Results 14,001-14,020 of 50,297 for speaker:Micheál Martin

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising in the issue. In devising any strategic framework for older people, consultation will be a prerequisite, and engaging with all of the organisations the Deputy has identified will be something the Minister will be doing in due course.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising a very important issue. Certainly, the cost of disability report will be assessed by every Department and there will be a cross-departmental approach to easing the costs of disability for people. One of the critical areas will be increasing access to work for people with disabilities. That is something that we can do better as a society. The public service...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: First, I thank Deputy Whitmore for raising the issue of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. We came into government and put into the programme for Government that we were determined to change and enhance substantially the resourcing for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In opposition, I engaged on this issue with interested groups. The Minister of State at the Department of...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his patience and tolerance. In fairness, he did the wildflowers in Leinster House, which is part of this.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: On Deputy Boyd Barrett's question, in fairness, the issue in terms of Carlow has been raised consistently by Deputy Murnane O'Connor. Three core Departments, namely, the Departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Justice, and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, are involved. The audit has been completed. Resourcing will be provided to cover those areas where...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I pay tribute to the workers in Tesco and indeed workers across the country in the retail sector, who have consistently performed magnificently in the middle of the pandemic in very challenging circumstances, and to all the companies involved for the overall team effort involved. It is important in the retail sector, as in every other sector, that proper pay and conditions apply. The...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I will explore that with the Minister and we will come back to the Deputy on it. I accept his strong commitment to the issue.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: Bananas are very good for you and you should take one a day.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: They contain plenty of potassium. The Deputy is a bit late to this issue.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: Yes. I think Deputy Cahill and others have been advocating on it, but Deputy McGrath is correct in quoting me and can rest assured that I have approached the Minister for Health and the HSE on this and we are pushing issues of additional capacity. I commend the staff in Clonmel. I was given a wonderful tour there. The staff have displayed great enthusiasm and teamwork in the midst of the...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: -----from the head of nursing there, who knew her stuff.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: The hospital has always required money.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: This is not new. Anyway, the Deputy should not forget the odd banana in future.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: Early in the new year, I am told.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: We are not going fast enough. We need to deliver more. This Government has brought in groundbreaking legislation in the form of the climate law. The climate action plan has been published. A detailed annexe to that plan will be published. It will include hundreds of detailed actions that have to follow from the plan. Not only do we need public buy-in, but everybody in the Houses of the...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising a key issue at this time of year and throughout the year generally. We in the Government prioritise poverty across all key social policy areas. The budget reflected that in the form of increased supports for those on low incomes, those in poverty and those at risk of poverty, including improved access to services. The hot meals programme was extended and...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: The total fuel allowance payment over 28 weeks is now €914.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: Generally speaking, throughout the vaccination programme the focus has always been on those who are most vulnerable to the disease and who need protection first. That is a clinical decision and it has always been the public health advice. Hence, the older age cohorts got vaccinated first, along with those with underlying conditions and those who are immunocompromised. That has always been...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: The system that has developed in terms of vaccine efficacy is based on prioritising those who need a vaccine most for health reasons. In the budget a number of measures were taken to support carers in the very valuable work they do and to restore respite services.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Dec 2021)

Micheál Martin: No, I certainly have not, and nobody in the Cabinet has either. Therefore, I am a bit surprised by the Deputy's comment. There is no foundation to it.