issues that have arisen, which have not been created by it. For example, the Government responded to the free legal aid issue and amended legislation to facilitate that in respect of the coroner's inquests. As the Deputy knows, there was a tribunal of inquiry some time ago, which clearly did not, for understandable reasons, meet the concerns of...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Feb 2022)

Micheál Martin: The Environmental Protection Agency is there to protect the environment and to ensure adherence to the strict laws governing industrial projects of this kind, including manufacturing entities, mining entities and refining entities. I will refer the Deputy's remarks to the EPA and will seek a reply from it regarding this matter.