Results 17,921-17,940 of 50,297 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I discussed the matter earlier with Deputy Gino Kenny. The situation has never been simple in terms of resolving the dispute since the liquidation occurred, as I have acknowledged and been honest about from the beginning. People may have been given expectations during this dispute that could never be realised. Simplistic solutions were offered which never had any prospect of being...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this pertinent question. She also raised it the last time she contributed during Leaders’ Questions. I went back to my Cabinet colleagues and discussed it with them, particularly the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Robert Troy, who had a discussion with the Deputy in this House another occasion. We cannot...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: It is never too late. The Minister for Transport and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, have been clear on the messaging to businesses to act now and to trial direct services to continental ports. The IMDO analysis is informing Government policy on this. Issues have been raised. I am anxious to make sure no stone is left unturned and all potential eventualities are catered for. For...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: What the Deputy is saying, essentially, is that whatever is due to the various Government Departments, to Revenue or in terms of social protection should be waived, if I understand him correctly. That creates a very significant potential incentivisation for others in the future to welch on their obligations to workers, knowing the State will pick up the tab. Essentially, that means creating...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I do.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of the Debenhams workers. It is very difficult and unsatisfactory from the workers' perspective that it has dragged on for so long and they have not received their redundancy entitlements as per the collective agreement they entered into with their employer. The Government will, of course, honour the statutory redundancy but that is not the issue at...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I undertake to do that. I am conscious that the Minster for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, is introducing the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2020 tomorrow. I believe he has had consultation with party spokespeople across the House and has secured a good degree of consensus and constructive engagement on that Bill, which is crucial...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and for her remarks, and also for the point about unity of purpose across all parties in this House on the crucial issue of Brexit, which I welcome very much indeed. I also take the opportunity to join with the Deputy in expressing our sympathies to the family of the Secretary General of the PLO on his recent passing. I share that sympathy with all...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Commission on the Future of Policing (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: In September 2018, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) published its Report outlining a clear vision and roadmap for strengthening An Garda Síochána and the broader national framework for policing, security and community safety. In December 2018, the Government approved A Policing Service for our Futureas the Plan to implement the CoFPI Report. The Plan was...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committees (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: The first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Education is scheduled to take place this month. However there have been a number of meetings held between my Department and Department officials in the Department of Education since August.

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Tribunals of Inquiry (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Moriarty Tribunal was established in 1997 and published its final report in March 2011. Following publication of that Report, the Tribunal’s team was substantially reduced and a small legal and administrative staff remains in place. The determination by the Court of Appeal in relation to one of the last remaining sets of legal proceedings taken against the Tribunal took place...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Freedom of Information (10 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table: Year Number of FOI Requests Received 2015 290 2016 275 2017 344 2018 490 2019 489 2020 266 (to end October)

Ceisteanna - Questions: Social Dialogue (4 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I am not talking about NASRA in that context. I am just speaking generally. That is why ICTU's position has validity. The reason I respect ICTU's position on this is because ultimately it has resulted in significant advances in society as well, through a whole range of its own activities and how it has pursued pay and pension issues but also wider social justice issues. That has to be...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Social Dialogue (4 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: First, I am a strong believer in social dialogue and I am working with our social partners on the challenges facing society in areas such as housing, climate, education and health services. That is something that I want to strengthen during my time as Taoiseach. These issues concerning how we could strengthen social partnership in the future were explored in the recent meeting we had with...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries (4 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: In the past decade or so, the State has opened up in an unprecedented way on many issues. I initiated the inquiry into the industrial schools as Minister for Education. Many people did not expect that would happen. I was the first to do it despite many survivors having gone to successive Governments before that without any satisfaction. Likewise, we introduced and started inquiries into...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries (4 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I want to finally say that I want to work with Members of the House on this. I am committed to having a centre which will tell the story and give people access. The Government is on the side of giving as much access as we possibly can and applying GDPR to the optimal extent to vindicate the rights of access to information of survivors of these institutions. I accept people to accept our...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Social Dialogue (4 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Government recognises the importance of regular and open engagement with all sectors of society. This is particularly important as we steer our way out of the pandemic, rebuild our economy, and support communities that have been severely impacted by Covid-19. As committed to in the programme for Government, a social dialogue unit has been established within the economic division of my...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries (4 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: Following discussion of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes on 28 October last, the Government issued a statement on the matters of recent public concern and the next steps proposed by the Government. The statement sets out that the Government acknowledges and regrets the genuine hurt felt by many people across Irish society. It is determined to take the necessary...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (4 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: On the issues raised by the Deputies, in the budget, unprecedented levels of resources are being targeted at the homelessness issue. My sympathies do go out to the families and all those connected to those who have died, and especially the people who were homeless who passed away in recent times and over recent weeks. Our focus and priority is homelessness and the prevention of...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (4 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue on behalf of that young girl. I will certainly do what I can on this matter. I will engage with the HSE and the Minister for Health. I know the Deputy has sent the details to the Minister for Health, so I will pursue this issue with him. This concerns the procurement of medicinal cannabis and the associated cost, and I will pursue this issue.