Results 13,241-13,260 of 15,429 for speaker:Helen McEntee

Pre-European Council: Statements (16 Oct 2019)

Helen McEntee: I also welcome the delegation and our visitors. This week's meeting of the European Council comes at an important time for many reasons. The institutions are renewing themselves and now leaders have an opportunity this week to set the direction of the EU for the years ahead. The Taoiseach has already outlined his expectations for the discussions on the implementation of the strategic...

Financial Resolutions 2019 - Financial Resolution No. 9: General (Resumed) (9 Oct 2019)

Helen McEntee: As many have outlined, the budget has been framed in the context of the worst possible outcome of Brexit, a no-deal Brexit. This is a prudent and sensible approach. While we are all working to deliver a Brexit deal, we must prepare for the worst. To do anything else, as Opposition parties appear to have suggested, would be irresponsible and foolish in the current climate. Budget 2020...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Army Barracks Closures (9 Oct 2019)

Helen McEntee: My apologies for being late. First, I convey the apologies from the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Deputy Kehoe, who cannot be here this morning as he has a prior engagement with Defence Forces personnel who are about to represent Ireland at the World Military Games. I wish them well. In 2011, a Government decision was taken to proceed with the closure of four military...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Army Barracks Closures (9 Oct 2019)

Helen McEntee: The Senator has brought together two separate issues. In terms of Brexit, our sole focus and priority is to prevent the introduction of Border infrastructure and prevent the need for personnel to be deployed along or anywhere near the Border because we know what happened in the past and that the threat is very real if that were to be the case. I cannot say why an announcement that was made...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State (2 Oct 2019)

Helen McEntee: I thank the members for their assistance with the time challenges today. I will try to be as brief as possible but I will be back before the committee again so if there is something we do not cover we will have an opportunity to do so again. I thank the committee for the invitation to address it and to outline what will be on the agenda of the General Affairs Council as well as where we...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State (2 Oct 2019)

Helen McEntee: I will respond to the Deputy's comments first as he has to leave. There has been significant investment, not just in Dublin Port but in Rosslare and the airports also. It has allowed for new customs bays, new inspection bays and new parking spaces. Moreover, additional staff have been hired; additional space has been bought and permanent infrastructure put in place. Not all of the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: General Affairs Council: Minister of State (2 Oct 2019)

Helen McEntee: I acknowledge the ambassadors and our guests too.

Seanad: Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union: Statements (1 Oct 2019)

Helen McEntee: It is good to be back in the refurbished Seanad and I wish everyone well for the new session. I thank all Members for their contributions this afternoon. It is very clear we all share the same concerns and, for the most part, we have the same objectives in addressing those concerns. As we get ever closer to a possible no-deal position on Brexit on 31 October, it is essential we continue to...

Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union: Statements (18 Sep 2019)

Helen McEntee: As the Tánaiste outlined at the beginning of this session, and as many speakers have agreed, there is a significant risk of a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, particularly given the prevailing political uncertainty in London. We are, however, hopeful and are working towards positive engagement between the EU and the UK throughout the next few weeks. The UK has said it has difficulties...

Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union: Statements (18 Sep 2019)

Helen McEntee: We do. We know there are going to be job losses in the North.

Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union: Statements (18 Sep 2019)

Helen McEntee: It is all there.

Brexit Contingency Action Plan: Statements (11 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: As the Tánaiste outlined and has been reflected in Deputies’ contributions, Brexit represents a unique and unprecedented challenge for Ireland. As Deputy Shortall outlined, significant uncertainty remains. The political uncertainty in London means that there is a significant risk of a no-deal Brexit. It is not certain that the United Kingdom will seek a further extension or...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Irish Coast Guard Issues (4 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: I thank Deputy Ó Cuív for raising this matter and for his interest in it. The Minister cannot be present - the Deputy can take that as he will - but I will be as helpful as I can in my response. I acknowledge the work of the Coast Guard and its teams. The job they do is often difficult and challenging. I appreciate the need for a new permanent Coast Guard base at Cleggan. As...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Irish Coast Guard Issues (4 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: Not knowing enough about this specific case, I can appreciate from the Deputy's response that it has been ongoing for some time. Clearly, there is a need for a structure, which the Government acknowledges. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, as part of the Coast Guard's multi-annual building programme, which is funded through that Department, has included a provision for a...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Airport Promotion (4 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: I do not doubt that there are committed staff at the airport who are working hard and who, like the Government, want to ensure its viability. As the Deputy indicated, the separation from the DAA in 2012 was not forced but it has brought about significant challenges and, in particular, competition, not just with Dublin Airport but also with the smaller regional airports. Given its size,...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Airport Promotion (4 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: On behalf of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, I thank Deputy Dooley for raising this matter today. I pass on the Minister's apologies. Shannon Airport, established by statute in September 2014, is a strategic business within Shannon Group. It is a commercial state company whose purpose is to promote and facilitate air transport and aviation services in and...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Living Wage Implementation (4 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: We should not confuse the living wage with the national minimum wage. They are very different. The living wage is an estimate made by a number of NGOs and academics who make up the self-appointed living wage technical group. It does not engage with business or many other groups. Its work is based on research to identify the income required to have the minimum essential standard of living...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Living Wage Implementation (4 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: There is a need to strike a balance. The living wage technical group comprises representatives of NGOs and academics. It does not engage with the business sector. To strike the right balance, that engagement needs to take place. On the basis of engagement, we have made sure the national minimum wage has been increased in the past four years. It has been increased by 13.3%. If a...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Autism Support Services (4 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: I will answer to the best of my ability. Where I cannot answer today, I will certainly respond later to the Senator. We all work with parents and try to provide the best care while ensuring that all students are given access to the supports they need and that are relevant and appropriate for them in any type of school. It is important to note that the Government is committed to that, as is...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Autism Support Services (4 Jul 2019)

Helen McEntee: I will have to respond later to the Senator regarding the funding of specific organisations. It is not something I can comment on now. Organisations throughout the country, including in my constituency of Meath East, do fantastic work supporting parents, families, teachers, schools and young children with autism. It is important to acknowledge that and support them where we can. Regarding...