Results 11,841-11,860 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 120 together. There are many factors which influence a firm's decision to relocate. Firms adjust their plant location and utilisation strategies to address matters such as accessing new markets, moving production nearer to customers, meeting firm or market specific customer relationship issues, accessing technology or other competitive...

Written Answers — FÁS Training Programmes: FÁS Training Programmes (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The number of re-training and upskilling places to be provided in 2010, will be decided when the budget for FÁS is finalised. The budget for FÁS, as well as for the other Agencies under the aegis of my Department, is agreed on the basis of detailed discussion between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Agency concerned within the annual Estimates process. The number of...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I have set out overleaf the figures as requested by the Deputy. The figures attached relate to applications that have been accepted for processing. The number of applications pending is the number received that have not been processed by year end. Information on applications pending for 2005 was not recorded by the IT system at that time and accordingly is not available. Some applications...

Written Answers — Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The Consumer Price Index as published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for October 2009 highlights that for the tenth month in a row consumer prices were lower than the prices for the corresponding months in 2008. Consumer prices were on average 6.6% lower in October 2009 as compared with prices in October 2008. In so far as the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages is concerned,...

Written Answers — Unemployment Levels: Unemployment Levels (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Unemployment is increasing across the country due to the downturn in the economy and this has impacted on all regions. This situation is unwelcome and the Government is determined to provide those who are unemployed with the necessary support services and training to enable them get back into employment as soon as possible. This is why I have doubled the provision of training and work...

Written Answers — Export Markets: Export Markets (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The last six years have seen many positive trends on Irish Exports. In the period 2003-2008, annual growth in total Irish exports has averaged 5.5%. Over the five years in question our Services exports have risen steadily from €37.1bn or 31.1% of total exports in 2003 to €69.2bn or 44.5% in 2008. Despite the global downturn this year, exports for the first six months of 2009 are...

Written Answers — FÁS Training Programmes: FÁS Training Programmes (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: In the context of funding the delivery of training and employment programmes, the budget for FÁS, as well as for the other Agencies under the aegis of my Department, is agreed on the basis of detailed discussions between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Agency concerned as part of the annual Estimates process. Funding plans for 2010 will be published in the book of estimates...

Written Answers — Employment Levels: Employment Levels (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The number of people in employment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey or QNHS and published by the Central Statistics Office. In the second quarter of 2009, the most recent quarter for which data is available, employment decreased by 175,400 from Quarter 2 2007 to Quarter 2 2009, while unemployment increased by 161,500 over the same period. The most recent data on...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Restoring our national competitiveness is a key priority of the Smart Economy Document published by the Government in December 2008. The Document in setting out a framework to address the current economic challenges also identified a series of priority action points. Progress has been and continues to be achieved in implementing theses action points. Specifically, in the area of access to...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I have received a number of submissions in relation to VAT rates in the context of the VAT differential between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. As is normal in the run-up to any budget I have interactions with the Minister for Finance and other Ministers on all areas of interest including VAT rates. However, policy responsibility for taxation matters, including VAT rests with...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (2 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together. Funds are allocated to bodies, groups or agencies under the remit of my Department each year under the annual Estimates process. I present my Department's Estimate to the Select Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment and set out the allocations for each Agency operating under the aegis of my Department. The Annual...

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is proposed to take No. 45 - Statements on the report by the Commission of Investigation into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin (resumed); No.16 - Motion re: proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the draft scheme entitled Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) Scheme 2009; No. 2 - Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad] - Second and...

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The Deputy might be slightly presumptuous in guessing why the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting was called. It is to do with the availability of the Minister for Finance, who was not available on Tuesday evening.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: However, I am delighted the Deputy is as interested as he seems to be in our parliamentary affairs.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Contrary to what has been said here, the Taoiseach made his position very clear in the House yesterday.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The Taoiseach represents the Government.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is another simple message the Deputies opposite do not seem to understand either.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: There have been intensive discussions-----

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: There were intensive discussions with the unions yesterday evening and they are resuming again this morning.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Time is very short in the context of the budget so these discussions will be crucial.