Results 461-471 of 471 for speaker:Ollie Crowe

Seanad: Growing and Building Resilience in Ireland’s Small Business and Retail Sector: Statements (2 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, to the Chamber. Fianna Fáil believes in the vibrancy of the SME sector. It is critical to Ireland's future economic success. With 99.8% of all businesses in Ireland being classified as SMEs, it is essential for the overall health of the economy that we do as much as possible at all times to support their continued growth and development....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (1 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee this afternoon. ISME noted the limitations of consultations in its opening statements and questioned their necessity. I ask Mr. McDonnell to expand on this point. What would be a more effective way for the Government to engage with SMEs on policy making?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (1 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (1 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: Okay. ISME also noted the challenge for SMEs when multinational companies raise wage expectations and make it harder for local businesses to compete for staff. Are there any measures that could be taken to support SMEs without discouraging foreign investment?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (1 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: Okay, I will leave it at that, Chair.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: Many thanks to our guests who have come before us this afternoon. Dublin Chamber referenced that the regulatory burden is rising too quickly, especially for SMEs. That is an issue I have come across myself in Galway. In their view, are there any immediate measures the Government could take to assist SMEs to address this? Yesterday, budget 2026 had significant support for the hospitality...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: Okay. Mr. Talbot highlighted in Chambers Ireland's opening statement the importance of a referendum on the Unified Patent Court. Could he expand on that? What would be the biggest benefit for Irish businesses if it is to succeed? What are the risks posed by not holding a vote or the vote failing?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: In his statement, Mr. Talbot highlighted the negative role of planning objections, judicial reviews and delaying tactics. As we are aware, the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, has signalled the intent to address this. We would all like the system to be quicker and more efficient. What reforms does Chambers Ireland believe are needed?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (8 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: Both opening statements highlighted the need for increased investment in infrastructure, which was a key part of yesterday's budget, with €19 billion allocated towards capital projects and with investment plans to be published by Departments in the coming weeks that will work to a five-year timeline. What projects or areas need to be prioritised, from our guests' viewpoint?

Seanad: Budget 2026 (Enterprise, Tourism and Employment): Statements (14 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: I welcome the Minister and thank him for joining us to talk through budget 2026 from an enterprise, trade and tourism perspective. The budget was very positive for Irish businesses and companies that have invested in Ireland. It reflects the Government's commitment to supporting our businesses and its determination to continuously attract foreign direct investment that will further...

Seanad: Statement by the Taoiseach (16 Oct 2025)

Ollie Crowe: I welcome the Taoiseach. I will keep it Galway. Galway city's population is expected to exceed 120,000 in the coming years. As he is aware, the ring road is one measure that is essential for reducing traffic congestion, improving retail connectivity and supporting the continued economic development of Galway. We need it, and I was pleased that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, included it...