Results 13,601-13,620 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Departmental Appointments (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: I raised it in the context of the Deputy's question. The committee comprises a majority of external personnel. At each specific interview, the committee will comprise three external members and two senior public servants. With regard to all appointments, or recommendations for appointment, personnel outside the public sector will comprise a majority.

Departmental Appointments (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: What is the Deputy's question?

Departmental Appointments (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: The positions of Secretary General and second Secretary General to the Department of the Taoiseach were traditionally filled by the Government without reference to TLAC. The new TLAC is just taking up office and all competitions are now open to external expressions of interest. My responsibility as Head of Government is to oversee, encourage, motivate and participate in respect of Ministers'...

Scientific Research (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: Promoting and supporting research and development, science, technology and innovation, are core aspects of the Government's strategy for supporting enterprise and growing sustainable employment. As is the long-established practice for many strategic policy areas, an official from my Department participates in the relevant interdepartmental group, in this case the interdepartmental group on...

Scientific Research (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Government remains committed to strategic research and development investment and recently agreed its goal for the duration of the national recovery plan to 2014 is at a minimum to sustain investment in productive research and development at the existing level as something that is fundamental to underpin the reconstruction of the Irish economy. When I have occasion to meet corporate firms...

Scientific Research (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: This is about our country and its potential for the future. It is true that enterprise research and development expenditure increased by 31% from €1.32 billion in 2005 to €1.87 billion in 2009. The share of exports from research and development exporting firms increased from 50% in 2003 to 76% in 2007. Among Enterprise Ireland and IDA assisted firms, the number of companies applying...

Official Engagements (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, together. I addressed the biennial conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Monday, 4 July in Killarney. In my speech to delegates I outlined the economic challenges facing our country and reiterated the Government's determination to tackle our difficulties head on. I stressed the importance of building confidence in our...

Official Engagements (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Government made the decision to reverse the cut in the minimum wage and that has taken effect. The situation arising from the court decision of last week was considered by the Government this morning. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will now proceed with all haste to bring about a restructured response to the outcome of the court case. The vulnerability of some workers...

Official Engagements (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: The Deputy is aware that the court decision deemed the structure in place to be unconstitutional. That applied from the moment of the announcement in the court. There have been references to this matter in court cases over a number of years but nothing was done about it. It would not be possible for the Minister to rectify an issue that has been struck down constitutionally with...

Official Engagements (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: There are not sufficient grounds for appeal in this case. The court determined that the legislation in place was unconstitutional. Is féidir linn rud a dhéanamh, ach taobh istigh de am faoi leith. Ní féidir linn é a dhéanamh amárach nó an tseachtain seo chugainn.

Official Engagements (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: To draft a response to something that has been deemed unconstitutional by the court takes more than rhetoric. It takes a great deal of analysis about the complexity of the legislation. The judgment is 42 pages long, covering a broad range of issues and the response has to be comprehensive and all encompassing. That is a matter on which the Minister will focus his priority over the coming...

Official Engagements (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: There are no opponents in the Cabinet. This is a Government focused on rectifying many of the problems that Deputy Martin left behind him. We examined all the possible legal avenues to try to find a way to do this. The Attorney General has advised the Government that there are insufficient grounds for an appeal and, as a consequence, the Government is focused on the priority of dealing...

Official Engagements (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: The decision of the court was unequivocal in respect of the flaws in the legislation. The Government will respond to that and this will be a reform of the structure that was deemed to be unconstitutional and the elements thereof. That reform will seek to protect workers while, at the same time, allowing for greater flexibility than applied heretofore.

European Council Meetings (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: I reported to the House on 28 and 29 June on the meeting of the European Council that took place in Brussels on 23 and 24 June. While there was no detailed discussion of the economic situation in Ireland, in its conclusions the European Council welcomed the progress we have made in implementing our programme and agreed that it is on track. In discussions with partners, I stressed not only...

European Council Meetings (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: I can confirm that is not the case. Deputy Martin's question relates to clarification given by EU leaders at the European Council in June. In making the case in respect of reporting the progress being made by this country, European leaders were cognisant of the fact that countries in a programme which are measuring up to the conditions of that programme should be protected. The Council was...

European Council Meetings (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: I will be clear about it. This country was asked to increase its corporate tax rate. I refused to do that. I assume Deputy Martin supports me in that. The outcome of the decision is still being negotiated. The Deputy is also aware that the provision of a wording that might be deemed to be an acceptable compromise does not mean that any such attempt would be acceptable to everyone at such...

European Council Meetings (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: I am not ducking and diving in any way. The Deputy is telling me that texts were circulated at the meeting of 11 March which would have allowed Ireland to obtain an interest rate reduction. I am saying to him that I sat at the table representing this country and I refused to accept an interest rate reduction that was contingent upon Ireland increasing its corporate tax rate.

Leaders' Questions (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: Unlike Deputy Martin, this Government will face tough questions and make tough decisions. Deputy Martin was the collator of over 100 reports which cost millions of euro and which were never acted upon, be that as it may.

Leaders' Questions (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: The statement Deputy Martin refers to in respect of The Sunday Business Post was a public address on the street in Roscommon-----

Leaders' Questions (12 Jul 2011)

Enda Kenny: -----and an interview afterwards in which I as leader of the Fine Gael Party enunciated what Fine Gael policy was at that time.