Results 361-380 of 753 for speaker:Pippa Hackett

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Forestry Sector (14 Jul 2022)

Pippa Hackett: The figures are a matter of record and I am happy to share them with everyone. If the Deputies do not believe me, they can see them. We are fully aware of the necessity to increase our afforestation. We are also aware of the carbon benefits that can supply and, if they are planted correctly, the benefits to the wider environment, whether to water biodiversity, soil quality and so forth....

Seanad: Animal Welfare: Motion (14 Jul 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I thank my fellow Green Party Senators for tabling this motion. It is timely. I thank all Members who have spoken passionately about this issue. It is important to keep it high on the agenda. I am pleased to welcome this motion on behalf of the Government, and I am particularly pleased that my Cabinet colleagues decided this week to support it, signalling the Government's commitment to...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Forestry Sector (14 Jul 2022)

Pippa Hackett: All of us who are interested in forestry in Ireland generally share the same objectives. These are to have a well-functioning forestry licensing system, a clear and shared vision for the future of forestry in Ireland, and a new forestry programme which will encourage sustainable forest creation and management that meets societal needs. In line with these objectives, I set up Project...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Forestry Sector (14 Jul 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I disagree. The figures I gave in my initial response show that progress is being made. We fully accept the difficulties with afforestation. We receive about eight applications per week from farmers. It is not about the throughput of the issuing of the licences, it is the interest. I accept that confidence in the sector is incredibly low among farmers and landowners. We accept that and...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Forestry Sector (14 Jul 2022)

Pippa Hackett: That is when it will start.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (29 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I attended a wonderful event on Monday evening in the village of Rhode in County Offaly. I estimate that approximately 100 women from the local area gathered to hear from Edenderry woman Mary McHugh, also known as "Mary Menopause", who has been telling her story to anyone who will listen about her menopause, which hit her prematurely approximately ten years ago. She described menopause...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (23 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I would like to provide an update on the Government's plans for gynaecology and maternal health services in the midlands. My colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and his Department are currently working with the HSE's national women and infants health programme to increase capacity and reduce waiting times for women awaiting general gynaecology through the...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (15 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: Last week, I attended Ireland's second national biodiversity conference at Dublin Castle. It was greatly encouraging to see the level of engagement from academic experts, voluntary organisations and public servants about how best we can protect, restore and enhance our biodiversity. In his keynote address to the conference, the Taoiseach spoke of a growing realisation that our fortunes as a...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Horticulture Sector (15 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I assure the Deputy that we certainly accept his concerns and those he has raised for the sector. I am acutely aware of the key importance of the professional horticulture sector and he has highlighted the significant number of jobs and value to our economy. I want to assure him that the Government is working as a priority to assist the horticulture industry in resolving these issues. I...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Horticulture Sector (15 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: We have listened to the sector many times over.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Horticulture Sector (15 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. As he will be aware, extraction of peat for the Irish professional horticultural industry in recent years has been challenging from a legal and regulatory perspective. A series of High Court judgments, beginning in the early 2010s, that dealt with peat extraction and lack of compliance across the extraction sector has generated supply challenges...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. For the month that is in it, I want to talk about Pride in 2022. I recall having an overwhelming sense of pride in my country when Ireland passed the same-sex marriage referendum. After all, love is love. However, seven years on I am prompted to reassess. It is my wedding anniversary today. I have had 21 happy years with Mark. Never once in...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action: Youth Perspectives on Climate Challenges: Discussion with Foróige and Comhairle na nÓg (3 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I thank the Chairperson, Deputy Leddin, and the Cathaoirleach, Senator Daly. I welcome Deputy Leddin and his Dáil colleagues to the Upper House of the Oireachtas, and we get a kick out of doing so. Today is an historic day in the Seanad and I appreciate being part of it. I thank the Chairperson and his committee colleagues for arranging this meeting and making it happen. I thank...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Roads Projects (2 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I thank the Senator for his question. He is right that I am familiar with this stretch of road. As he is aware, the Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in regard to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with TII, under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 and in line with the national development plan, NDP, the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Roads Projects (2 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: It is good to be the bearer of some positive news, which is not always possible when there are particular difficulties. I am glad the Senator is happy with the response and that he recognises the positive and proactive measures that have been undertaken. Approximately €51.6 million has been allocated to the N5 upgrade. It is a significant project and it is important that it be...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Ports Facilities (2 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I thank Senator Buttimer for his Commencement matter. The Port of Cork is currently a designated border control post, BCP, approved for container shipments of wood and wood products. Inspections take place at the Tivoli container terminal near Cork city where there is a leased Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine office and inspection room, where unloading bays have been shared...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Ports Facilities (2 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I thank the Senator and can see the passion he has for this issue. I am sure the Port of Cork welcomes his support for its submission. The issue is still under consideration. I cannot say whether it is ruled in or out. It is still open and the submission from the Port of Cork seems justifiable. The Senator's pleas for it to happen are justified. We are continuing to analyse the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Covid-19 Pandemic (2 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I thank the Senator for raising this issue today. On 19 January, the Government announced a Covid-19 recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise the unique role they played during the pandemic. The payment will not be subject to income tax, USC or PRSI. The measure will be ring-fenced to staff who worked ordinarily on-site in Covid-19 exposed...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Covid-19 Pandemic (2 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: I share the Senator's frustrations. I assure him that all those eligible will receive their payments, though I accept that it has not been very quickly delivered. Department of Health officials are working hard to roll this payment out as soon as possible and the Minister looks forward to this progressing very shortly. Getting back to the original point about recognising that so many...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (2 Jun 2022)

Pippa Hackett: Today marks the start of Bord Bia Bloom 2022 in the Phoenix Park. It provides a fantastic opportunity for people to engage with nature, gardening and biodiversity. Bloom is open from today until bank holiday Monday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. It is to be hoped there will be plenty of opportunity for people to attend and enjoy the show. This year's show incorporates 19 show gardens...