Results 14,321-14,340 of 50,151 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Commissions of Investigation (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: The only commissions of investigation for which I am the specified Minister under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 are the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation commission of investigation and the National Asset Management Agency commission of investigation. Both commissions are fully independent. The IBRC commission was established in June 2015 following consultation with Oireachtas...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Commissions of Investigation (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: In response to Deputies Tóibín, Boyd Barrett and Kenny, I would point out that it was the Deputies opposite who called for, if not demanded, the investigation. It was not about kicking the can down the road, as Deputy Tóibín suggested. There was a demand from this House, and I was in opposition at the time, that the Government establish an inquiry. All in opposition...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: On Deputy Martin Kenny's questions, Europe has to be consistent and is consistent. It has been consistent on Ukraine and has had unity of purpose on Ukraine and other neighbourhoods in terms of activities. The situation in Spain is difficult and challenging. I welcome the fact that the situation has de-escalated and that the politicians have been released. No one ever likes to see...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: -----it is still a regressive move. I am also aware of reports that Palestinian human rights defenders were hacked using Pegasus spyware. We attach great importance to the freedom of civil society and people's ability to act without surveillance. We have also asked Israel to respect international law and to avoid loss of life in the context of Palestinian prisoners who are currently on...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Budget Process (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputies for the questions. First, on equality budgeting and the general approach of Government under the social impact assessment framework, approximately 17 papers have been published since 2016 under the social impact assessment, SIA, framework, embracing education, childcare, energy, poverty, disability and health, including mental health. I mention the assessment of living...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 11, inclusive, together. The European Union and the international division of my Department works on all aspects of European Union and international policy within my Department, including issues relating to the European Union and the United Kingdom relationship. The division assists me in my role as a member of the European Council and in my other...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Budget Process (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together. Social impact assessments, SIAs, are an analytical framework that is designed to examine the demographic profile of public services users and how they are impacted by budgetary policy decisions. SIAs seek to answer questions about the impact of Government expenditure, such as whether the policy change in question resulted in a...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: That legislation is progressing. It should be, hopefully, through the House this session, but that is ambitious. I have been consistent in my view with regard to objections to good housing schemes. Eight hundred and fifty homes would have been available if that scheme had got the green light. I do not understand why people are objecting to schemes that have been worked out for a...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: I will ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to revert to the Deputy on the matter because I do not have the background to the situation he raises in terms of whether there was a legislative change. I will ask the Minister to clarify the situation for the Deputy.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: Decisions have been made.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: Yes, it will, but it will be fine-tuned for the early childhood sector. In respect of Shannon Heritage, decisions have been made in terms of its future. I take the Deputy's point. We need to progress those and to get them embedded and delivered.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: Yes. That is very important.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: I will not interfere in the operations of Cork County Council. That would be totally wrong. Has the rate been struck? I did not pick that up.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: I cannot interfere. That is that.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Government's main focus is on drawing up a scheme to comprehensively deal with issues for householders who have been affected by mica. Parallel with that, we are looking at accountability and at which legal mechanisms may be available. The Deputy refers to a public inquiry. That would take a minimum of five or six years and would not deal with the immediate issue, knowing how things happen.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: The HSE has conducted an incredible number of PCR tests. There were 207,000 PCR tests in the last seven days. That indicates the pressure on the system and the level of infection. If people are symptomatic, they should simply stay at home. The HSE is doing everything it can to increase capacity further. It has brought in additional private sector capacity to add further to the HSE's core...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: Yes, it can. We do everything that we can to support University Hospital Limerick. It is acknowledged that the hospital is under much pressure. There are high numbers with Covid in Limerick, which manifest in hospitalisation rates, especially in the intensive care unit. The high numbers are getting attention from the HSE. We are looking at what resources and innovation we can provide to...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: I understand that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has been alerted about this and about issues with a number of defective units other than those affected by mica. It is a general concern for the State. I cannot yet give a timeline on the working group but I believe it is close to finality. The Minister will publish that.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: I will come back to the Deputy about the exact timelines. I do not want to pre-empt it.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Nov 2021)

Micheál Martin: How many evictions have there been?