Results 16,121-16,140 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: Every debate we have when restrictions come in or go out is the same. I recall a debate in the Dáil before the summer on the measure that enabled us to open hospitality, namely, the vaccination service. It was a heated debate with Members opposite saying it was the worst thing we could possibly do, yet it enabled the reopening of hospitality, including restaurants and pubs. Has...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: An increase in the number of ICU beds from 255 to 321 by the end of this year is not a drop in the ocean. If the Deputy knows anything at all about ICU beds, it is not about the beds themselves but the entire staffing team that goes behind them.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: The number will be up to 340 by the end of 2022. That is an enormous increase in ICU beds over a very short period of time. In addition, as I said earlier, well over 900 beds will be provided.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: What we did last year - in the funding we provided for the winter initiative, which got us through last winter - was we provided two-year funding to enable the staff to be recruited and the beds to be provided, so we would not have the annual struggle that went on between Departments in respect of getting annual allocations. That has been very effective.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: However, other measures have to take place, of course, in respect of diagnostics and other measures in terms of home care and so on to make sure, as far as we possibly can, that there is a very good, efficient flow through our hospitals.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: I want to make a final point. The issue about the increasing numbers is not about hospital beds alone, although that is important. It is about individuals. We want to protect individuals and that is why protective measures are needed from severe illness and so on.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. I also join the House in expressing our sympathies to the families of the late Máire Mhac an tSaoi - b'fhile den scoth í a rinne an-chuid ar son ár dteanga dhúchais - Brendan Kennelly, Paddy Moloney and Tony MacMahon, artists and musicians who enriched our lives in a wonderful way. I think the fundamental premise of the...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committees (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Cabinet Committee on COVID-19 last met on Monday, 30 August 2021.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committees (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Cabinet Committee on Brexit and Northern Ireland operates in accordance with established guidelines for Cabinet Committees and where appropriate, substantive issues are referred to Government for discussion and approval. In general terms, the Cabinet Committee oversees implementation of relevant Programme for Government commitments in the area of Brexit and Northern Ireland, and ongoing...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committees (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment has met a total of fifteen times, most recently on 30 September.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Government Communications (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: Members of the Government, Ministers of State and senior officials are subject to the arrangements for the use of and the security of communications devices that are put in place by Government Departments. The Departments have in place comprehensive arrangements to support ICT security and they receive regular advice and support on these matters from the relevant authorities. The Deputy...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Citizens' Assembly (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: Under the Programme for Government, the Government aims to establish a Citizens’ Assembly in 2021 to consider the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited for Dublin. The Programme for Government also provides for establishment of Citizens' Assemblies to consider biodiversity; matters relating to drugs use and the future of education. ...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Media Sector (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: Since the formation of the Future of Media Commission in September 2020 the costs associated with its work have totalled €421,971.33. Some of the main cost items include: - Advertising of consultation process in national and social media: €162,469.41 - Stipend to Commission Members: €145,350.00 - External Service contractors: (including survey research, audio-visual and...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Advertising (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: Public information campaigns in relation to Covid-19 have been advertised across a broad range of media, including national and local newspapers, and this will continue to be the case.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Communications (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: Attached is a tabular breakdown of the spend in 2021 on public advertisements in response to the Covid19 pandemic. All of the contracts for media buying, print ads, radio ads, tv ads, social media promotion, online banner advertising and creative services were contracted through competitive processes and the Office of Government Procurement Framework contracts to ensure best value for money....

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Offices (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: My Department does not rent, lease or hire any office space. The properties occupied by my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office are provided and managed by the Office of Public Works. The National Economic and Social Development Office pays a contribution to the OPW of €322,329 per annum for its office space. Since August 2020, the OPW also manages the...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Offices (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: My Department does not own or rent any office space. All office accommodation is provided by the Office of Public Works and is currently being used.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Departmental Working Groups (19 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Department of the Taoiseach has no working groups with industry in place. The Taoiseach has regular engagement with businesses and representative groups. This includes in the context of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), the forum for dialogue between Government, employers and trade unions. LEEF was established in 2016 and plenary meetings are now chaired by the Taoiseach. In...

Financial Resolutions 2021 - Financial Resolution No. 2: General (Resumed) (13 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: Maybe the Minister can say something similar to what he said at Cabinet.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2021)

Micheál Martin: It is a matter of grave concern that serial reoffending, and people offending while on bail, causes immense anger to people and the community at large. That is very well put. Again, it is a matter we have to keep under review because many serious cases and issues have arisen while people were out on bail and serious crimes were committed. The general scheme of a criminal legal aid Bill is...