Results 15,001-15,020 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

European Council: Statements (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I will participate with my EU counterparts in a series of European Council meetings in Brussels tomorrow and Friday, 22 and 23 March. Before setting out the discussions expected at those meetings, I would like to say that I met Chancellor Merkel yesterday in Berlin. This was an important part of my ongoing programme of bilateral engagement with other EU Heads of State and Government, which...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Brexit Negotiations (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: It is always legitimate for the Opposition to ask questions about the Government's work on Brexit. It is the job of the Opposition to ask such questions and I have no difficulty with it. I do not expect to receive blind support from it, either on the North or Brexit. I ask for support and those with influence at a European level, whether in their transnational party groups or other...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Northern Ireland (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: From my conversations with people in my business in the North, I detect among civic unionism and nationalism, each of which is diverse - it is not fair to say anyone speaks for it; I would not agree with Deputy Mary Lou McDonald's claim to speak for civic nationalism because I do not think that is correct - and also among what I call the Agreement generation, people who were born after 1998...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Brexit Negotiations (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I last spoke to Prime Minister May on Monday, 26 February, as I reported to the House on 28 February. We discussed Brexit and I restated our preference that a solution on the Border be found within the overall future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom. I pointed to the necessity on the EU side to have the detail of the backstop option spelled out in the draft...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Strategic Communications Unit (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: What I will do is take into account the vote on the motion when it happens and I will also look at the review that is being carried out by the Secretary General to the Government. I think the right thing for the Opposition parties to do would have been to wait for the review before tabling the motion. It would be the correct procedure if the review is under way to wait for that review to be...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Northern Ireland (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together. I met representatives of a group of nationalists from civil society in Northern Ireland in Government Buildings on Tuesday, 27 February. I heard from the group their concerns about rights and equality in Northern Ireland and also discussed the current political situation in Northern Ireland and Brexit. I acknowledged the...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Strategic Communications Unit (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I will do my best to answer questions raised. Deputies will be aware that I spoke on this matter yesterday in Private Members' time for about ten minutes. I do not propose to repeat today what I said less than 24 hours ago in my speech. I understand the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, ASAI, has decided not to hear the complaint in question as it was non-commercial and,...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Strategic Communications Unit (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: This is not a legislative matter. However, I will take into account any motion passed by the House on any matter. What is disrespectful to the House is the making of allegations which are not supported by evidence. There has been so much of that in this controversy. When they are not backed up by evidence, the decent thing is to withdraw them. There has been much of that. Making...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Strategic Communications Unit (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I do not have the names.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Strategic Communications Unit (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I can find out for the Deputy but I honestly do not know.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Strategic Communications Unit (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I will give a commitment to inquire. I do not see any reason why I have to answer that question. Maybe there are reasons.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Strategic Communications Unit (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: If the Deputy puts it down as a written parliamentary question, I am sure he will get an answer.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed): Strategic Communications Unit (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. As I previously informed the House, a review is currently being undertaken into the work of the strategic communications unit. This review will be concluded before Easter. The results of this review will inform the future structure, role and work plan of the unit. A clear instruction was given from the SCU to the media buyer...

Questions on Promised Legislation (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I note the decision yesterday of the European Court of Human Rights which voted by a six to one majority to determine that the men concerned had not been subjected to torture. They were certainly subjected to terrible abuse and degrading punishment, but the European Court of Human Rights has determined that their treatment did not extend to torture. The Government will consider the judgment...

Questions on Promised Legislation (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I would never describe volunteers as being taken advantage of because the nature of voluntarism is that people want to volunteer and do so for altruistic reasons. I understand some of the bodies in question receive funding through the Irish Coast Guard Vote of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. I will ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, to...

Questions on Promised Legislation (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I note the Deputy's comments and concern. Afforestation and more forestry are part of our response to climate change and very much part of our climate action plan. At the same time, I acknowledge that, for many people, having to live beside a forest or in a heavily forested area impacts on their lives and residential amenity. I will ask the Minister of State at the Department of...

Questions on Promised Legislation (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: That is novel, and I think it is a very good idea as well. The Deputy will note that Gary and Paul appear in our new video promoting Ireland, which was launched last week. It now has 6 million views, which is a good investment. Regarding Fáilte Ireland contracting them, I will certainly pass on that suggestion to the CEO.

Questions on Promised Legislation (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: That is a contract negotiation. It is not a promised legislation or a programme for Government matter. I would advise the Deputy to table a parliamentary question to the Minister.

Questions on Promised Legislation (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: The Vatican confirmed this morning that Pope Francis will visit Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin on 25 and 26 August. While it is not a formal State visit, it is the visit of a Head of State and the spiritual leader of 1 billion Catholics, and millions of Catholics in this country. He is certainly a welcome guest and I look forward to greeting him during his visit. There...

Questions on Promised Legislation (21 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I am advised that 50,000 GLAS payments have been issued so far. There are some outstanding and in many cases that is because the Department is still seeking further information from the grantee.