Results 15,761-15,780 of 50,294 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Equality Issues (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 places a statutory obligation on public bodies to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect the human rights of those to whom they provide services and staff when carrying out their daily work. The Act requires public bodies to carry out an assessment which looks at the human rights and equality...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Equality Proofing of Policies (30 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Cabinet Handbook provides that anyMemorandum for the Government seeking approval for legislation involving changes to the regulatory framework, including the transposition of EU Directives and Regulations, or for a Government Order involving changes to the regulatory framework must be accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA). One aspect of the RIA is an assessment of the impact...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Whitmore spoke first on the circular economy and the end-of-waste approval process. I will engage with the Minister in that regard. We met recently with the environmental and social pillar. We are broadening and expanding social dialogue. In that context, we met with the environmental and social pillar. We heard a good presentation on the circular economy from the NGO group. I...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: It will create jobs. The Deputy will try to recruit the people who get the jobs to her movement. That tends to be the cycle. To be serious about it, they are important jobs. In all of these operations, it is important that optimal practice pertains and prevails in respect of the minimisation of waste and the facilitation of the circular economy. The Minister will bring in legislation on...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: No, the Deputy said it was not a good idea. She said that she does not agree with EVs. She said that she does not agree with the concept, which is what I took from her comments.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I agree on public transport as well, but people are not going to stop using cars overnight, or indeed, on an ongoing basis. EVs are far cleaner, better for one's health and better for the environment than fossil fuel driven cars.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 24, inclusive, together. The Cabinet committee on environment and climate change last met on 31 May 2021 and is scheduled to meet again on 1 July 2021. This Cabinet committee oversees the implementation of the ambitious programme for Government commitments in regard to the environment and climate change. Those commitments are reflected in the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I dtús báire, táim sásta comhoibriú a dhéanamh le gach aon pháirtí sa Tuaisceart agus go háirithe an DUP agus an UUP. Tá seanaithne agam ar Jeffrey Donaldson. Bhuail mé leis cheana féin i róil éagsúla a bhí againn sna blianta atá imithe tharainn. Tá sé riachtanach go mbeidh na páirtithe in...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: There were quite a number of questions. Deputy Lahart's comments on children and young people not having a sufficient voice during the pandemic struck me and resonated with me. I take his point of view on board very seriously with regard to providing for the expression of their perspectives as we move through the summer and into the autumn period, particularly with regard to the reopening...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Barry referred to bank profits. As I said earlier in response to Deputy Paul Murphy, in terms of its original investment, the State realised a cash surplus in divesting its Bank of Ireland shares. There is no compelling historical evidence, which suggests that State banks do better than private sector banks. Neither model is perfect by any means. There are challenges with State...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 16, inclusive, together. Northern Ireland is experiencing a difficult and turbulent period and needs stability. It is very important that we all work collectively on the island, and between the two Governments, towards maintaining stability and calm heads, staying focused on what is important to the people within Northern Ireland. It is in everyone's...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I agree 100% with what the Deputy has said. The governance arrangements for the new national maternity hospital will be absolutely clear. There will be absolutely no religious involvement in the management, ownership or operation of that hospital. All legally available services in the State will be available to the women who access services in the hospital.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: In response to Deputy Conway-Walsh, Brexit itself does not give the capacity, but a review of the Common Fisheries Policy will take place next year. The Government will engage in all aspects of that with the European Commission and other member states. Deputy McGuinness pointed out that today is World Whistleblowers' Day. He has been very involved in a number of issues in that regard....

Ceisteanna - Questions: Economic Policy (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, together. The economic recovery plan was launched on Tuesday, 1 June. With the economy now reopening in clear phases, and vaccine roll-out comprehensively under way, the plan sets out renewed supports, investments and policies for a new stage of economic recovery, building on the unprecedented support provided to date. The plan...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank Deputy Moynihan. It is a very fair point. The Department of Justice has continued to accept and process applications throughout the pandemic at all levels of public health restrictions. Unfortunately, processing rates have been impacted by the health and safety restrictions imposed and it has not been possible to hold in-person citizenship ceremonies. Following a High Court case...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: A further 3,000 applications have been fully processed by the Department but the applicants need to return their signed statutory declarations. Approximately 6,500 will have been offered and we take the Deputy's point.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: Work is ongoing to minimise the impact of Brexit. It is close to six months since the formal exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union. It is clear that it is already having an impact on trade and patterns of trade. It is certainly causing a reconfiguration and recalibration for both importers and exporters, as well as the impact that Brexit is having on the operations of...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising the point. I do not know whether he has been in touch with his county council.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy has a fair bit of representation on Kerry County Council. He might more readily know why there has been a failure to get these bridges rebuilt more quickly. When a bridge falls down or collapses, I presume there are significant safety issues that have to be investigated. I agree that the sooner road structures can be restored to facilitate travel and so on, the better.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (23 Jun 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Government is committed to supporting community employment, including Tús and other employment support programmes. When in government in the past, my party was instrumental in introducing all those schemes. Last year, we spent €341 million on community employment. Some €84 million was spent on Tús schemes. There are approximately 200 Tús schemes nationwide...