Results 141-160 of 1,123 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Alan Dillon

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023: Second Stage (Resumed) (24 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: I am delighted to get the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I stand in strong support of the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023 and its provisions to cement the Government's promises made in budget 2024. This Bill represents a diligent effort - and I commend the Ministers, Deputies McGrath and Donohoe - to ensure that our national financial backbone remains sturdy, fair and responsive to the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Offices (24 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: A pressing concern that is affecting the heart of our tourism and hospitality sector in Mayo and beyond is an acknowledgment of the pivotal role the sector has played in supporting our communities and the State's humanitarian effort, especially in response to the Ukrainian crisis. As we know, approximately 30,000 beds, of which 25,000 are hotel beds, have been taken out of circulation to...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Offices (24 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: 16. To ask the Taoiseach for an update on the economic policy unit of his Department. [45024/23]

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (24 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: I raise my deep concern around the alarming rise in vaping among schoolchildren, especially the widespread use of disposable vaping devices. In recent weeks, I have received numerous calls from concerned teachers and parents regarding the escalating prevalence of vaping among students in primary and secondary schools. The issue is not confined to school grounds but is also evident in public...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (24 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: 8. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on children and education will meet next. [46343/23]

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: It is up to eight years this Christmas when Crossmolina had its devastating flooding. The residents still do not know the status or the timeline of their flood relief scheme. This uncertainty is causing a great deal of distress. The unfortunate delay surrounding this project is causing immense frustration and anxiety to the Crossmolina community. Consultants retained by the Department of...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Third Level Costs (19 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: 85. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the SUSI grant will be amended to cover part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45527/23]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Third Level Costs (19 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: I acknowledge the efforts of the Minister, Deputy Harris, and the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, in delivering for further and higher education in the budget. I have received several questions on the availability of supports for part-time students who cannot access SUSI grants. It is crucial to address this to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and equal educational chances for...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Third Level Costs (19 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: It is very positive to hear of this additional part-time fee-support scheme, which will be an enormous boost for those who wish to enter part-time education while juggling work and family commitments. These additional grants will help with the expenses of textbooks, course supplies and other academic resources which play a crucial role. It is important that the Minister is backing part-time...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Third Level Costs (19 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: In his opening response, the Minister spoke about broadening the access to education for families who may be impacted by poverty, etc. This is a very worthwhile scheme. Broadening the support to part-time learners underscores the importance of continuous education. It is crucial that we continue to nurture our flexible workforce which is vital for our economic advancement and also for...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Sports Facilities (19 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: I concur with other Members on the real need for increased sporting facilities within each of our constituencies. I thank the Minister of State for visiting Castlebar recently to launch a report on the importance of sport within the county town. We have seen the success of the Lough Lannagh project with a new swimming pool, adjacent tennis clubs, walkways and so on. Collaboration with the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Ukraine War (19 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: 31. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the impacts of stock displacement within the tourism sector, with 30,000 beds now under contract to the Department Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, of which 25,000 are hotel beds; if she will consider a business support scheme in regional areas with the highest occupancy; and...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (18 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: I want to raise the issue of continued investment in water services. I acknowledge we are experiencing significant reform, with the aim of better services and promoting wider environmental protection, but there remain significant infrastructure deficits that need to be addressed, even after Uisce Éireann focuses on its capital programme in 2023. One specific project is the Newport...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (18 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: I raise the continued absence of a chief pharmaceutical officer, CPO, in the healthcare system or the Department of Health. The role is essential to manage medicine and pharmacy services. It is missing in Ireland, unlike many other countries. We have a chief medical officer, a chief nursing officer, a chief dental officer and a chief veterinary officer. Certainly a CPO would ensure we...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (18 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: 17. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on economy and investment is next due to meet. [42614/23]

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (18 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: 12. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health will next meet. [45023/23]

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (18 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: Our private and voluntary nursing homes are facing significant challenges and urgent intervention is necessary to halt the alarming trend of closures we are witnessing. Last year, a staggering one in three private and voluntary nursing homes ran at a loss. Their operating costs have soared by 36%, forcing many to shut their doors. In my own back yard in Mayo, we have felt the sting of this...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Regional Development (12 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: 13. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide details of the number of IDA visits to Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43520/23]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Regional Development (12 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: As a representative of the people of Mayo, I continue to strongly campaign for a fair and equitable approach to regional development. I believe it is crucial we address the situation regarding the IDA's activities across the county. Will the Minister provide a comprehensive report on the total number of site visits organised by IDA Ireland to Mayo this year?

Financial Resolutions 2023 - Financial Resolution No. 4: General (Resumed) (11 Oct 2023)

Alan Dillon: I welcome budget 2024 as it takes important steps towards rewarding those who work diligently and help individuals earn more of their hard-earned wages. This budget displays a significant commitment to supporting households, public services, community services and businesses facing the challenges of inflation and the rising costs of living. One of the highlights of this budget is the...