Results 17,241-17,260 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Vaccination Programme (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy should have courtesy. I am giving my reply. The key to getting vaccines distributed around the world is to get them produced at volume in the first instance. That is the point - to get the manufacturing capacity in place. Those with the know-how, can do that much more effectively-----

Ceisteanna - Questions: Vaccination Programme (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: There is this idea in regard to just waiving intellectual property. The negotiations will take quite some time and we will approach them constructively on behalf of the European Union-----

Ceisteanna - Questions: Vaccination Programme (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: I ask for two or three minutes.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Vaccination Programme (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: It is then very difficult for me to-----

Ceisteanna - Questions: Vaccination Programme (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: That is my difficulty and-----

Ceisteanna - Questions: Vaccination Programme (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: The only difficulty with that is my part answer might be mischaracterised in subsequent debate and commentary. However, I take the Ceann Comhairle's point. There is nothing he or I can do about it.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Question Nos. 11 to 15, inclusive, together. As part of ongoing dialogue with churches, faith groups and non-confessional bodies, I met with faith leaders on a number of occasions since my appointment as Taoiseach. The most recent meeting I had took place on 15 April last when I met with the leaders of the all-island Christian churches, including the Roman Catholic...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: No, the expulsion of an ambassador does not make sense. What matters to a Palestinian is the sustained support that successive Irish Governments have given through Irish Aid and UNRWA.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: We have done that as a Government and Europe has as well, on its credit side. It is difficult to get cohesion across the EU on this issue but it has supported, from a humanitarian perspective, social, educational and community projects right across Gaza and the West Bank, and governance as well, to try to support the creation of a two-state solution, which we have always believed is the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: In terms of the housing issues raised by Deputy Kelly, aspects of the programme for Government are always being looked at and we are open to new innovations and new changes. When I said that housing was the number one priority for the Government, it means we will look at everything, in all areas, to see if we can create additional housing supply. We are not supportive of existing supply of...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Vaccination Programme (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 10, inclusive, together. A Covid-19 vaccination subgroup chaired by the Secretary to the Government has met on two occasions to discuss elements of Covid-19 vaccinations in the context of the overall Government strategy on Covid-19, including a roll-out of the vaccination programme, operationalisation of recent changes to the programme following NIAC...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Vaccination Programme (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy might score a few goals while he is there.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: I state again that what is going on within Gaza and Palestine is absolutely unacceptable and unjustifiable. In my view, there has to be a ceasefire. Both sides should immediately cease hostilities. In particular, I have condemned Hamas for firing rockets indiscriminately over the border into Israel which has also resulted in deaths and injuries.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Israeli Government response has been wholly disproportionate and wrong, in my view. I have said this. I have been in Gaza. One cannot bomb Gaza in the manner it has been bombed without killing innocent civilians - children, men and women. That has happened as a result of the decisions of the Israeli Government. It is wrong and it should stop. Both sides should stop - both Hamas and...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: I fully acknowledge the challenges for people getting married. The Covid restrictions have been very severe on wedding couples. The numbers are very low. This stemmed from public health advice at the outset of the pandemic that weddings initially had been a significant factor in the spread of the disease. That said, we are now progressively reopening society. We are making progress...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Programme for Government (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4 together. Government has been working hard to implement the commitments in the programme for Government across a wide range of issues in all Departments. The ten Cabinet committees established by this Government reflect the full range of policy areas that it will work on during its lifetime as set out in the programme for Government. Cabinet...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: Workers have been laid off because people are not travelling. We will develop a strategy. Shouting and roaring will not solve the matter.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy has been fighting this issue for a considerable time and standing up for those who do not have the wherewithal to pay these additional ad hoccharges. I will again engage with the Minister for Health to get a uniform, consistent approach from the health service to the issue of charging for blood tests, particularly for medical card holders. I will come back to the Deputy again on that.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: I fully accept the Deputy's point about the absolute necessity to engage and to get international travel back up and running again. International connectivity is vital for the economic well-being of the country and remains a priority for the Government. I assure the Deputy of that. The news today coming from Shannon is very sad. Regarding Cork and other areas, travel has been at rock...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (18 May 2021)

Micheál Martin: I agree with the Deputy, and the Government allocated substantial resources this year through the Department of the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, to increase dramatically the number of assessments. There was a long backlog over the years but this Government is determined to eat into it, reduce it significantly and give people not only the assessments they require in a timely manner but...