Results 821-840 of 11,979 for speaker:Billy Kelleher

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Deputy is abusing his time.

The Economy: Statements (28 Jan 2009)

Billy Kelleher: We can hear the Deputy's ideas in a moment.

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (28 Jan 2009)

Billy Kelleher: The Employment Permits Act 2006 sets down in legislation the rules governing the employment of non-EEA nationals in the State. Enshrined in this legislation are our obligations under Community Preference whereby Member States of the EU are obliged to fill skill and labour shortages from within the European Economic Area (EEA) before hiring a national from outside the EEA. The current policy...

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I wish to share time with Deputy Flynn.

The Economy: Statements (Resumed) (29 Jan 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I am delighted to have this opportunity to speak on the issues that confront us. As we speak, social partners are in detailed discussions based on a framework document entitled Framework Pact for Stabilisation, Social Solidarity and Economic Renewal. I am delighted they have agreed on a framework document and that they can now engage in detailed discussions to advance proposals put forward...

Written Answers — Hospitality Sector: Hospitality Sector (29 Jan 2009)

Billy Kelleher: A Forum which consists of representatives of IBEC and the Irish Hotels Federation, on behalf of employers in the industry, and SIPTU was established in December 2008. The principle objective of the Forum is to contribute to the development of a sustainable industry providing high quality employment. I understand that the Forum held its first meeting on the 4th of December, 2008. I was...

Employment Regulation Orders. (3 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I wish to convey the Tánaiste's apologies for being unable to address the House tonight. It is important at the outset to acknowledge on behalf of the Tánaiste and on my own behalf the difficulties facing small businesses in the current economic climate. However, we must balance that with the need to ensure the rights of workers are respected at all times. I do not think any of us would...

Employment Regulation Orders. (3 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: By way of background, joint labour committees, JLCs, are statutory bodies established by the Labour Court under the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2004 to provide machinery for the fixing of statutory minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment in particular sectors. A JLC is composed of equal numbers of representatives of employers and workers in the sector and it meets regularly,...

Company Closure. (3 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. Every Deputy has faced similar sad situations where iconic companies such as Waterford Crystal face closure or liquidation because of a changed economic environment. I understand the concerns of the Deputy, the workers and their families and everyone in the south-east region. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment...

Written Answers — Redundancy Payments: Redundancy Payments (3 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I wish to advise the Deputy that the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department requires clarification on matters related to the company's business affairs. The company's accountant, who was contacted in December by that Section, has been requested to submit those details in order to progress the claim in question.

Written Answers — Redundancy Payments: Redundancy Payments (3 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together. I wish to advise the Deputy that the statutory redundancy claims in respect of the company mentioned have been received in the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department. These claims are currently being processed and clearance for payment will follow, subject to the correct details being in place. My Office has not made contact with...

Written Answers — Redundancy Payments: Redundancy Payments (3 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: I wish to advise the Deputy that the claimant's Statutory Redundancy has been processed and payment issued on 30 January, 2009.

Leaders' Questions (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: Fine Gael should not go there.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: We have spoken about the economy in recent times outside of this House and a great deal of public commentary has been made on it because it is the most central issue and the greatest challenge to face the country in recent times. I support the motion which states: That Dáil Éireann: supports the expenditure measures announced by the Government to restore greater balance between revenue and...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: It is important to mention this because we have listened to the debate in the House today. We also had a debate yesterday and on previous occasions. We all accept that major challenges exist. We are trying to find solutions to the major problems we confront. Reference has been made by the Opposition to the banking crisis. I want to reiterate the reality of this situation. While this...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: There are more fundamental problems causing distress to the banking system in Ireland than our own internal issues.

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: To simplify the debate to this level does a disservice to the seriousness which confronts us as a society, a Government and a Parliament. The figures on the live register this month show a worrying trend in unemployment. Everybody in this House is fully aware of the impact unemployment has on individuals, communities and broader society. Reference was made to how we deal with these problems...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: We must realise that we are doing a lot already as a State in the context of capital investment——

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: ——and we will continue to do so. We also seem to forget what we have achieved to date. It is important that when we are trying to do the groundwork and build a platform for recovery of the economy that we acknowledge that this country has achieved much in recent years. We have 2 million people at work, a low income tax base, fairly high social welfare payments to protect the vulnerable...

Stabilisation of the Public Finances: Motion (Resumed) (4 Feb 2009)

Billy Kelleher: These are fundamental achievements and many people benefited from the policies pursued in the past 15 years in this country and this cannot be denied by anybody. However, we are living beyond our means and yesterday the Government announced a package of savings of €2 billion in the calendar year, a pension levy on public service pension payments——