Results 1,641-1,660 of 4,255 for speaker:Martin Heydon

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Departmental Policies (26 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The recent publication of the European Commission's communication, Sustainable Carbon Cycles, has sent a clear signal to European member states on the need to increase the ambition and participation of our land managers in the area of carbon removals and reductions. Under the recently updated all-of-government Climate Action Plan 2021,...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Departmental Policies (26 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: The challenge is to have a baseline. We need to have a baseline so we can adequately market in the future the activities of farmers. Should we have been doing this earlier than recent years? Probably. If we had our baseline from five or ten years ago, we would be in a stronger position now, but that is why the investment we are undertaking now is so important. It is critical to have a...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Departmental Policies (26 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: I respectfully disagree with the suggestion the Government is sitting on its hands. We have talked about the national agricultural soil carbon observatory, which is obviously important, and the flux towers in different locations are a key component of that. These will be established through working with the Teagasc signpost programme. We also have the pilot soil sampling programme, which...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (18 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: Does everyone want to leave Cork?

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Animal Welfare (18 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank Senator Boylan for raising the matter. At the upcoming European AGRIFISH Council meeting, the Cyprus delegation will share information with Ministers regarding the establishment of a new legislative framework for an EU positive list for the keeping of companion animals, as the Senator has outlined. Officials in the Department are awaiting the detailed wording of proposal of the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Animal Welfare (18 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: The Department has a proud history in supporting the welfare of animals, whether through policy initiatives, the provision of advice and guidance, financial assistance to farmers to help them improve their facilities, and financial support to animal welfare charities. Last year we launched Ireland's first overarching animal welfare strategy, reflecting the Government's clear commitment to...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Further and Higher Education (18 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank Senator Byrne for raising what is an important issue. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris. We are very aware of the demand that exists for places in higher education. Demographic factors mean demand will only increase in the coming years and we must work to ensure there is a place in third level education for everyone who wants one. Our...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Further and Higher Education (18 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Senator for his follow-up response. We are committed to supporting a balanced further and higher education system which has a multitude of pathways for learners to follow. The action plan for apprenticeships sets out new ways of structuring funding and promoting apprenticeship, with a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per year by 2025. In 2021, a record 8,607 new...

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security: Statements (12 May 2022)

Martin Heydon: We have a welcome opportunity today to discuss the issue of food security. Food production is important for our farmers, our fishers, our rural and coastal communities and wider society. It is important for me, my political party and the Government. You might need a doctor, lawyer, garda or priest once in your life, but three times a day every day, you need a farmer. We cannot take food...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Heritage Sites (7 Apr 2022)

Martin Heydon: On behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Deputy Simon Coveney, I thank the Senator for raising the matter of the Curragh consultancy study. The Minister has asked me to convey his regrets to the House that he could not be here and has specifically asked me to reassure the Senator that in both his current role and as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Heritage Sites (7 Apr 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Senator for her comments and appreciate her interest in this matter. I am aware of her recent announcement that she intends to introduce a Private Members' Bill on the permitted use of the plains. While I do not wish to assume the outcome of the study I think that we can both agree that there is a need to place the management of the plains on a modern footing with which I am...

An Bille um an Naoú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (Neodracht), 2022: An Dara Céim [Comhaltaí Príobháideacha] - Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Neutrality) Bill 2022: Second Stage [Private Members] (30 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: I have the honour to make the closing intervention on behalf of the Government to this important debate. We have been reminded here today of the importance of the Constitution as the expression of our values. The preamble of Bunreacht na h-Éireann speaks of "due observance of Prudence, Justice and Charity" and of Ireland striving so that "concord" can be "established with other...

Seanad: Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (Number 2) Regulations 2022: Motion (30 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: I welcome the opportunity to present the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (Number 2) Regulations 2022 to Senators. I do so in place of the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, who unfortunately could not attend. The proposed regulations are aimed at amending the provisions in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 concerning development that is exempt from...

Seanad: Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (Number 2) Regulations 2022: Motion (30 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Senators for contributing to this debate. I will focus on the individual points that have been made. The points made by Senator Cummins are valid. We all share his frustration at the length of time some of these processes can take for the delivering of new health facilities and so on, but that is outside the scope of what we are doing with this Bill. While this a planning...

Seanad: Support to Ukraine: Motion (30 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: It is a great honour for me to be in the Seanad and to have the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I thank my colleagues in Fine Gael, in particular Senators Seery Kearney and Dolan, for the work and effort that went into this motion. I also acknowledge the contributions from all parties and none across the House. The contributions I have listened to over the past number of hours...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (30 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank Deputy Daly for raising this issue today. I am answering on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. This allows me the opportunity to outline the position in respect of Irish Water's responsibility on this matter. The Water Services Acts 2007 to 2017 set out the arrangements in place for the delivery of water and wastewater services...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (30 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: I can furnish this to the Deputy. I apologise; I had meant to have them.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (30 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank the Deputy for the follow-on remarks on the provision of water treatment facilities in County Kerry. I assure him the Government is committed to ensuring substantial funding is provided to Irish Water, as I outlined in my response. The programme for Government commits to funding Irish Water's capital investment plan for water and wastewater infrastructure on a multi-annual basis....

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank Members for being here today and for their level of engagement on this topic. It is my first time to address this issue in the Seanad. I am doing so in place of the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and the Minister of State, Senator Hackett. I am aware of the concerns which have been articulated by Senators. I would like to acknowledge the points made by Senators Boyhan, Lombard,...

Seanad: Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021: Committee Stage (Resumed) (22 Mar 2022)

Martin Heydon: I thank Members for the many and varied points they made. Senator Gavan asked a couple of specific questions. I go back to his earlier statement that he is not asking to negotiate in this room. I will not negotiate in this room; I do not have the mandate to do that. I will bring the points raised in this forum back to the Minister. I accept the points made about trust, communication,...