Results 14,041-14,060 of 50,151 for speaker:Micheál Martin
- Order of Business (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: The Deputy will recall that at the time the contracts were signed I was standing where she now stands. We had a robust debate around broadband more generally. The memo she referenced was published at the time in The Irish Times, if I am not mistaken, and that generated a lot of debate in this House. I may have asked questions about it at the time, so intrigued was I by that memo.
- Order of Business (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: I am just pointing out that what the Deputy is revealing is not new. In terms of the memo and so on, these are not new developments. In terms of broadband, the contract is signed and the Government's focus is on rolling out broadband and getting it as widely distributed across the country as we can.
- Order of Business (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: That is a matter for parliamentary questions.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising what is a very important issue for people and it is part of a wider agenda within Government to reduce costs for people in their ordinary lives. Insurance is a significant cost, whether one is in a household, motoring or in a business. The Deputy was correct to point to the reduction in motor insurance. This morning, the Government again adopted a significant...
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for his query. I noted his comments regarding the cardiac situation in Waterford, which we will continue to pursue vigorously. I am conscious another Waterford Deputy and Minister is sitting adjacent to me, who is also advocating strongly for that. I take the Deputy's point on the issue. On insurance inform, I have a lot of sympathy with the Deputy's comments on the...
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: I do not think the Deputy is listening to me. We are not against HEPA filters. We are for them and will provide resources for them. I have said this three times today already. There are 50,000 classrooms across the country, between primary and post-primary schools. The Department and the Minister are adopting a targeted approach to address ventilation issues, which may include air...
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: These will not be the domestic-standard ones some people are talking about it. They must be of sufficient quality and grade. The funding is there. Funding will be provided for it.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: Again, where it is necessary. It may not be necessary in every classroom. That is the point. I have just noticed-----
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: I am sorry but we have given unprecedented resources to hospitals, to the economy and to sector after sector.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: Deputy Boyd Barrett must acknowledge that. He never has, but he should.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: Yes, but-----
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: The Government acts on science all the time in respect of anything we do with regard to Covid-19. The Minister for Education acted on expert advice. A working group was formed and advice was given to the Minister for Education on schools. There is expert guidance regarding workplaces which was issued in the early stages of the pandemic. Public health officials have been arguing about good...
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: Journalists should continue to contact the HSE or the Department of Health to request interviews with public health officials.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: Then they should notify the grid and make sure that everyone knows who is appearing on what show at a given time.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: To co-ordinate. We need co-ordination, obviously.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: The Deputy has been complaining about-----
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: Deputies on the opposite side have been complaining about so many messages and so many people speaking. That has been a common refrain.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: It is because of the pandemic, basically, if we are honest about it. The pandemic has necessitated very frequent interviews and commentary, particularly with regard to Omicron. Let us be clear. The reason there was a significant range of announcements in the past ten days was because Omicron was a big factor. Let us be honest. We had to make a call in terms of travel. The rise in cases...
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: It will really protect people to a much greater degree than they are protected now against either Delta or Omicron. Deputy Kelly made the point that he has been raising antigen testing but he would be the first to admit that he is not a public health expert, no more than I am.
- Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (7 Dec 2021)
Micheál Martin: I know that and neither am I. There we go again. What I am saying is that there is a difference of opinion on antigen tests and there always has been.