Results 19,701-19,720 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: I will come to that. I wish to state that in that context, we get no sense from the UK Government that there will be any attempt to undermine such trade. London is still adamant that it wants a comprehensive free trade agreement and does not want disruption. We have had no indication whatsoever of any negativity around the landbridge, or any attempt to undermine its importance to Ireland's...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy knows it.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy knows it.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Mac Lochlainn should calm down.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: In the seven days to 13 September, there were 74,796 Covid-19 tests completed and that is the highest number of tests in a single week since the beginning of the pandemic.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: It is a significant ramping up of testing. There has been quite significant pressure since schools returned, which is normal and to be expected. The system is coping with that. The Deputy knows full well the advice for Dublin. I stated that advice yesterday in the Dáil.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy knows full well what is the advice. I will state it again. Those living in Dublin are encouraged to limit travel outside Dublin if possible. When outside the county they should not meet with more than one other household. That is the advice from NPHET that we have endorsed. It is the advice out there right now. There is no regulation or legal restriction but it is the advice....

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy keeps on doing it. It is a mantra. It is what the Opposition does.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: I facilitated a briefing with the HSE on testing and the Deputy was presented with the figures from the HSE chief executive officer. The Deputy is doing a disservice to the work of the HSE in this.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: I genuinely believe the Deputy is. The Deputy's entire approach to this is not to seek clarity but to undermine; it is not to amplify public health measures but rather to undermine them.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: On the first point, I took the phone call from Deputy Kelly.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: I fully appreciate his concerns, which I believe are genuine. The Dáil was adjourned for two hours.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy should calm down. He is very excitable. He is interrupting non-stop.

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: When news emerged that the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, was to be tested, the Secretary General of the Department contacted the acting Chief Medical Officer and he, to use his own language, in an "over-abundance of caution", said that Ministers should restrict their movements. The Secretary General was anxious that the Chief Whip would get the message and communicate it to...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: Correct. I am just making the point that everybody acted in good faith. The motivation was precaution in trying to prevent risk. There is no big mystery to it. The next question concerned the plan itself. The plan is fundamentally about protecting lives and livelihoods. That is its ultimate test of its sustainability. It is there for the long haul, that is, the next six to nine...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: I express my deepest sympathies to Pat Smullen's wife, Frances, and his family. He was an iconic figure in the racing world who is deeply mourned by his family and friends. I salute his absolute courage and commitment to cancer care and in taking on what was the greatest challenge in his life. Just because Deputy McDonald says things does not mean they are true. The Deputy has a habit...

Written Answers — Department of An Taoiseach: Cabinet Committees (16 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Cabinet Committee on Housing was established by the Government on 6 July 2020 to oversee effective implementation of the Programme for Government commitments in relation to housing. The Committee last met on July 30thand is scheduled to next meet on Monday, September 28th.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (15 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Boyd Barrett was first with his query on taxi drivers, the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment and the temporary Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme. I have spoken to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Certain social protection measures allow her to help out people in certain sectors such as the arts, and she has been in contact with them. As I said to the Deputy...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (15 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: -----in relation to the M20. It is committed to and it will be going ahead. In response to Deputy Whitmore I repeat my answer to Deputy Kelly. NPHET has advised that people in Dublin should not travel outside of Dublin if possible. Obviously people who commute for work will continue to do so. The full value of the temporary Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme should be paid to employees, and I...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Cabinet Committees (15 Sep 2020)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy stated "interests of private profit are allowed to interfere" but that would be the antithesis of what is envisaged. The oversight committee is to be headed by the Secretary General of the Department and it involves other Departments. This is to ensure the process is practical. I will give an example. There was a furore in the House when NPHET advised we should enforce a...