Results 18,921-18,940 of 50,353 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: I am.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: They are not components of the protocol division. Let us be clear about that. There has been no change to the protocol division. There have been no additional staff provided and the section continues the work that Deputy Kelly and I know it does in organising, on behalf of the State and the Government, various events such as centenary commemorations. Regarding the aide-de-camp to the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: Hopefully, people can learn in an insightful way from how the commemorations have been planned and developed. The protocol division does not have a role regarding the Sisters of Charity. What is happening in this regard is unacceptable, however. We are in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic but, overall, this points to a need, over time, for the State to review fundamentally how we...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Policy Functions (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: On the recognition of the state of Palestine, we have made it clear in the programme for Government that we will honour our commitment to recognise the state of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict or in advance of that when we believe that doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-state solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory. On practical...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The protocol and general division of the Department of the Taoiseach has responsibility for State protocol, including protocol for the Taoiseach and the Government. This involves the organisation and co-ordination, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, of State and official functions. Such functions include the annual Easter 1916 commemoration, the National Day of Commemoration and...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Functions (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: Why did the Deputy ask the question then?

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Policy Functions (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The international section of the Department supports my work at international level, beyond the EU, to promote Ireland's foreign and economic policy objectives and to maintain and develop strong bilateral and multilateral relations. Working closely with other Departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Policy Functions (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Government will continue to accord a high priority to the Middle East situation, particularly the conflict between Israel and Palestine and the necessity for genuine movement towards a two-state solution. We welcome the fact that Israel has removed its threat to annex further settlements in Palestine. It is suspending the plans originally announced. We are still concerned by subsequent...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: This is not a Government matter in the sense that it is a matter for the Oireachtas. The Ceann Comhairle has put it very clearly. He said there was a special meeting at the end of July. No one suggested or proposed to the Ceann Comhairle, bar one Deputy, Deputy Mattie McGrath, that we ignore or go against advice. It seems the situation has to do with voting. The Government is very open...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: It has been closed for a long time. It is a great line but it does not help us deal with the situation. It is a great old line but that is about it. It is a nice line to shout out but it does not advance the argument.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The issue seems to be whether we can organise votes here that everybody will observe. I am not an expert on this and I was not a part of the public health expert advice or the secretariat to the Oireachtas with regard to voting. It seems that voting is the major challenge to the authorities in the House with regard to organising it safely within public health guidelines. We are all agreed...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: We will work with other parties to facilitate an agreeable outcome.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: Quite clearly, what happened in the summer was that many backbenchers of other parties wanted to have their say as well and wanted their opportunity.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: No. They are backbenchers elected by the people, just as Deputy Boyd Barrett is elected-----

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: What the Deputy is asserting is that he has rights that are superior to those of other Deputies in this House.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: He always is. Essentially that is his argument.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: We believe there should be proportionality and plenty of time for every Deputy. I am a great believer in parliamentary democracy and I believe people of all parties and none should have an opportunity to speak and articulate their views.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: No, actually-----

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: In the previous Dáil, that did not happen.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: Many Deputies were excluded in the previous Dáil in practical terms. They just did not get the opportunities.