Results 15,221-15,240 of 50,213 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: First of all, I thank the Deputy for raising the question. It is a very pertinent question that goes to heart of the challenges that face us in terms of Housing for All and having the requisite skill sets, but also across the broader economy. There is a waiting list for craft apprentice off-the-job training in electrical, plumbing, carpentry and joinery. The Deputy is correct on that....

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: I understand there were 4,500 workers on site engaged in construction alone, including those of Banagher Precast Concrete, which is first in the world at what it is doing in respect of that plant and Intel sites all over the world.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: We can knock ourselves a lot. We need to recognise the challenges but, sometimes, we also need to acknowledge and appreciate the good stuff that is happening in the country.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The first point I would like to make is the Government is very committed to regional development and to reorientating the economic development of the country, rebalancing it and making sure we get greater activity across the regions generally and particularly the west and north west. The Deputy referenced one plant. That is an ongoing issue the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: I am questioning whether the Deputy agrees that the rate should stay at 12.5%. It would be interesting to get a clear statement.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: I know that, but one can ask questions rhetorically in response as well, surely, and articulate a view.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: I am just seeking clarity; that is all. The first point is that the corporation tax rate is not the unique selling point in attracting foreign direct investment into the country. One of the most important decisions made by modern Ireland was to join the EU. That has been critical to the continued economic transformation of our country. The party of which I am a member was the party that...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: -----of our taxation policy, must be maintained.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: It was far worse.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: The point I am making is that the tax rate on its own is no longer a unique selling point. It never was, actually. It was very important, but the other two points I referenced, in terms of investment in education and our joining the European Union, were also key, fundamental pillars of the economic transformation of this country over 50 years, as well as our consistent industrial policy,...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: -----negotiations regarding public-sector-only contracts. There is no issue. We provided substantial funding last year to recruit and recruit. Some 6,000 more people work in the health service this July than last July, including 4,000 additional since January.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: The point being there is no problem in resourcing this. I have some experience of recruitment and I think the HR side needs to improve dramatically. From the consultants' perspective, there is an issue on the table because it is a key part of Sláintecare. Let us be clear that the Deputy's support will be required, rather than playing politics with it. There will be all sorts of...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: That will be the key issue.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: Regarding diagnostics, the money has been allocated for that and we will continue to improve that.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this important question. I was not quite clear on her position on whether corporate tax should stay at 12.5% or increase.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: Ar dtús báire, tá athrú ar siúl. Tá sé ag teacht. Tá an tseirbhís sláinte ag éirí níos treise lá i ndiaidh lae. Tá 6,000 níos mó duine ag obair sa tseirbhís i mbliana ná mar a bhí ag an am céanna anuraidh. Is léir go bhfuil géarchéim ann. Tá a fhios ag cách go...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: Getting children off waiting lists will not be a question of resources. Resources will be allocated to do that. We will need the Deputy's support and that of the entire Oireachtas when it comes to public-sector-only consultant contracts. It is interesting that 720 consultant vacancies have arisen in the last week. I do not think that is disconnected from the ongoing-----

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Expenditure (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: The spend by my Department on the provision of secretarial assistance to those former Taoisigh availing of the service, is detailed in the table below. Year Cost 2017 0 2018 0 2019 €26,090.82 2020 €139,257.55

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Covid-19 Pandemic (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: My Department will continue to comply with latest public health advice and the Work Safely Protocol in relation to attendance by staff in the workplace. Attendance by staff continues to be on the basis of maintaining social distancing at all times in the workplace so the wearing of face masks is not mandatory. The same position applies in the National Economic and Social Development Office,...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: State Bodies (28 Sep 2021)

Micheál Martin: My Department has no offices which are usually open to the public to access services and neither does the National Economic and Social Development Office, which is the only body under the aegis of my Department.