Results 2,881-2,900 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (6 Jul 2006)

Micheál Martin: The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table. A number of Task Forces were established between 1997 and 2001 in response to job losses in particular areas. However, the practice of creating such Task Forces changed after the establishment of County Development Boards, as the Boards were seen to be best placed to oversee any additional response required to job...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (6 Jul 2006)

Micheál Martin: At present there are 7 vacant properties in Waterford on which IDA Ireland has long term lease agreements. All these premises are located in the Waterford Industrial Estate. These leases, which are 35-year leases, were entered into between 1983 and 1989. The outstanding balance of the leases is 11 years on average. The outstanding amount due on the balance of the leases is €5,195,810. It is...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (6 Jul 2006)

Micheál Martin: My Department incurs expenditure in relation to media and advertising mainly to comply with statutory requirements. Since 2002 the expenditure incurred by my Department is listed as follows: 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 € € € € € National Newspapers 170,297 261,797 116,858 232,599 83,509 Provincial Newspapers 2,386 175 2,733 4,090 272 Magazines Nil...

Written Answers — FÁS Training Programmes: FÁS Training Programmes (6 Jul 2006)

Micheál Martin: Between the period 1st July, 2005, to 31st December, 2005, FÁS grant-aided the Lucan Disability Action Group Social Economy Programme a total of €52,656.07. Information concerning funding provided for the remainder of the twelve month period, and agreed in the future, would be available from Pobal.

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (6 Jul 2006)

Micheál Martin: State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies. Both EI and IDA are actively promoting and encouraging new investments and jobs for Counties Laois and Offaly and are also working with existing clients in the county with a view to helping them expand and or move their activities up the value chain. In the period from 2000 to 2005...

Job Losses. (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I was very concerned to hear that the company in question has announced it will reduce its workforce during October and November. According to the company, this difficult decision was taken due to the non-viability of the wholesale section of the business. I am very conscious of the effect these job losses will have on the workers involved, their...

Job Losses. (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: Enterprise Ireland has approved funding of over €1.2 million to client companies in the north Mayo area since 2003. A new Enterprise Ireland supported high potential start-up company, Heatsolve Limited, commenced operations in Ballina in 2005. I was with it in South Africa last week. Enterprise Ireland has committed funding of over €700,000 to the IRD North Mayo-West Sligo Limited for...

Job Losses. (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: This is an important point. I did not interrupt the Deputy and it is important in a debate such as this that we put facts on the table. In August 2005, there were 1,605 people on the live register in Ballina. The most recent data available, which are for August 2006, show that the number has fallen to 1,448.

Job Losses. (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: Going back four years to August 2002, the figure for Ballina was 528 higher than now, with 1,976 people on the live register. The Deputy's use of the words "unemployment blackspot" to describe a growing and developing town does nothing to help its position regarding future investment.

Job Losses. (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: That negative profile does nothing to help any agency attract anything. We will make every effort regarding indigenous industry and to attract foreign direct investment, but overall the message that must emanate from Mayo is that we are open for all kinds of investment, including those that use the natural resources of our seas.

Job Losses. (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: What is going on with the campaign regarding the oil discoveries off the Mayo coast does nothing to enhance the county's external perception as a place where one can do business.

Company Closures. (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I thank the Deputies for raising these matters. I appreciate Deputy Cregan's very constructive approach in his opening statement by trying to look for a way forward to see whether we can salvage something from yesterday's pessimistic announcement of the appointment of a liquidator and next month's High Court hearing in the matter. I thank Deputy Neville for raising it, and appreciate his...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: As part of a response to the shortage of qualified labour in the health sector, a fast-track Work Visa/Work Authorisation scheme was introduced in 2000 to facilitate the immigration of suitably qualified medical professionals including physiotherapists. The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that the number of permits issued in respect of physiotherapists for 2005 and from...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that this application was refused and that the employer has appealed but the original decision in this case was upheld. I should add that, in the aftermath of EU Enlargement, it is Government policy that employers should be able to source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Accordingly, only in cases where...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 933 and 934 together. The Small Business Forum, which I set up last year, and whose report I published in May, were asked by me to examine the overall current environment for conducting small business in Ireland and to advise on the adequacy and appropriateness of public policy responses in the context of that environment. In carrying out their review the...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The person concerned was employed on a short-term contract as a Temporary Service Attendant. His contract was due to expire on 12 May 2006. His contract was extended until 28 July 2006 to allow for a number of appeals he made in writing and orally. The Secretary General of the Department, having fully considered the matter, and following legal advice from the Office of the Attorney...

Written Answers — Health and Safety Regulations: Health and Safety Regulations (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Health and Safety Authority, which is the body responsible for enforcement of occupational safety and health legislation in Ireland, has conducted a pilot programme in relation to the Voluntary Protection Programme. This pilot programme, which commenced in 2004, arose out of a joint EU/US meeting that considered areas for practical co-operation between the EU and US. The programme is...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that they have no record of a valid application in this case.

Written Answers — FÁS Training Programmes: FÁS Training Programmes (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: Present policy is that participation on FÁS employment schemes has an upper age limit of 65 years of age. Under this arrangement FÁS may provide funds to community based employers to cover participant costs until the day before his/her 66th birthday. As the Deputy is aware, as FÁS is not the employer of scheme participants, any employer may choose to continue to employ individuals beyond...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: IDA Ireland is the Agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland. During 2005 the Agency hosted one first-time site visit to both Westport and Castlebar. The Agency is maintaining contact with the companies involved with a view to securing investment, if possible. Unfortunately, IDA was unable to secure visits to any of the other...