Results 201-220 of 3,337 for speaker:Michael Collins

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Code (5 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: 111. To ask the Minister for Finance if, in budget 2024, all insulation products, for example, solar panels, attic insulation, wall insulation and foam insulation, will be VAT-free, thus enabling those on low incomes the opportunity to insulate their homes. [42056/23]

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023: Second Stage (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and it is a global problem that affects people from various regions, including those seeking better opportunities in Ireland. Traffickers prey on the dreams and vulnerabilities of migrants, promising them a brighter future but subjecting them to unimaginable exploitation. One alarming aspect of human trafficking in Ireland is the...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I thank the Taoiseach for the reply but I am astonished to think that the Taoiseach said he knew about this - and obviously the Taoiseach and other Ministers must know about this - but they have no solution. The nursing home is closing and there are 22 residents in that nursing home. They have no home to go to. The Government has no backup plan other than someone will talk to someone. As...

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: We often speak in the Dáil about homelessness and the horror of young people getting eviction notices, which is an horrendous worry on anyone's mind. Let us think for one minute about being aged 70, 80 or 90-plus, being in a nursing home and getting an eviction notice. This happened in August to 48 residents of a 68-bed nursing home in Belgooly in west Cork, which is run by a group...

An Garda Síochána: Motion [Private Members] (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: As we celebrate the centenary of An Garda Síochána, it is crucial to acknowledge the pressing challenges this revered institution. Morale within the force has plummeted to an all-time low and this crisis of confidence cannot be ignored. The GRA, which represents rank-and-file gardaí, recently registered an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the force's most senior officer,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: Is it 8,000 ha or is it the 16,000 ha advised to the Minister of State? Has the Department any exact figure?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: Is the 18,000 ha, as detailed in The Economics of Afforestation and Management in Irelandby Professor Cathal O'Donoghue, published in 2022, incorrect?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: The Department's own research body, COFORD, previously advised that 16,000 ha were required. Is the Minister of State saying that is incorrect?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: Does the Minister of State accept that the afforestation programme will now fail due to the upfront costs associated with applications and how will that issue be addressed?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I refer to the upfront costs for farmers and landowners out there.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: With the target set at 50% broadleaf afforestation and given that replanting conditions are ingrained in felling licences, what annual rate of afforestation is now required to maintain our existing stock area involving of commercial spruce plantations in the country?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: Has the Minister of State any idea of the cost in terms of future timber supply, rural employment and economic output of the policy now being enforced of both the 50% broadleaf requirement and the conditionality on replanting in felling licences?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I am asking if the Minister of State has any idea of the cost in relation to rural employment. The issue with forestry at present is it is costing the rural economy hugely. There have been massive issues going on over the past number of years in forestry and that is a huge cost to rural communities. The economic output of the policy now being enforced of both the 50% broadleaf requirement...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I thank the Minister of State. I have just one other question. There is a new body out there this past two years, Social Economic Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland, SEEFA. They are very interested in sitting around the table and trying to iron out some difficulties that are out there. Will both of the Minister and the Minister of State meet with them? Are they intending to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I thank the Minister of State.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Ireland's Forestry Programme and Strategy: Discussion (4 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: I thank the Minister, the Minister of State and their officials for coming before the committee. To clarify, I do not have forestry and I do not derive any income from forestry. I have great respect for those who are in forestry. They are going through a very difficult time, which is acknowledged by the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department. We have public meetings because of...

Childcare Fees: Motion [Private Members] (3 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: The early childcare providers have delivered for this country but shamefully, the Minister has turned his back on them. He has shamefully rattled out figures time and time again but has never broken these down. These providers have asked him for a complete breakdown of them. Those who came up here and had to go on strike for three days outside the Dáil have to listen to the Minister...

School Transport 2023-2024: Statements (3 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: The utter lack of accessible public transport in rural areas and this outdated system have left countless students stranded without reliable transportation to their schools. It is an absolute disgrace. The Government has the audacity to preach about reducing car journeys for the sake of our environment, but the absence of adequate public and school bus transport is a glaring contradiction...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Abortion Services (3 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: 653. To ask the Minister for Health whether the Government has commissioned any opinion polling related to any aspects of abortion provision since 2019 and to date in 2023; and if so, what questions were asked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42525/23]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Driver Test (3 Oct 2023)

Michael Collins: 658. To ask the Minister for Health the reason that a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for their driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42631/23]