Results 961-980 of 1,024,921 for in 'Dáil debates' OR in 'Committee meetings' speaker:Áine Collins

Consumer Protection. (10 Feb 2004)

Phil Hogan: Question 108: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the precise role of the new consumer panel that she proposes to establish in respect of measures dealing with consumer protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4177/04]

Consumer Protection. (10 Feb 2004)

Mary Harney: I am increasingly disturbed by stories of rip-off Ireland and the time has come for some radical new thinking in terms of our approach to consumer issues. My key objectives are to put in place the structures and mechanisms which will promote effective competition in consumer markets, which will encourage the active participation of consumers at all levels of economic, political and social...

Consumer Protection. (10 Feb 2004)

Phil Hogan: Following the Tánaiste's seven years in office, she has now discovered that consumers require a stronger voice and will seek advice, from another quango that she is about to establish, on what should be done in respect of consumer issues and consumer protection before the reshuffle given that she has already announced her desire to move from her present Department. She proposes to put...

Consumer Protection. (10 Feb 2004)

Mary Harney: There is no question of a quango. A consumer advisory group involving 33 different personalities was established by my predecessor. Many of the 33 people represent the regulators or the producers. In many other countries, the consumer lobby has grown organically in society. Unfortunately, that has not happened here. The intention is to replicate what happened in insurance with the Motor...

Consumer Protection. (10 Feb 2004)

Phil Hogan: I submit that the Tánaiste would have a stronger Consumers Association of Ireland if more resources were given to that body. We will not have an effective consumer voice unless there is a properly resourced Consumers Association of Ireland. The Tánaiste could do more to further the interests of consumers through that organisation if it were properly resourced. Some of the powers taken from...

Consumer Protection. (10 Feb 2004)

Mary Harney: There is a need to do both. Obviously the role of the director is to enforce the law. She has made some valuable suggestions in the area of more display orders for the medical profession, dentists and doctors. From time to time the Director of Consumer Affairs makes her opinions available to me and obviously we act on them in most cases. The role of that office is to enforce the law and to...

Priority Questions. (10 Feb 2004)

Insurance Industry.

Insurance Industry. (10 Feb 2004)

Brendan Howlin: Question 109: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date with regard to the implementation of her action plan for the insurance industry; the elements of the plan yet to be implemented; the timetable for the implementation of the different elements of the plan; if she intends to take steps to deal, in the meantime, with the escalating cost...

Insurance Industry. (10 Feb 2004)

Mary Harney: The insurance reform programme that I announced on 25 October 2002 comprises a comprehensive set of inter-related measures designed to improve the functioning of the insurance market. I chair a ministerial committee established to drive the co-ordinated implementation of this reform programme across the relevant Departments and other bodies concerned. Substantial progress is being made on a...

Insurance Industry. (10 Feb 2004)

Brendan Howlin: The Tánaiste said she published her action plan for insurance industry reform in October 2002, a plan containing 67 measures. It is now 2004. How many of those measures are outstanding and what is the timeframe for the full implementation of all 67 measures? What is the inflation index on which she is working with her Department regarding insurance premia costs for 2004 for each of the...

Insurance Industry. (10 Feb 2004)

Mary Harney: I have concentrated on the implementation of the recommendations which would reduce price, such as the establishment of the PIAB, the introduction by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform of the court and civil liability Bill, which was cleared at Cabinet today, and the introduction of the penalty points system and other road safety measures. We have concentrated on the areas...

Insurance Industry. (10 Feb 2004)

Brendan Howlin: Of how much?

Insurance Industry. (10 Feb 2004)

Mary Harney: I cannot put a figure on it but it should be quite substantial. If the decrease was 11% from 2002 to 2003, I expect it to be greater this year because the impact of the measures implemented is only now coming through. With regard to motor insurance, anecdotal as opposed to hard evidence suggests there are reductions in some cases of 40% to 50%. Nevertheless, while that is the evidence...

Insurance Industry. (10 Feb 2004)

Brendan Howlin: The Tánaiste has given the figure of 11% for the decrease in motor insurance costs. What is the figure for business insurance costs, including public liability costs? Does she expect a significant reduction in that category of costs during 2004? She will be aware that many small businesses in particular are vulnerable and regard insurance costs as the second greatest pressure in regard to...

Insurance Industry. (10 Feb 2004)

Mary Harney: The chief executive of the PIAB was appointed and took up her position on 2 February last. The IT system and headquarters have been secured and the chief executive is now in the process of recruiting the staff required to assist her in the task. I met with her only last week and she is anxious to ensure that everything is in order before the board opens for business, given the importance of...

Priority Questions. (10 Feb 2004)

Equal Opportunities in Employment.

Equal Opportunities in Employment. (10 Feb 2004)

Arthur Morgan: Question 110: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the publication by the National Disability Authority of the report entitled Towards Best Practice in the Provision of Further Education, Employment and Training Services, which found that 60% of disabled adults in the 16 to 64 age group do not work; if it is her intention to implement the...

Equal Opportunities in Employment. (10 Feb 2004)

Arthur Morgan: Question 182: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the publication by the National Disability Authority of the report, entitled Towards Best Practice in the Provision of Further Education, Employment and Training Services, which found that 60% of disabled adults in the 16 to 64 age group do not work; if it is her intention to implement the...

Equal Opportunities in Employment. (10 Feb 2004)

Frank Fahey: I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 182 together. I am aware of the recent report by the National Disability Authority, entitled Towards Best Practice in the Provision of Further Education, Employment and Training Services for People with Disabilities. The report, which was received in my Department on 14 January, contains a number of conclusions and recommendations which have policy...

Equal Opportunities in Employment. (10 Feb 2004)

Arthur Morgan: Will the Minister of State explain to the House the reason for the failure to meet these targets? There is an exceptionally low level of employment among people with disabilities. In 1977, a 3% employment target was set in regard to people with disabilities in the Civil and public service workforce. The target was never met yet I hear that ongoing monitoring and review processes have been set...