Results 48,161-48,180 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Yes. A total of 70 greenfield and expansion projects were sanctioned in 2004, and a further 71 in 2005. This year looks even better. The quality of this year's investments says a great deal about Ireland and its world class manufacturing capability in the field of pharmaceuticals and of bio-pharmaceuticals in particular. For example, the largest biotechnology company in the world, namely,...

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The financial services company Northern Trust will locate in Limerick. Today, Google, the Internet company that is the brand name in terms of Internet activity, decided to locate in Ireland. From my perspective, such high quality investments in what I would describe as the industries of tomorrow are reassuring. Such organisations have made hard decisions. When I visit such companies in...

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Opposition parties did not introduce it.

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: They opposed it. Deputy Rabbitte opposed it.

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I welcome any constructive suggestions from Deputy Hogan regarding ongoing issues pertaining to foreign direct investment.

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: We are planning very effectively and comprehensively for the future. The research and development strategy is a plan for future industry, jobs and competitiveness. This is why we put so much effort into it. A total of eight Departments were involved in the process, which was chaired by my Department. I chaired a Cabinet sub-committee on science and technology. We see it as critical for...

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Charlie McCreevy personified the tax cutting agenda in this country, which produced increased revenue flows in respect of corporation tax and capital gains tax.

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I always remember how Deputy Rabbitte attacked Mr. McCreevy's policies on positive tax reform on that occasion and tried to score some political points off them.

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: It is important to always remember that the Deputies opposite opposed Mr. McCreevy's policies at that time. It is a very positive development that they now attempt to seek credit for them.

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: On the contrary, it is important that Mr. McCreevy——

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: With the greatest respect, Mr. McCreevy is making a great contribution to the global enterprise that is the European Union and his impact is already being felt in that jurisdiction.

Economic Competitiveness. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy may speak for himself.

State Property. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The details of Enterprise Ireland's expenditure over the past five years on its current headquarters in Glasnevin in order to meet both its business needs and health and safety obligations is an operational matter for Enterprise Ireland and not one in which I have a function. However, I understand from Enterprise Ireland that, in the period 2001-06, it spent €6.6 million on redevelopments...

State Property. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I have already answered the Deputy's last question about when the decision was made. The decision was made by Enterprise Ireland. The agency has been undergoing significant change over the past two years. It has launched a very impactful strategic vision for the future and is very clear in its focus following the report of the enterprise strategy group on what it must do to develop and...

State Property. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Such money was not effectively thrown out the window. If the Deputy was to go through the reply in detail, he would note it illustrates that is not the case. I will not estimate the value of any sale.

State Property. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The market will determine that. The Deputy knows as well as anyone that the sales of any asset or building in Dublin are buoyant.

State Property. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Any person on the street would know that. It is common sense from that point of view.

State Property. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy has asked questions and sought replies. As I said, Enterprise Ireland is going through a period of structural change not only in its objectives but in how the organisation is structured. A fundamental document was prepared in the context of the enterprise strategy group which recommended certain courses of action. I have full confidence in the executive management of Enterprise...

Personal Injuries Assessment Board. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of recent media publicity concerning the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. The PIAB has received 36,000 cases since it was established. I understand from the PIAB that 6,000 of these were settled up-front from the outset, 9,000 cases were settled between the parties during the PIAB process, more than 5,000 assessments have been made, and an estimated 4,000 cases are heading...

Personal Injuries Assessment Board. (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I take strong issue with Deputy Jim O'Keeffe's use of the term "basket case". There has been an ongoing attempt to undermine the PIAB and it is regrettable that the Deputy should add to what has been a sustained campaign by vested interests to undermine the board.