Results 2,621-2,640 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Unemployment Levels. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: Do the Minister and Ministers of State opposite understand that what is happening in the world is not the same everywhere? In Ireland, the standardised unemployment rate is now 6.8%. We have overtaken seven or eight countries in the past few months, since the Minister took office, and we will overtake the European average by January or February. Do they realise how serious this is and that...

Unemployment Levels. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: That was the case at the time.

Unemployment Levels. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: It seems the Department is unconcerned.

Departmental Agencies. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: The Tánaiste has overall responsibility for FÁS, but we should not ignore the importance of the role of the director general and the board in being on top of these issues. The board may have been able to do a better job in preventing problems. Does the Tánaiste still have full confidence in both?

Departmental Agencies. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: Does the Tánaiste still have full confidence in the director general and the board?

Departmental Agencies. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: Does she?

Departmental Agencies. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: I did not quite hear a "Yes" or "No".

Departmental Agencies. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: That is not the case. We were supposed to go this afternoon, but FÁS cancelled. The Tánaiste is quite wrong.

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: On the last question, if I may digress, Mr. Rody Molloy, the director general of FÁS, has met Deputy Kenny.

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: I met Mr. Molloy separately.

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: FÁS has offered to allow us to examine some of its records. We have accepted, but FÁS has been unable to find a suitable time. The Tánaiste might want to check her facts.

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: And to change the record, of course. Someone should not be barred from holding office because he or she contributed funds to Fianna Fáil, but it creates questions among the public. Was any effort, direct or indirect, made by the Taoiseach to lobby the Tánaiste on this appointment? In future, would it not be more appropriate for such decisions to be analysed by the appropriate committee,...

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: Why?

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: I do not.

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: I do not. That is why I would like an answer.

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: Was there?

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: I asked a question and the Tánaiste has not answered.

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: I specifically stated that it should not be a bar.

Departmental Appointments. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: The Minister did not answer either of the questions I posed.

Employment Rights. (20 Nov 2008)

Leo Varadkar: Even if one is an 18 year old student who works on Sundays, the minimum rate of pay is over €20 per hour. It is difficult for many small businesses in the catering and hotel sector to meet such rates of pay and, as a result, they are obliged to close. Many businesses no longer trade or serve food on Sundays. I hope the new joint labour committee will address this matter. Is the Minister...