Results 141-160 of 1,750 for speaker:Declan Breathnach

Industrial Action by School Secretaries: Statements (2 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I am happy to speak on the subject and to support school secretaries, as have other Deputies. Schools were delighted when they first received ancillary grants to employ secretaries and caretakers, but it has become an outmoded system which needs to be rejigged to ensure that staff, particularly secretarial staff, get full-time employment and are recognised in the system. Deputy Healy...

Firearms and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill 2019: Second Stage [Private Members] (2 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: Like others, I want to compliment Deputy O'Callaghan. Any time I have approached him on any issue, but particularly on this issue, he has always had a listening ear. It is long past time this issue was addressed. I have spoken about the need for mandatory sentencing for those convicted of causing incapacity, or injuring or intimidating, with the use of a knife, who should face the full...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (2 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: All Members are anticipating the budget next week. I hope the Ministers for Finance and Health will be cognisant that next week is mental health week and next Thursday is World Mental Health Day. Page 5 of the programme for Government includes a commitment on mental health which recognises that early intervention is crucial. All Members are aware that 2,440 children and young people are on...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Animal Diseases (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: The experience of anglers, certainly those in the north east, has not been as the Minister of State describes in terms of IFI being proactive. He mentioned the River Boyne but, to my knowledge, that has not been the experience of anglers with respect to the other rivers I mentioned. Anglers have been asked to deal with the issue but the IFI has trained staff. It would have been expected...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Animal Diseases (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: This very important issue was brought to my attention by the Dundalk and District Brown Trout and Salmon Anglers Association. It is also of great concern to many others who are interested in their environment. All Members know that the number of Atlantic salmon entering our rivers has declined in numbers in recent years. There are similar causes for concern in all European countries. In...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Recruitment (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 118. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 125 of 26 March 2019, the remit of the working group; the membership of the group; the number of times the working group has met in each quarter since its establishment; when the group will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39335/19]

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Defence Forces Operations (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 119. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress made on the gap analysis of skills sets in the Permanent Defence Forceto identify potential roles for members of the Defence Forces Reserve with specialist skills; the efforts he has made to date in 2019 to progress the initiative; when the gap analysis will report its findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter....

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Brexit Issues (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 134. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to differences in tax policies on both sides of the Border, a truckload of coal is €2,217 more expensive here than in Northern Ireland; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this price differential will increase further post-Brexit; the actions being taken to prevent smuggling...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Customs and Excise Controls (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 135. To ask the Minister for Finance the measures being taken to monitor goods entering the State across the Border after the UK leaves the EU; if extra customs staff are being deployed for this purpose; if new offices of the Revenue Commissioners are being established along the Border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39417/19]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 136. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to amend the criteria under the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme to qualify for a primary medical certificate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a large number of disabled drivers are at a severe disadvantage by not meeting the strict criteria as currently set out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39476/19]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Budget 2020 (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 146. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider reliefs for the haulage industry in budget 2020 by not increasing carbon tax for licensed hauliers; if he will introduce measures to reduce fuel costs for licensed hauliers by doubling the rebate level allowed under the diesel rebate scheme from 7.5c to 15c and reducing the floor at which the rebate starts from €1.00 to 85c; and...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Budget 2020 (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 147. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider no increase in motor tax, VRT or other taxes on the licensed haulage sector in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39815/19]

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Projects (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 492. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the €34 million in funding promised for the Ardee bypass can be ring-fenced in order that the project will not lose out if funding is needed elsewhere in the interim period in view of the fact that there is a proposal for a review of the scheme design for the Ardee bypass in advance of progressing to construction; and if he...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Driver Licences (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 493. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the deadline for persons here driving with UK licences in order to swap their licence for an Irish licence in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39399/19]

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Men's Sheds (1 Oct 2019)

Declan Breathnach: 574. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will consider providing funding of €1,000,000 over a three year period to an association (details supplied); if he will consider a multi-departmental approach to the awarding of such funding; if his attention has been drawn to the benefits that would accrue from this small investment; and if he will make a statement on...

Report on Relationships and Sexuality Education: Motion (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: While listening to the other speakers, I could not help but note that the majority of those who spoke are teachers, including the Minister, with the exception of Deputies Tóibín and Funchion. That said, I could not help but think that if Members stood in this house 50 years ago and mentioned the word "sex" or "sexuality", they would either have been told to resume their seat or...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Illicit Trade in Fuel and Tobacco Products (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I thank the Minister for his response. I want to make a number of suggestions that he might consider. I commend the work of the Revenue Commissioners and the Customs service. I commend the resilience of Border traders who have struggled during the years owing to volatility which is much greater in the context of Brexit. I would like the Minister to consider providing extra staff and for...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Illicit Trade in Fuel and Tobacco Products (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: We must be cognisant that it is not just a question of illicit trade; ultimately, people along the Border and beyond seek a bargain. They cannot be blamed for this, but the problem is that, when they seek to buy the cheaper products, they will also do their weekly shopping, which further affects revenue streams in the South. I have an illicit trade Bill that is being promoted by Retailers...

Ceisteanna (Atógáil) - Questions (Resumed) - Ceisteanna Eile (Atógáil) - Other Questions (Resumed): Illicit Trade in Fuel and Tobacco Products (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I speak in the absence of Deputy Brendan Smith, but I am reflecting the view of all Border Deputies. What additional resources does the Minister plan to introduce to counteract cross-Border smuggling and illicit trade, especially in tobacco, drink and fuel products? Will he make a statement on the matter?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement: Business of Joint Committee
Integrated Education: Discussion (26 Sep 2019)

Declan Breathnach: I thank Mr. Fitzsimmons, Ms Marshall, Ms McNamee and Ms Copeland for their excellent presentations. My background is as a primary school teacher for 35 years before I was elected to the House. I worked in a small primary school where we embraced the integration of boys and girls, first, and of disability, second. The benefit from that, in the influence on all children and adults, not least...