Results 21,721-21,740 of 29,533 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Other Questions: State Bodies (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: Let me deal with the two points made by the Deputy. On his first question, there are 13 Supplementary Estimates on the Order Paper. The rules of the House require that I do not pre-empt the discussion on Supplementary Estimates listed on the Order Paper.

Other Questions: State Bodies (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: The Deputy knows that. He knows the Supplementary Estimates are listed on the Order Paper. The ones that are not on the Order Paper have not yet been dealt with by the Government. Thirteen of the 15-----

Other Questions: State Bodies (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: The Ceann Comhairle works very hard to educate Deputies on the rules of the House but those who have been here a long time should know them. On this issue, I have answered comprehensively on any agency within my ministerial remit. I am not answerable for every Minister in the Government. The normal procedure for the kind of information requested by the Deputy is to table a question to...

Other Questions: State Bodies (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I said no such thing.

Other Questions: State Bodies (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: As the Deputy knows.

Other Questions: State Bodies (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: The Deputy plays the game both ways. He knows the rules and normally asks questions seeking information in tabular form. I will happily answer questions on areas for which I am responsible. However, if the Deputy wants to ask specifically about legislation brought through this House to establish other agencies or bodies by my ministerial colleagues, he knows full well he must ask those...

Other Questions: Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I am not aware of the foundational basis of the analysis referred to in the Deputy's question or the basis for the specific conclusion relating to the level of public expenditure relative to that in other EU states. As the Deputy will be aware, there are important issues relating to differences in the composition of public expenditure in different jurisdictions affected by such factors as,...

Other Questions: Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I would obviously love to be in a position to spend more, but we have defended investment in infrastructure and, more importantly, focused on it as best we can in the capital plan. Social housing was a feature of the budget I introduced 13 months ago. At that stage we allocated in excess of €2.2 billion for housing and re-established the spend on social housing for the first time in...

Other Questions: Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I agree absolutely with a lot of what Deputy Mick Wallace said. It is simple to rejig local authorities back into providing housing because that capacity was hollowed out of them for the past ten years. I spoke to housing officers, including those in our county. There was an annual trawl to find the correct sites and make sure they were serviced. There were a number of local authority...

Other Questions: Wild Atlantic Way Project (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I thank the Deputy for his question. The Wild Atlantic Way brand has successfully grabbed the imagination of many visitors to Ireland and proved to be a very popular proposition for attract tourists. The OPW manages in excess of 716 national monument and heritage sites, a significant number of which are located on the route to which the Deputy referred. We are all familiar with sites such...

Other Questions: Wild Atlantic Way Project (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I agree entirely with the Deputy on the need to ensure visitors are informed about what there is to see in this country. The success of the Wild Atlantic Way took all of us, even Fáilte Ireland, by surprise. It was a good idea which was marketed very well. In the aftermath of The Gathering, it was a question of finding the next big idea and that big idea has been extraordinarily...

Other Questions: Wild Atlantic Way Project (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I take the Deputy's point. Ensuring there is proper road-sign planning and signage and developing a sophisticated app are not mutually exclusive endeavours. We need to do both. Some people like to plan their tourism route in detail, in which case an app would be very useful. Others are more opportunistic, will see a sign and decide to visit a place. We do not want people to sail past...

Other Questions: Employment Rights (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I note the Deputy submitted a similar question to my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, on 4 November, in his reply to which he pointed out that it was up to an individual, following consideration of the terms on which voluntary redundancy was being offered, to decide whether to avail of voluntary redundancy. The terms that should apply in the case of redundancy of...

Other Questions: Employment Rights (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I do not know whether the Deputy has indicated which agency or body is involved. I do not have any such information in front of me, but I certainly will look at any specific case she presents to me and ensure it is examined by experts in my Department. If there are broader implications for the conduct of any agency, we will certainly advise it to that effect. In addition, we will give...

Other Questions: Office of Government Procurement (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: The enforcement of tax, social welfare and employment legislation, as well as health and safety and building control regulations, etc., apply equally to public and private sector contracts. Consequently, it is not for me, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to set out a separate policy for public sector contracts. It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to ensure...

Other Questions: Office of Government Procurement (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: As to who is responsible, the contracting body, if it is an agency or a Department, is the contractor. Obviously, they are aided and guided by the new OGP. It sets out overarching frameworks to ensure European and domestic laws are fully applied. Any contract is with the contracting party, which is the agency or the Department awarding the contract. Regarding the Construction Contracts...

Other Questions: Office of Government Procurement (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: Any contractor on site in Ireland is subject to all the normal health and safety, taxation and other laws that apply. The agencies that supervise these contractors have full access to them and ensure compliance with these laws. There is no difference between a contractor sited and registered in the State and a contractor who happens to be outside of the State in terms of their legal...

Other Questions: Public Procurement Contracts Social Clauses (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: We support social clauses and are examining how they can be applied. Social clauses have been included in the contracts we have done under the stimulus package. Additional information not given on the floor of the House The Government supports the use of social clauses in a manner which can address issues such as social exclusion, long-term unemployment or provide enhanced opportunities...

Other Questions: Public Procurement Contracts Social Clauses (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: It is a matter in which I have taken direct interest. I have to avoid dislodging SMEs by putting in social contracts. It is a balance which we are examining with some great care. The operation of this clause has already been successfully piloted and local Intreo offices have worked closely with the appointed contractors to support the pilot initiative. The OGP is developing guidance on...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Fiscal Policy (19 Nov 2015)

Brendan Howlin: The Deputy's question highlights the pivotal role played by my Department in supporting the delivery of Government priorities such as securing fiscal stability, sustainable economic growth and social progress. My Department has played a key role in ensuring that Ireland continues to meet its key fiscal targets. As a result of the fiscal policies of...