Results 3,361-3,380 of 50,136 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: There has, in effect, been a significant turnaround in the nature of employment in Ireland. As we have seen in the past 15 years, long-term, sustainable economic growth and expansion in employment depend on a competitive and adaptable economy. For some time, the Government has recognised the inevitable changes taking place across world markets for both trade and investment. Enterprise...

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: There are now over 2 million people working in Ireland. Job losses, which inevitably arise in the globalised marketplace, are far exceeded by new job creation in this country, usually accompanied by——

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy raised this issue and blamed the current crisis on cost-competitiveness.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: I did not interrupt the Deputy. He does not like what I am saying.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: I would appreciate it if the Deputy opposite would facilitate me in completing my reply.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: Furthermore, unemployment continues to fall.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Deputies referred to industrial development in Cork. I accept that employment created elsewhere is no consolation to the workers but I have already indicated that we will do everything possible to secure alternative employment for them in the Cork region. I assure the Deputies that the industrial development agencies are continuing to promote Cork for employment opportunities. The...

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: For God's sake, will the Deputy not listen? I would appreciate it if I could be allowed to continue without interruption and I will respond to the issues the Deputies have raised. It is extremely disappointing that they cannot allow us to have a civilised debate on this issue and that they must constantly harangue and interrupt me.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Government's strategy to create employment in Cork is to progress the development of a knowledge economy so that the city can compete nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment. The agency is also working with its existing client base to expand their presence in Cork as well as providing modern property solutions with supporting infrastructure in the area. New...

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: No, some of them have already become available. Citco will create 250 new financial services jobs, while the recent announcement by Amgen, the largest biotechnology company in the world, has decided to locate in Cork and to create 1,100 jobs there. IDA Ireland and I worked hard to secure the latter, which is a good development for Cork and its people. It is important to recognise that...

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: Our competitiveness was not a factor in Motorola's decision.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: I have been in contact with Motorola, which did not indicate any difficulties with the Government.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: As is the case with all companies, we were in contact with Motorola on an ongoing basis.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy should bear in mind that cost-competitiveness was not the issue in this case.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: Motorola and other multinational companies have operations across the globe.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: With respect, IDA Ireland and I are in contact with the corporate headquarters of all of these companies. We meet their representatives when they come to Ireland and when we visit the United States. On such trips, we pursue business.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: We were never informed by Motorola that it intended to close the Cork plant.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: An employee wrote to us and provided information and we contacted the company. However, the company only took its decision this week to close the plant.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: The key strategic objective of IDA Ireland and the Department revolved around whether we could attract other activity to the Motorola plant. I saw the political objective behind Deputy Lynch's opening remarks. It is somewhat sickening that some Members are reducing this to a political point-scoring match but then they are entitled to do so.

Job Losses. (31 Jan 2007)

Micheál Martin: I would prefer to work with companies in Cork in expanding their portfolios. We meet many of them even when they do not have announcements coming down the tracks. We also work in bringing new companies into the area. IDA Ireland does a very good job in this. If results turn out poorly for companies, as they unfortunately did for Motorola, jobs will be cut. Motorola has cut 3,500 jobs...