Results 13,201-13,220 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 10, inclusive, together. The Cabinet committee on Europe oversees the implementation of programme for Government commitments in regard to the European Union and related issues. It generally meets in advance of a meeting of the European Council. The Cabinet committee discusses the agenda for European Council meetings as well as other programme for...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Government Communications (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: On Deputy Mac Lochlainn's question, the inquiry is not completed. We have to await the recommendations that flow from it. On the mandatory provision in the Birth Information and Tracing Bill, the Deputy has to accept that the Bill represents a dramatic advancement on previous Bills circulated in previous Dáileanna regarding this issue. It represents a transformative approach to...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Government Communications (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together. The Government Information Service comprises the Government Press Office and the Merrion Street content team. The Government Information Service has the following responsibilities: to provide the Taoiseach and Government with press office support; ensure strong collaboration and co-ordination among press and communications...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Michael Healy-Rae is correct about the extraordinary work that is now going on within the Passport Office. Passport service staff numbers have increased by more than 300 since June 2021. There is a competition under way at the moment which, when completed, will see staffing numbers of 900. That is a doubling of staff numbers since last summer. It is engaging in intensive training...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: That is a matter for the local authority. That is why we have a city council.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: Dáil Éireann, genuinely, cannot pronounce on school wardens. We have provided funding. We have provided €360 million to local authorities for walking and cycling etc. Surely the local authority will find the funding to deal with this issue, which is a matter for it in the first instance.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: I actively travel down to the beach, generally speaking. The walk and swim are part of the one solid continuum, if the Deputy understands what I mean. It is much better for you. Regarding littering, some good initiatives have been undertaken voluntarily as well. I see volunteer groups around the country that gather litter on beaches. Human behaviour is the key to this issue, but we will...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: I will engage with the Minister of State and the HSE in respect of this. An additional €65 million was provided in 2022 for disability services, so we must now get delivery on that. Recruitment continues to be a challenge across the service, in particular in respect of therapists. This is an issue we must work with the HSE to examine further and to get speedier recruitment processes...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: We do not believe in the abolition of the carbon tax, as Sinn Féin will be advocating this evening. We are not climate deniers on this side of the House, as the Deputy’s party is.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: I wish to make it clear to the Deputy there is no ban on turf cutting and there will be no ban this year on turf cutting. The Deputy and everybody knows that.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: The circus is being created by you guys over there-----

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: -----who are determined to create this as the biggest issue of the day, whereas in my view there are far more substantive issues, not the least of which is the war in Ukraine.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, will have the specifics of the details regarding the timeline for the publication of those guidelines. I do not have the specific timeline for the publication of those guidelines.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: Again, I will have to examine the background to the issue the Deputy is raising. Are these contractual arrangements between self-employed people and these facilities? This is something we would have to examine in detail.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: There are a variety of labour relations frameworks and mechanisms by which issues pertaining to pay and conditions can be dealt with and resolved, but I will need more background on that.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí agus ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy and Legislation (27 Apr 2022)

Micheál Martin: Yes, work is continuing on those measures. Any time the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications indicates energy-saving initiatives, there seems to be a chorus of negativity around them. We need ongoing energy efficiency and this needs to be consistently worked on throughout society.