Results 301-320 of 8,342 for speaker:Peter Burke

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Official Engagements (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: We have banned zero-hour contracts. We have worked to bring in tips and gratuities legislation to protect the most vulnerable workers. We have introduced a sick pay scheme that is ever-present. We were clear in our manifesto before we went into government that, at this point in time, we did not feel we could extend it any further. We have commissioned a review of employment legislation....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Official Engagements (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: It is a fact that the Government committed to an action plan on collective bargaining in its first three months in office. It is a fact that we are commencing auto-enrolment on 1 January.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Official Engagements (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: It is a fact that we have commenced a review of all employment legislation. It is a fact that the Government has worked to protect the most vulnerable workers.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Official Engagements (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: It is a fact that we have significantly increased the minimum wage in the years since the establishment of the Low Pay Commission.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Official Engagements (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: It absolutely is. I have quoted the figure of an increase of 29% since 2022. That is a fact. Of people who are 15 to 19 who are entitled and legally able to work, only a quarter are earning sub-minimum rates. It is a very small number of people. Critically, we have to look at barriers of entry to education, which is very important. The evidence I have behind that has not been available...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Small and Medium Enterprises (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I thank Deputy McAuliffe for this important question. It is a matter that will pave the way for a significant future in Ireland for semiconductors and other areas. Important projects of common European interest are becoming increasingly important as a means to enhance the competitiveness of the EU and its member states. The new programme for Government contains a commitment to "Boost...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: National Minimum Wage (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I am not picking sides. I am ensuring that we have valuable employment and strong businesses. Anyone who says we have not improved workers' conditions is not backing that statement up with evidence. Auto-enrolment will be introduced on 1 January. There is a right to request remote working. Tips legislation to protect vulnerable workers has been introduced. Zero-hour contracts were...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: National Minimum Wage (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I thank the Deputy for his very important question. I acknowledge and thank the 2.8 million workers going to work today on what is International Workers' Day. I look forward to addressing the House in that respect later. I am committed to improving the pay of low-paid workers and the Government’s track record on this is beyond question. Since 2020, the national minimum wage has...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: National Minimum Wage (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: The Government has committed to achieving the living wage in the current Administration. The increases of 12% and 10% we have had in recent number years are significantly above wage growth in economy which is 3.5%. They are also above the inflation rate relating to our economy, which has now tapered down to about 1.75%. My key issue is to make and ensure that any increases are...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Industrial Development (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I thank the Deputy for his question. The IDA has a landholding of 20 ha at Ballingarrane science and technology park in Clonmel, County Tipperary, and, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, has lodged a planning application for a 10,000 sq.m advanced building solution on a site area of approximately 3.4 ha. This application is currently proceeding through the planning process. IDA...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Industrial Development (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I will point out that we have seen a significant increase in IDA activity and employment in the mid-west region - approximately 16% over the past five years. The Deputy will know of very important client companies in his region, including Boston Scientific and Waystone, where there has been a new investment of 100 jobs. Working very closely with my colleague, Michael Murphy, we are doing a...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Industrial Development (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: To be absolutely clear, the figures I gave for the IDA's marketing in the mid-west region are for Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, which are categorised together. The Deputy will see the results I pointed out. There are 27,000 jobs in that sector. There is also a very significant investment in the capital fund, where we have our advanced factory units, and where the IDA part the Deputy...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Programme for Government (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I thank Deputy Neville. He is quite right to point out those key areas. As a Government, we are very committed to unblocking so many of the challenges to infrastructure delivery. The Deputy will see the decisions made by Cabinet in that regard. Commencing the planning Act will be key and central to delivering that pipeline. There are huge opportunities here, as I mentioned, through the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Job Losses (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: In all the sectors the Deputy referenced, we are absolutely responding with significant policy interventions, particularly our action plan on competitiveness. While there was a huge increase in growth in the technological sector of approximately 15% or more during the pandemic period, we have seen a recalibration in some areas. While it is difficult for families to face news of uncertainty,...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Job Losses (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: In respect of Carelon Global Solutions, we are working closely with the company. There is an established protocol in the Department for any company that is encountering difficulty or making announcements. We are the first responders in there working with them, providing skills and ensuring they have the pathway to further training and redeployment. That is a big challenge in some of the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Programme for Government (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I thank the Deputy for his question. Ireland is currently a strong competitive global economy. This performance is reflected in our exceptionally strong economic performance in recent years. However, the international context is rapidly changing and we recognise, as do many businesses, where our indigenous and foreign direct investment, FDI, sector are concerned, that they are facing...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Programme for Government (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I thank the Deputy for his question. He has been to the forefront in engaging with me in connection with Intel and it being significant in his locality. While I note comments by its chief executive, Intel’s Fab 24 is the most advanced manufacturing facility in Europe. We in Ireland are proud to have Intel here. As a Government, we will do everything we can to support it into the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Job Losses (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I thank the Deputy for her question. Although the technology sector has undergone a period of sustained growth for more than 20 years, modest contractions have occurred recently. Possible US trade actions on semiconductors and other challenges have also created a moment of international uncertainty in the sector. In response to these geopolitical and trade challenges, the Government has...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Departmental Bodies (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Small Business Unit has been established in my Department. This is a commitment in the Programme for Government and a recognition of the importance that the Government places on small businesses. The Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across...

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: White Papers (1 May 2025)

Peter Burke: The White Paper on Enterprise was published by Government in 2022 and focused on enabling Irish-based enterprise to succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity, delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods. The White Paper Implementation Plan 2023-2024 was subsequently developed in May 2023, and focused on ensuring the commitments set out in...