Results 1,541-1,560 of 27,945 for speaker:Michael McGrath

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I want to acknowledge the important work that CARI does. The Deputy has raised specifically the issue around funding. In August of this year, the board of CARI communicated to Tusla its financial deficit on service delivery and that without additional support of €243,000 required until the end of the year, it was its intention to cease operating and to close the CARI service. On 6...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: Where does the Ceann Comhairle think?

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue regarding Myshall in Carlow. It is the Government's policy that we want high-visibility policing, and our community gardaí do a fantastic job. We certainly want to see more of them in communities, out and about and engaging with local residents. The key for us is to increase recruitment and that is why we are, as the Deputy knows, embarking on...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: Although I cannot comment on the individual planning appeal, I can address the issue of resources at An Bord Pleanála. The Government has significantly expanded those resources. We expect that will result in faster decisions, which we all want to see. At the end of 2022, 34 additional posts were sanctioned. In April this year, the board sought agreement for a total of 59 new posts,...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I do not have a detailed briefing on dermatology services at SUH, but I appreciate the issues the Deputy has raised on behalf of Dr. McKenna and the patients who are waiting. I have information on the budget increase and the staffing increases at the hospital but I will ask the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, to revert to the Deputy specifically regarding the dermatology services there.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I commend the community spirit in the areas that were devastated by flooding. I witnessed some of it along with the Deputy, including in Midleton. Many of the businesses have already reopened and are getting great support within the local community. The Red Cross is administering the scheme to which the Deputy referred. One of the conditions of the scheme is that only small businesses...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue at Castletown House. As he will understand, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any current or prospective legal action. The best way of resolving the issues he has highlighted is through dialogue and engagement. I encourage all the parties involved to come together and work this through.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: Opening hours are a matter for operational decision by the Garda Commissioner. What has happened in other locations is there has been engagement with the local community and public representatives, and a commitment has been given that the Garda station will be open for certain defined hours in the week in order that people who have to go there to get passport forms stamped and so on know it...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I have met Pepper directly ,and my officials are meeting it again this week. Neither I nor the Central Bank have the power to intervene in respect of interest rates. The Central Bank has been clear that it does not wish to have legislative powers in this area. I have, however, reminded Pepper and other non-bank lenders of their obligations to borrowers, including full adherence to the code...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Government's position on this has been consistent and clear. The prosecutor of the ICC, Mr. Karim Khan, has reaffirmed that the investigation that is currently under way covers the current and ongoing conflict, including all events on and from 7 October this year. He is on record as saying that, so that is the position. In relation to...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: -----without a states party referral.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: The position is clear. In the case of Palestine and Israel, the investigation is already under way.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I gave the facts.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: Deputy Doherty may not like them but they are the facts.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: They are the facts.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: The Deputy did not even raise the matter on Leaders' Questions. He had the option of raising it during Leaders' Questions but he chose not to.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: You chose not to raise it on Leaders' Questions.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank Deputy Smith. I have some information here but I would like to double-check it. I will ask the Minister for Health to revert to the Deputy directly with a comprehensive response on the issues he has raised.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank Deputy for her question. The Government will respond to the report in question. As the Deputy said, we will have local elections next year. This Government believes in local democracy and in empowering our local councils and giving them as much power as possible. As the Deputy knows, the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (16 Nov 2023)

Michael McGrath: I thank the Deputy. As he has acknowledged, the special leave with pay was extended in the case of many front-line workers in the healthcare area. As with any special scheme, there will always be terms and eligibility criteria. The Departments of Health and Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform have been engaging on this issue in the context of long Covid. I...