Results 661-680 of 50,134 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Seanad: Employment Policy: Motion. (23 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: It is a challenging agenda for us but not one that can easily be achieved. I acknowledge that it is easy to set the target but I want to get the blueprint as to how we go about achieving it. I am satisfied that research and development is the crucial agenda for Ireland if we are to remain competitive in future. The centres for science, technology and engineering that come under the aegis of...

Seanad: Employment Policy: Motion. (23 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: Her company is recognised for innovation, research and development, scaling up to create more jobs, and operating successfully in export markets. We all know the quality of Lir chocolates, if I am allowed to say so.

Seanad: Employment Policy: Motion. (23 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: In my previous portfolio I could not have made the same point, perhaps.

Job Losses. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: World trade, global investment flows and consumer decisions influence the pattern of economic growth, company development and job prospects here. In recent years I recognise that Irish manufacturing firms, particularly in the more traditional sectors, have operated against a backdrop of significant downward price pressure and an increasingly competitive international environment. I have to...

Job Losses. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: Earlier today I announced the Government's consideration of the enterprise strategy group's report and the endorsement of the broad thrust of its recommendations. That will involve a fundamental and significant restructuring of Enterprise Ireland's structures, so far as they pertain to overseas marketing and the supports it can give to Irish small and medium-size companies in terms of...

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: In October 1994 the then Minister for Enterprise and Employment requested the Competition Authority to undertake a study into competition in the Irish newspaper industry. On 30 March 1995, the Competition Authority reported its findings to the then Minister. One of the conclusions and recommendations of the Competition Authority was to the effect that the acquisition by Independent Newspapers...

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: I do not accept the broad thrust of the Deputy's argument. If anything has happened since 1995 it has been that a broad proliferation of new companies has emerged on the Irish media scene in both broadcasting and the print media and more publications are now produced.

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: I can understand the Deputy may have concerns from his point of view in light of the current trends and perhaps the particular newspaper's coverage of the Deputy's party's activities.

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Competition Authority advises on issues pertaining to competition law. In terms of the media the legislation provides for my role as Minister. Any comments or recommendations by the Competition Authority are considered as it is best placed to examine and research these matters.

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy's concern for the rainbow Government is touching and is noted. The Department has no plans on the matter. I remind the Deputy that we are faced with a variety of media from national and international sources. There are potential difficulties down the line in terms of regulation of the domestic media, almost to the exclusion or independent of what is happening globally. The world...

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: In regard to newspapers the market is increasingly competitive and difficult in light of the growth and advance of——

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: As Deputy Howlin reminded me, there has been a new entry to the market recently——

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: ——whose editorial content may be of assistance to other parties in the House from time to time.

Newspaper Industry. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: We do not know that yet.

Industrial Development. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: As I indicated in response to similar questions previously, a number of developments will impact on the future role of Shannon Development. The most significant of these are the proposed relocation of the headquarters of Enterprise Ireland to Shannon as part of the decentralisation programme, the enterprise strategy group recommendation that Shannon Development disengage from industrial...

Industrial Development. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: The recommendation that Shannon Development disengage from industrial development functions in the region was made by the enterprise strategy group rather than by me. The Shannon Airport Authority and Shannon Development entered into direct discussions on this matter in late 2004 and these are ongoing. It also employed a consultant to determine with greater precision costing elements and...

Industrial Development. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: No air of gloom should hang over the area given that the job market in the mid-west is improving. Shannon Development participated admirably in the recent trade mission to China. I attended a very successful function it hosted for the Chinese authorities and was impressed by its presentation.

Industrial Development. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: Shannon Development was part of the Irish trade mission. It gave a good presentation on the issue of regional development in which the Chinese have a historical interest. The ultimate objective is to get the best package to guarantee increased sustained employment in the mid-west region. The change in the status of Shannon Airport and the establishment of an independent Shannon Airport...

Live Register. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: The recent job losses announced by companies in County Mayo are a major blow to the workers affected and their families. I am conscious of the adverse effects of such closures on the surrounding area. Every effort will be made by FÁS and the State development agencies to find and create alternative employment for people who have been or are due to be made redundant. At 5,495, the live...

Live Register. (24 Feb 2005)

Micheál Martin: We must stop using such language as "deprived" and "most deprived" in this debate. It does not serve the interests of Mayo as we endeavour to market the county. IDA Ireland is not in the position described by the Deputy. The factual position is that unemployment is down 11% from 2003 to 2004.