Results 8,421-8,440 of 32,583 for speaker:Richard Bruton

Written Answers — Industrial Relations: Industrial Relations (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: My objective is to deliver a world-class Workplace Relations service and framework that serves the needs of employers and employees and provides maximum value for money. The Reform Programme will deliver a two tier Workplace Relations structure by merging the activities of the National Employment Rights Authority, the Labour Relations Commission, the Equality Tribunal and the first instance...

Written Answers — Employment Action Plan: Employment Action Plan (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: The Government's commitment to supporting business is evident from the range of initiatives outlined in the Action Plan for Jobs. The Plan tackles the issue of access to finance through a range of measures, such as the introduction of a microfinance fund to provide loans of up to €25,000 to micro-enterprises and the roll-out of the temporary partial credit guarantee scheme. At a most...

Written Answers — County Enterprise Boards: County Enterprise Boards (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: The Government has approved the establishment of a new "one-stop-shop" micro-enterprise support structure to be achieved through the dissolution of the existing CEBs and the formation of a new network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). On foot of this Government Decision the first meeting of an Implementation Working Group will be convened shortly and the matter will also be formally...

Written Answers — Credit Guarantee Scheme: Credit Guarantee Scheme (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: The costs of the Temporary Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme arise in relation to the expenditure on the guarantees paid out when loans default and the operational cost of administering the scheme. Costs will be partially offset by receipts of premiums paid by borrowers and recoveries achieved in respect of loan defaults. It is important to note that the Scheme will facilitate new lending,...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: The Government are fully conscious of the importance of the Financial Services sector and the opportunities represented by that sector for job creation, especially to replace jobs lost. The Action Plan for Jobs, initiated by my Department last February, assessed the sector, among others and specified a suite of actions to be undertaken this year. Work is underway on addressing these and, as...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: The Enterprise Ireland (EI) client base includes, amongst others, a number of co-operative societies. It is a matter for each enterprise, in consultation with its own legal advisers, to determine what legal structure best suits its own particular requirements. While EI does not offer any advice to clients in this regard, it does encourage networking between client companies. EI facilitates...

Written Answers — Industrial Disputes: Industrial Disputes (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: The Deputy's question concerns a dispute between the company and 20 employees in relation to a claim for enhanced redundancy terms of four weeks pay per year of service in addition to statutory redundancy entitlements, following the acquisition of the company and the closure of its Dublin offices in 2011. The company rejected the workers' claim for enhanced redundancy terms and, following...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 95 together. Policy related to the development of skills for the economy is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills. However, the Government's Pathway to Work Policy on labour market activation commits to improved matching of skills with the needs of enterprise. The Department of Education and Skills will fund over...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: Since taking office, my colleagues Minister Sherlock, Minister Perry and I, along with senior officials from my Department, have availed of every opportunity to engage with the EU institutions on policies of mutual concern regarding jobs, growth and investment. Bilateral meetings have been held at both official and Ministerial level with Commission and high ranking EU Officials, EU partners...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 102 together. Ireland has built a strong reputation in terms of quality and efficiency in a range of manufacturing and services sectors. Notwithstanding challenges in areas such as costs and skills, Ireland is well positioned to exploit the advances in manufacturing technology and to build and maintain a strong base of manufacturing and services...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together. The figures in respect of jobs in Enterprise Development agency-supported companies are compiled in the Forfás Annual Employment Survey. Details of jobs created in agency-assisted companies in the manufacturing and services sectors over the last three years are set out in the table accompanying this reply. Jobs Created in Agency-assisted...

Written Answers — Enterprise Support Services: Enterprise Support Services (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: It is an unfortunate reality that companies for a wide range of reasons find themselves in difficulty and early intervention is critically important. For this reason, the Enterprise Development agencies operate an early warning system, which has been in place for over ten years. When triggered, this mechanism brings the full capacity of the agency concerned to bear on whatever situation has...

Written Answers — Foreign Direct Investment: Foreign Direct Investment (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: The combined influence of Ireland's increased competitiveness in business costs, commitment to our 12.5% corporate tax rate, strong Government's commitment to research and technology, strong links between industry and third level institutions, a talented workforce, and a strong track record of foreign direct investment all contribute to make Ireland an attractive location for foreign direct...

Written Answers — Enterprise Support Services: Enterprise Support Services (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: The enterprise development agencies have a crucial role to play in supporting economic recovery and driving sustainable employment growth. These agencies will be to the forefront of implementing the Action Plan for Jobs, creating the right operating environment for business growth and ensuring that small and medium enterprises are facilitated in maximising their contribution to economic and...

Written Answers — Parliamentary Questions: Parliamentary Questions (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: In the past 6 months, my Department has transferred 167 Parliamentary Questions to other Government Departments. Questions are accepted for answer by other Departments where the question concerns an issue that is under their remit.

Written Answers — Enterprise Support Services: Enterprise Support Services (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, supporting balanced regional development and creating jobs in rural locations is a priority. It is only through the creation of jobs in these locations that the issues highlighted can be addressed. To this end, the Action Plan for Jobs sets out an ambitious plan for developing employment initiatives within communities. The range of actions...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (26 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: As the Deputy is aware, I referred the complaint made in April 2011 directly to the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) for investigation. NERA does not comment on the outcome of specific investigations. However in such cases, all parties affected by such investigations are notified of the outcomes of the inspection. I can confirm that the investigation in question is now completed...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011: Report and Final Stages (27 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: Section 1 currently provides that, with the exception of the provisions relating to offences or the instigation of legal proceedings, the Bill will be deemed to have come into effect on 5 December 2011. During the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas, this provision, which gives retrospective cover from 5 December 2011, has been the source of discussion and a level of criticism. I...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011: Report and Final Stages (27 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: Amendments Nos. 2 and 23 are technical in nature. It is practice, in drafting legislation, that where there is a reference to another enactment on more than one occasion, a definition of that enactment is included in the interpretation schedule and the enactment is thereafter referred to by its shorter title. This is the effect of amendments Nos. 2 and 23. Amendment No. 19 replaces the...

Seanad: Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011: Report and Final Stages (27 Apr 2012)

Richard Bruton: This amendment is essentially technical in nature and it will ensure that the legislation aligns properly with the EU directive. Article 3.1(f) of the directive lists overtime as a constituent element that goes to make up basic working and employment conditions. Although overtime is listed as a component element in the definition of pay provided in the Bill, it is not included in the...