Results 18,641-18,660 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: That is in relation to Dáil reform. I will check and get further clarity on that for the Deputy. The parliamentary liaison unit is headed up by a principal officer in my Department. It is a fairly small unit. I think there are about three members. On the commitments that have been made in relation to Oireachtas reform, the unit works with the Oireachtas and officials here on...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 11, inclusive, together. The Cabinet committee on the environment and climate change last met on 9 November 2020 and is scheduled to meet again on 7 December 2020. The members of the committee are the Taoiseach; the Tånaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Employment and Trade; the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications; the Minister...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Future of Media Commission (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: Through the Chair, I am saying that as a general observation. We can campaign all we like. I believe our national broadcaster needs sustainability and support. It needs reform and it needs to change. Fundamentally, given what has happened in other countries and states, we need to be mindful and careful of the degree to which democracy can be undermined by a plethora of platforms that seek...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Future of Media Commission (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: Which?

Ceisteanna - Questions: Future of Media Commission (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I do not understand. I am making a general point in answering. I was asked questions on the idea of the universal charge. It has been around for a long time. It is not a new concept. An all-party Oireachtas committee supported it in the past. It is my understanding that the committee, either by majority or unanimity, supported the idea of a universal charge. Anyway, it is up to the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Future of Media Commission (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: No, I did not. I made a political point.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Future of Media Commission (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: As I said, the commission is broad in its membership and I believe it will deal with the core issues that are necessary, especially in terms of public service broadcasting. Then it will deal with regional media, local media and the private sector media as well.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 7, inclusive, together. The parliamentary liaison unit assists Government in its relationship with the Oireachtas. It works with the Office of the Government Chief Whip on issues that arise at the Business Committee and the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil Reform, including Dáil reform proposals and amendments to Standing Orders. The unit...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Future of Media Commission (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: We did respond to the points Deputy Nash raised in the House regarding trade union involvement, but also regional media involvement. That occurred in the context of the additional appointments. We respond to points raised from time to time. As the Deputy said, the appointment of Ms Siobhán Holliman — the deputy editor of the Tuam Herald, member of the Press Council and joint...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Future of Media Commission (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together. I am pleased to report that the commission has been established by Government and is now fully up and running. It has met on two occasions and will continue to meet on a regular basis the coming months. I provided a pre-recorded video message to mark the commission's inaugural meeting on 29 October. The commission has been...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: In relation to this appointment the justice concerned was recommended as suitable for the job by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, JAAB.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: No. It came through the JAAB process unlike what happened in 2017. That did not happen in 2017. Does Deputy Kelly confirm that? Will he accept that?

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: Does the Deputy accept it as a fundamental difference, as I do?

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I believe it is different because there is a process in place and a judicial appointments board is an important process.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: I was happy not to be questioning that process.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: The second point I would make is this-----

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Minister, Deputy McEntee, said last week that she would come into the Dáil to answer questions on this matter. That offer was refused-----

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: -----because Deputies are now into the format of how the questions are answered.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: That is the truth. For some reason we are led to believe that the-----

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (24 Nov 2020)

Micheál Martin: -----Priority Questions format is an impossible format through which to get accountability. That is nonsense.