Results 1-20 of 933 for in 'Dáil debates' speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Deputy Griffin for his continued support for this initiative. He is correct that the purchase of Inch Strand by the NPWS on behalf of the State now forms part of the new Páirc Náísiúnta na Mara, along with Derrynane, Conor Pass, Owenmore and Sceilg Mhichíl. The marine national park is a really important and wonderful initiative by the State. At the...

Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: That was a disingenuous comment.

Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: That was a disingenuous comment by Deputy Guirke. I will follow this up with the National Monuments Service, liaise with the OPW on this matter and revert to the Deputy in due course.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I had a wonderful visit to Howth portal tomb recently. Also known as Aideen’s Grave, it dates from the Neolithic period and is a recorded monument situated in the Howth demesne townland. Within a peninsula of great historical, archaeological and amenity importance, it is an important landmark. As a recorded monument, Aideen’s Grave...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: As a recorded monument, Aideen's Grave is already afforded protection under the National Monuments Act. When the Historical and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 is commenced, I will give consideration to exercising powers under section 89(5), if necessary and appropriate, in this or any other instance. It is not something I can decide in advance.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I cannot give a specific timeline, but we are progressing it. I can try to revert to the Deputy with a timeline. Under section 89, the amendment would not alter the general position. The Minister has no role in imposing any public access to privately owned monuments. While dependent on the commencement of the Act and the new register that has to be established, the section will enable...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Bus Services (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The specific issues the Deputy has raised here are significant. I will speak to the Minister for Transport about the NTA engaging again on this. The Deputy has raised quite a few issues. Certainly the last thing Government wishes in terms of overall policy is to deter people from using public transport or put barriers in their way. It should be affordable, reliable and safe. That is...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Bus Services (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I am taking this issue on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan. I wish to clarify that the Minister has responsibility for policy and overall funding in respect of public transport, and neither the Minister or his officials are involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. The statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport...

Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Motion (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will try to touch on some of the points raised. I really appreciate the contributions of all the Deputies this afternoon. I agree with Deputy Connolly. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to debate the issue. For National Biodiversity Day perhaps the Business Committee could look at having a broader debate on these issues. In this term of the Dáil, it is encouraging that we...

Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Motion (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I am very grateful for the opportunity to speak today. I take this opportunity to formally welcome the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Change report on the examination of the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. I express my thanks to members of the committee, who worked collaboratively and very diligently to produce the report in a...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Coastal Erosion (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The scoping report on national coastal change management was approved by Government on 26 October last year. The strategy set out in this scoping report involves an integrated whole-of-government approach, with actions across many sectors. My Department will play a key role in co-ordinating and driving this essential work programme. The OPW has been designated as the national lead...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medical Cards (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will not be disingenuous and read the script in closing because the Deputy is well aware of the response. The issue he is raising is a much broader issue in terms of the reality of living on the islands in this day and age. It is a broader issue for Government and future governments to consider in respect of the economic, financial and other supports that can be put in place to ensure...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Coastal Erosion (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Deputy raises a matter that is of extreme concern to us all, and should be. She is correct that it is not only down to climate change or sea level rise that this is happening now, but this certainly is being exacerbated by it. In many parts of the world, retreat and abandonment are becoming part of climate adaptation strategy. It is something that is with us and something we have to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Regarding De La Salle College in Dundalk, my understanding is that, last October, five students were accepted into its ASD unit for the semester starting in September 2023. However, on 26 March of this year, the school called to state it could no longer offer a place to any of the students. The reason given to parents was that the Department of Education was not providing the promised...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medical Cards (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Teachta as ucht an cheist seo a cur. Eligibility for a medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment, which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970. The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn per week and...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputies for the questions and for giving me an opportunity to outline how the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education continue to support children with special educational needs. Enabling students with additional needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is an ongoing priority for the Government. It is a priority to ensure all...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Schemes (17 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: There are specific questions here particularly in regard to that timeframe. That is a valid question to ask and certainly we can ask the Department to look at that. In regard to the second question, I cannot give the answer to it here, so again I will ask the Department to look at that, about challenging those decisions, if that is okay. Fingal County Council has been quite progressive....

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Schemes (17 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will read the script and then come back with the specifics. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. Under Housing for All, there is provision for 200 social housing acquisitions each year. However, with increased pressures on housing and the exit of landlords from the market, the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, reinstated delegated sanction to local authorities in April 2022 to...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Heritage Sites (11 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together. As a key partner in the Government's delivery of affordable and social homes, the Land Development Agency is activating and securing the delivery of social and affordable homes in stalled planning consented developments, managing the State's own lands to develop new homes and partnering with local authorities to unlock delivery at scale...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Heritage Sites (11 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Deputy will appreciate that there are several complexities around the site, particularly in relation to the protected structures that are located on the front of the Columb Barracks site, which may be suitable for cultural and heritage use. I know the Deputy had discussions about this already during the tour he had. It is hugely important for the town of Mullingar that the potential for...