Results 3,161-3,180 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Groceries Order: Groceries Order (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 145 and 207 together. The Groceries Order was abolished on the 20th March 2006. Recent CSO figures show that the prices of products previously covered by the Groceries Order fell by 0.7% in the seven-month period from April to October. However, food prices have been fluctuating during the past 12 months and while we are seeing a downward trend in some...

Written Answers — Company Mergers: Company Mergers (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I have not made any representations to the European Commission in relation to the proposed acquisition of Aer Lingus by Ryanair as for the purposes of the EU Merger Regulation, the Irish Competition Authority is the competent authority responsible for regulating mergers and, accordingly, I have no function in mergers, other than media mergers.

Written Answers — Insurance Industry: Insurance Industry (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Personal Injuries Assessment Board has received thirty six thousand cases since it was established. I understand from the PIAB that six thousand of these were settled up-front from the outset, nine thousand cases were settled between the parties during the PIAB process, over five thousand assessments have been made, and an estimated four thousand cases are heading into litigation,...

Written Answers — Jobs Relocation: Jobs Relocation (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: It is not possible to determine the number of jobs which have relocated to lower wage economies, nor can the number of posts awaiting relocation be identified. The offshoring of lower value-added functions is, however, part of the reality of modern global manufacturing for a highly developed economy such as Ireland. There are a variety of differing and complex factors which might influence a...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Open and fair competition is one of the central keys to a successful economy. A visible effect of competition is that companies that compete to win business and to increase market share will reduce prices, provide enhanced service and variety, and generally become more responsive to the needs of consumers. Another benefit of competition, and the one that is less visible, is the fact that...

Written Answers — Competitiveness and Innovation Programme: Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I understand that a scheme supporting "Young Innovative Companies" has been in operation in France since 2004. While I am not aware of a specific EU Programme or proposals for a new type of company under the general title mentioned by the Deputy there are a range of initiatives proposed under the Commission's Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme 2007-2013, which includes a...

Written Answers — Company Mergers: Company Mergers (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Under the merger provisions of the Competition Act, 2002, proposed mergers require regulatory clearance from the Competition Authority. I have no role in this process, other than in the case of "media mergers". Following the announcement from the Competition Authority that it had incorrectly calculated the legal deadline before which it was required to issue a determination under the mergers...

Written Answers — Energy Costs: Energy Costs (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: International oil and gas prices are the main drivers of electricity prices in the country. We are price takers when it comes to buying fuel for electricity generation and are subject to the same fossil fuel cost pressures experienced by SMEs in other economies. In addition, economic expansion and a growing population makes it imperative that our generating and electricity network is both...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy will be aware that I published the general scheme of the legislation to establish the new National Consumer Agency in August this year. Since then my Department has been working in close co-operation with the Attorney General's office in relation to the legal drafting of the Bill. It is my intention that the Bill will be published before the end of the year and that it will be...

Written Answers — National Regulators: National Regulators (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I presume the deputy is referring to co-operation agreements between the Competition Authority and statutory bodies. Section 34 of the Competition Act, 2002 requires the Authority to enter into formal co-operation agreements with the regulators and I can confirm that such agreements are in place. The Authority currently has agreements with the following bodies: Broadcasting Commission of...

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: Between 16th to 19th October, 2006, in my capacity as Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, I paid an official visit Canada at the head of an Enterprise Ireland-sponsored Trade Mission. The main purpose of the Trade Mission was to promote Ireland as a source of world-class products and services in Canada, and also to highlight the growing economic links between the two countries. At...

Written Answers — Insurance Industry: Insurance Industry (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 144 together. I am aware of recent media publicity concerning the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. The PIAB has received thirty six thousand cases since it was established. I understand from the Board that six thousand of these were settled up-front from the outset, nine thousand cases were settled between the parties during the PIAB process, over...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 138 and 150 together. I announced on 24th October 2006 that the Government had decided to continue to require that nationals of Romania and Bulgaria apply for work permits in order to participate in the Irish labour market, on these countries' accession to the EU on 1st January 2007, but that preference would be given to them over nationals of...

Written Answers — Corporate Enforcement: Corporate Enforcement (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The latest position regarding this matter is that my Department is examining the issues involved in conjunction with the Department of Finance.

Written Answers — EU Legislation: EU Legislation (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: In relation to European legislation already transposed, my Department has received one reasoned opinion from the European Commission with regard to incorrect transposition of Directive 92/100/EC (Rental and Lending rights in the field of Intellectual Property). In that regard, the Commission made application to the European Court of Justice on 15th April 2005 against Ireland under Article...

Written Answers — Price Display Order: Price Display Order (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Director of Consumer Affairs is responsible for initiating prosecutions for breaches of price display orders. I have no function in this matter, however I have asked the Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Manufacturing Group: Manufacturing Group (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: My Department has initiated discussions on the terms of reference and composition of the High Level Group. The membership of the Group will be determined following consultation with the relevant Social Partnership representatives. I expect the Group to be established before Christmas.

Written Answers — European Council Meetings: European Council Meetings (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: As the Agenda for the Council has not yet been agreed by COREPER, I am not in a position to give details of the content of the Agenda. However, it is expected that the Competitiveness Council meeting scheduled for Council of 4th and 5th December 2006 will deal with policy areas such as competitiveness, innovation and better regulation. In addition, it is likely that the Council is expected to...

Written Answers — Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy: Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy outlines (Paragraph 7.6.2) the four priority areas identified for collaborative research and consequential knowledge transfer between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United States: Nanotechnology; Sensors; Cystic Fibrosis; Diabetes. Respiratory Disorders have been suggested as an additional area for collaborative research. Knowledge transfer...

Written Answers — Employee Education: Employee Education (15 Nov 2006)

Micheál Martin: The information contained in this OECD report is based on 2003 data. The situation has changed significantly since then. However, I agree that the training of those in employment is crucial to competitiveness. The fact that the majority of the 2020 workforce are already working reinforces the need to upskill and progressively develop the competencies of those in employment. A recent report...