Results 1,541-1,560 of 50,134 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Given the importance of the national consumer agency, NCA, to the development of future consumer protection policy, it is vital that the legislation is framed to ensure the NCA has sufficient powers and functions to enable it to carry out its role as a forceful advocate on behalf of the consumer, as envisaged by the consumer strategy group. In addition to setting up the NCA, I will take the...

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I reject the Deputy's assertions. We said on the publication of the consumer strategy group's report in May that it would take time to produce the legislative template for the new national consumer agency. That is why, almost immediately, we took steps to establish an interim board of the agency. It has already been forceful in articulating and advocating on behalf of the consumer, for...

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: It has.

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: It has made submissions and so forth.

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: No, the consumer agency advocated in a vigorous fashion on behalf of the consumer in the groceries order debate. It has also been in discussions with the Department with regard to its plans for the coming months. The Estimates assessment will reflect that in due course. It is correct, therefore, with regard to the legislation to be put in place, that we do not simply deal with the...

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Competition Authority has been an effective body. The chairperson has moved on to a new position——

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: He was an exceptional performer.

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: He retired from the post on 5 October. It is reasonable——

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: One cannot do anything until the person actually leaves the position.

Departmental Bodies. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The search is under way for a replacement. Any analysis would indicate that the authority has been an effective and powerful body in terms of advocacy for competition in the economy generally.

EU Funding. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Member states are obliged to notify for approval all projects which exceed the threshold provided for in the multisectoral framework for large investment projects. The aid in this case exceeded the threshold and accordingly had to be notified to the European Commission, and discussions are ongoing. The amount of Government funding already committed to the project is a confidential matter...

EU Funding. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The issue is as follows. The European Commission and its officials must operate in the context of the regional aid guidelines and multisectoral framework that have been passed by the member states. Ireland entered a number of submissions on that, particularly for large projects. There was a footnote attached to the multisectoral framework which we argued should allow for innovation in terms...

EU Funding. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: There are two stages to the ongoing engagement with the Commission. As a first stage, the Commission must make a decision as to whether to open the issue to full, formal investigation, in which submissions are received from others who may have an interest in the issue. This is a process that can take some time. We hope it will not be necessary in this case but I do not want to be seen to...

EU Funding. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: There is little point going into the realm of speculation. "So far, so good" is how I would term the way we are operating within the multisectoral framework. We have strong relationships with many of the companies which have established in Ireland and which may be establishing new phases to their development here. We want to maintain that relationship. I cannot speculate in terms of what may...

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The decision to appoint the chief science adviser was made by the Government as part of a package of measures in the area of science co-ordination and oversight. These measures were agreed by Government in June 2004 and included the following: the establishment of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation; the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to support the...

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: As regards the filling of the position of chief science adviser, there were particular circumstances surrounding this matter. The Government was aware of the availability of a specific individual with a particular background and experience of relevance to the position of chief science adviser. That individual was retiring from a post in the European Commission at director general level. The...

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: At the time the Government was satisfied there was a need to give momentum to science co-ordination policy and the general science agenda.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: A situation arose within the Commission where an individual was readily available to fill the position of chief science adviser. He occupied a significant post in the Commission, under which a significant number of people were employed in a research facility. He had a track record with the establishment of BioResearch Ireland and is well thought of in academia and government circles.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: It made sense at the time, with the other measures taken in science and technology policy, to create the position of chief science adviser. In a short time, many positive developments have taken place in research, such as the programme for research in third level institutions and the creation of Science Foundation Ireland. Last week, I met the chief science adviser, not to present several...

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: No, I am not dependent on his views. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the body responsible for accreditation in Ireland, was asked to assess the bona fides of this institution.