Results 1-20 of 9,326 for speaker:Simon Harris in 'Dáil debates'

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together. I met the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels on 11 April. Ireland’s membership of the European Union is of great importance to our national prosperity, well-being, and indeed, to our sense of identity and I undertook an early visit to Brussels as a signal of my commitment to continuing our...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I join with Deputy Ó Murchú in extending my sympathies to the family of Pat from Dundalk and I associate myself with the Deputy's remarks. I also welcome the Deputy's commitment to the Narrow Water Bridge, which President von der Leyen and I did not discuss directly. Having said that, I know the importance of the bridge to this country, to the Deputy's region and the constituency...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank colleagues for their contributions. I join Deputy Haughey and others in very much welcoming the overwhelming vote at the UN General Assembly on ensuring that Palestine can and should be a member of the United Nations. I also take this opportunity to commend our own diplomats at the United Nations led by our ambassador, Fergal Mythen, on the incredible work they do in speaking up for...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 14, inclusive, together. I spoke by phone with Prime Minister Sánchez, most recently on Monday, 6 May, when we again discussed the situation in the Middle East, especially in Gaza, concerns about Rafah, and plans to recognise the state of Palestine. In particular, we shared a deep concern about the potential impacts of an Israeli military...

Ceisteanna - Questions: European Council (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank colleagues for the range of questions. First, when it comes to Palestine, I very clearly outlined at the European Council this country's intention to recognise the state of Palestine. I believe we should do it this month, and that is what I am working towards with colleagues in Government, the three parties in Government and also with European counterparts, including the Prime...

Ceisteanna - Questions: European Council (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together. I attended a special European Council meeting in Brussels on 17 and 18 April. On 17 April, we heard from the President of the European Parliament and from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, the latter by video link. Over a working dinner, we discussed a range of international issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East and the...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy. I will raise the opening times of the injury clinics with the Minister for Health and ask him to revert. HIQA is now carrying out a review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the mid-west region to determine whether a second ED is required. Terms of reference will be finalised shortly. The Minister rightly wants to wait for the Mr. Justice Frank Clarke report...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising the case. I have a note I could read out but I do not want to insult the parents by reading it. It is clearly a very serious situation the family faces. I am aware of Mo Shaol, which provides services in Louth. I will take on board the case the Deputy has raised if he gives me the details and I will link with him directly.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank my colleague in Wicklow, Deputy Whitmore, for raising the important issue of nicotine pouches and bringing it to my attention. That sounds like an alarming and concerning situation for parents, teachers and principals. I undertake to speak with the Minister for Health on the matter and pass on the Deputy's serious concerns, which I share. I will follow up with Deputy Collins on...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I assure the Deputy there is a while to go in this Government yet, so he should not get too excited. I believe the Tánaiste may have been in Waterford at a private function, possibly even a wedding. I was in Dungarvan.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: No, I think he was at a private event. I was canvassing, and people were asking for the Deputy. I was also in Dungarvan. It was a beautiful day. The sun was out and we were talking about the launch of the traditional Irish music festival. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, knows about it. I was also in Tramore meeting young guys and girls in the surfing school there. I very much...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I fully agree. That is why when I was Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science - I thank the Deputy for his kind words - we set up a number of apprenticeships specifically in partnership with the haulage industry. We remain open for business in terms of doing more. It is also why migrants are good in this country, because when we talk to the...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy very much for raising the important issue of the need for a swimming pool in Maynooth. I will certainly raise the matter with the Minister of State with responsibility for sport, Deputy Thomas Byrne, and ask that he and I would revert directly to the Deputy.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: That is a sensible idea relating to craft apprenticeships and the composition of the 10,000 new registrations a year that will be in this space. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, about that.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: No. I agree with the Deputy's point about craft apprenticeships among the 10,000. There is a public sector target. The Deputy mentioned local authorities. It is to reach 750 apprenticeships a year by 2025.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: The overall total of 750 apprenticeships are not craft apprenticeships, but it is the public sector target. I will come back to her specifically on the craft composition of the 10,000 target.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: The timeline for that legislation remains as was, namely, later this month. I thank the Bacik for raising this important matter. I note the judgment delivered by Mr. Justice Humphreys yesterday in the Northern Ireland High Court, which found that certain provisions of the UK's Illegal Migration Act 2023 are incompatible with the Windsor Framework and the ECHR. We are studying the judgment...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I certainly will take a look at the specific scenario the Deputy has outlined to the House. I had a meeting relating to CDNTs yesterday, with the Ministers of State, Deputies Rabbitte and Naughton, and others, at the Cabinet committee on disability. I received some encouraging numbers on recruitment numbers into the teams. Certainly, the word "rationing", if that is what is happening, is...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I will do my best to give one helpful answer. I have read the report but, as Taoiseach, I wish to give it proper and thorough consideration and have the Government consider the matter. In general, my party's position has been for many years, and will continue under my leadership, to have a free vote on matters of conscience.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (14 May 2024)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising the very important case of Liam. It is one with which I am very familiar because I have heard from many of Liam's family and friends. Many of them have written to me, as have many people in his community. Of course, it is a case that case has garnered, quite rightly, much public attention. While I am reluctant to talk too much about any individual patient on...