Results 3,061-3,080 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: There has been much criticism of the former Taoiseach when he was Minister for Finance. I apologise, I refer to the current Taoiseach.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: In 2006, when I was a Member of this House, I referred in the Chamber to the fact that the Financial Times had voted him the best Minister for Finance in Europe.

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Therefore, the notion that everybody could see that we were heading for the rocks is false. International experts did not predict anything of the sort. There is no basis for such claims. The achievements of the Irish economy were admired for years. One cannot expect, any more than on the hurling field, to be at the top forever. From time to time, there will be setbacks. The economic...

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: It has hit us quite hard. However, we should not lose perspective on the fantastic 20 years we have had——-

Seanad: The Economy: Statements (5 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: ——-which have transformed this country. It is deeply appreciated by most people in this country.

Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I join in congratulating the sub-committee on its report on Ireland's future in the European Union, outlining the challenges and issues faced and opinions expressed. I also congratulate it on the quality of its hearings which included some appropriately robust exchanges. The Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs have...

Consumer Issues: Motion (9 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the House for this timely debate, and would like to add to it by commenting on competitiveness and inflation, and discussing developments in public service reform. There is no point in denying that the economy's competitive position has disimproved in recent years and that this deterioration has been driven by a combination of factors. These include a strong euro, wage increases in...

Written Answers — Health and Safety Regulations: Health and Safety Regulations (9 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Commissioners of Public Works are responsible for the health and safety of its own employees in buildings under its direct control. In all other OPW properties, occupied by Government Departments or Agencies, the health and safety of building occupants is in the first instance the responsibility of the occupying body. Water systems and other building services are designed to current...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (10 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The purchases are in line with the procedures set out in 'Public Art: Per Cent for Art Scheme, General National Guidelines — 2004'.

Written Answers — Departmental Offices: Departmental Offices (10 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The following table details the office accommodation leased by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Minister for Finance for various Government Departments in Galway City. The information in this regard remains as provided in answer to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 17 June 2008. Details in respect of any office accommodation leased other than through the OPW in Galway city would...

Written Answers — National Museum: National Museum (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Progress on this project is at an advanced stage and the Office of Public Works is currently preparing tender documents which should be finalised by April 2009. A decision to invite tenders and place a contract will then depend on the availability of funding.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: As announced in the Budget, the Government has reviewed the Decentralisation Programme in light of the changed economic circumstances and identified priority elements on which implementation should now proceed. The Government's decision will result in the relocation of up to 6,000 posts to over 40 locations outside of Dublin. This is made up of 2,600 posts already moved, together with an...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works (OPW) is staffed by both Civil Servants and Non-Established State Industrial Employees. The OPW conducted a census of its Civil Servant employees in early 2008 for the year ending 2007 seeking voluntary disclosure of disabilities in accordance with the definition provided in the Disability Act, 2005. There is no statutory obligation on an employee to declare that...

Written Answers — Sports Facilities: Sports Facilities (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Iveagh Gardens were laid out as exhibition gardens during the 19th century, with many unusual and unique garden features such as the Maze, Rosarium, Cascade, the Grottoes and the sunken Archery Grounds. On account of its designation as a National Historic Garden, its small size, and the fact that its features are designed primarily for passive recreation, it is not proposed to facilitate...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works has agreed in principle to a request from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, to facilitate the construction of a rock ramp fish pass at Fermoy Weir in the course of the execution of the proposed Flood Relief Scheme Works. This agreement is subject to the proviso that the proposal is agreed with Fermoy Town Council, and that its...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: On 21 May 2008, following a competitive tendering process, the Office of Public Works awarded a Fixed Price Contract to P. Elliott & Co. Ltd. in the sum of €24,894,842, including VAT, to construct a new Headquarters for the Department of Defence at Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Work on site is well underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. This contract does not...

Written Answers — Departmental Property: Departmental Property (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: There are two buildings adjacent to each other currently under construction in Buncrana, one for the Department of Social and Family Affairs, and the other for An Garda Síochana. These buildings were designed in 2006. Oil-fired boilers provide the heating in both buildings. It is a policy in the Office of Public Works to consider biomass fuel in all new buildings. A review was...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: In relation to the Garda HQ per cent for art project, representatives from Garda HQ were accompanied to the RHA exhibition by staff from the OPW Art Management Office. The Art Advisor of the OPW advised the Garda representatives on the art works in the exhibition, and he assisted them in the selection process and recommended art for purchase.

Seanad: National Gallery. (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank the Senator for raising the issue because I am sure the questions in his mind are also in the minds of other people. I am happy to set out where we have got to in this process up to now. I share the Senator's view and his fondness and affection for the three galleries in question. In the National Gallery, I recently opened the Hugh Douglas Hamilton exhibition, which I recommend....

Seanad: National Gallery. (11 Dec 2008)

Martin Mansergh: There are potential savings here, but that is not a purely cost-driven economic process, rather it is something that makes sense in its own right.