Results 48,081-48,100 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (22 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 333 together. IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland. The Agency is committed to achieving the best possible regional balance in investments. In tandem with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), the Agency is actively encouraging FDI into all regions, including Wexford,...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (22 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The zoning of land is a matter for the planning authorities and policy in relation to tax incentives is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance. IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland. The marketing of individual areas, including, available property solutions, for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs...

Written Answers — Radon Gas Levels: Radon Gas Levels (22 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: During 2005 my Department carried out tests on the radon levels in the eight buildings occupied by the Department in co-operation with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The test results were analysed by the Institute which confirmed that radon levels in all of my Department buildings were well below the National Reference Levels for radon in workplaces.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (22 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: In 2005 my Department used 971,000 Kilowatts of electricity at a cost of €158,000. The electricity suppliers were ESB and Energia. In the same period a total of 443,828KW of gas was supplied by Bord Gáis Éireann costing €18,977.81. The Department's office in Kildare Street shares heating costs with Leinster House and the apportioned costs for my Department in 2005 came to €30,862....

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (22 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: In 2005 my Department purchased 444 × 19 litre bottles of water at a cost of €8,238.34. The suppliers of the bottled water were Tipperary Natural Mineral Water, Aquaid and Glen Patrick Natural Mineral Water. In the same period, water charges from Dublin City Council were €9,069.27 representing 6,819 cubic metres of tap water.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (22 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The provisions governing transfers and sick leave within the Civil Service are prescribed by the Department of Finance. Transfers are subject to an assessment of the sick leave and performance records of staff. Sick leave is assessed on the basis of a limit of no more than 56 days sick leave and no more than 25 sick absences in the previous 4 years. The only exception to this is in respect...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (22 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Work Permit Section of my Department has informed me that the work permit has issued recently in this case.

Written Answers — Groceries Order: Groceries Order (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Groceries Order was abolished primarily because it allowed wholesalers and suppliers to determine minimum retail prices charged to consumers, thereby seriously constraining price competition in the grocery trade. During the time the Groceries Order was in force more than 2,000 small independent retailers went out of business resulting in the grocery trade in Ireland becoming more...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I am aware that New Zealand's Commerce Commission has issued civil proceedings against two credit card companies and a number of financial institutions for alleged price-fixing in relation to retailer's fees. In Ireland, charges imposed by credit institutions are notifiable under section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 (as amended) to the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority...

Written Answers — Competition Authority: Competition Authority (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy's question concerns investigations which are part of the day to day work of the Competition Authority. The Competition Authority is an independent statutory agency responsible for the enforcement of competition law across all sectors of the Irish economy. I have no direct responsibility for the day to day work of the Authority. In any case, investigations by their very nature...

Written Answers — Research Funding: Research Funding (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The following table sets out the position in relation to funding allocations for RTDI under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and the amounts spent to date in both the Border, Midlands and Western and the Southern and Eastern regions. The RTDI Priority is one of four priority areas to receive funding under the Productive Sector Operational Programme. This funding is comprised of both...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The Forfás Annual Employment Survey records jobs gained and lost in companies supported by the Industrial Development Agencies. At the end of 2005 there were 7 IDA supported companies employing 1, 069 people in Cavan and 6 companies employing 290 people...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: IDA Ireland is the Agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment to Ireland while Enterprise Ireland is responsible for the development of indigenous industry with export potential. As part of its statutory responsibilities IDA Ireland maintains a property portfolio to assist in the marketing of individual areas and regions to both overseas investors...

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: While responsibility for the food sector rests with the Minister for Agriculture and Food, I am aware that the market for canned meat is in decline as a result of changed consumer preferences and a greater emphasis on fresh and chilled products. Enterprise Ireland has been aware for some time of the difficulties being experienced at the plant in question. Over the past two years, the agency...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Work Permit section of my Department informs me that, having heard an appeal, the original decision was upheld in this case. The proposed employee is currently the subject of a deportation order issued by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and is, therefore, not eligible to enter the workforce. Furthermore, in the aftermath of EU Enlargement, it is Government...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Mayo County Enterprise Board (CEB) was established in 1993 to provide support to small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. The Board's function is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity at local level. The CEB supports individuals, firms, community groups, provided that the projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability. Priority must...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (21 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Support for job creation and investment in individual counties and towns is a day-to-day operational matter for the development agencies as part of their responsibility under the Industrial Development Acts. While I may give general policy directives to the agencies I am precluded under the Industrial Developments Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving...

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (16 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The information requested by the Deputy, which is included in the following table, refers to Bodies or Agencies that come under my Department's remit and which are funded by my Department, but which are statutorily independent of the Department in the execution of their day-to-day functions. I should also say that under Delegation of Ministerial Functions Orders, responsibility for making a...

Industrial Development Bill 2006: Second Stage (16 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I thank Deputies who contributed to the debate. The Industrial Development Bill has a narrow focus. It is an enabling Bill that provides security for employees who transfer from Shannon Development. Their terms and conditions of employment are protected, in line with the views expressed by Deputy Finian McGrath, in respect of employee rights. The transfer from Shannon Development to...

Industrial Development Bill 2006: Referral to Select Committee (16 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, in accordance with Standing Order 120(1) and paragraph 1(a)(i) of the Orders of Reference of that committee.