Results 1,561-1,580 of 50,134 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Its view was that it did not have accrediting powers within the US. In our discussions with the chief science adviser, his view was that the body he dealt with at that time is vastly different from the one in place now.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: There is an issue of due process in this case.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am anxious to bear this in mind when considering the individual's position, particularly as he has a significant track record in public positions both in Ireland and the European Commission. I put the position we received from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland on that body in the US to the chief science adviser.

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: As I advised the House in my reply to Question No. 205 of 28 September, the consumer strategy group's report, Make Consumers Count, was published on 18 May 2005. The Government has already approved the report's core recommendation that a new statutory body, the national consumer agency, be established to advocate on behalf of consumers. Given that this will require primary legislation, a...

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: No, this is a recommendation of the consumer strategy group. I will deal with whatever issues the Deputy wishes me to deal with. Those submissions have been examined and I met with various groups in the last month to discuss the groceries order. I intend to bring a report to Government detailing proposals in relation to the future of the order shortly. In addition to the above mentioned...

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The work of the committee is virtually complete. We are preparing a memorandum for Government.

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I do not know. That is not relevant because the report is complete. When it involves other agencies and Departments it is necessary to request consideration of and commitments on the various recommendations from outside my Department.

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: It will be submitted to Government shortly. The memorandum is in preparation.

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I have set up the business regulation forum, BRF, with effect from today. I was very pleased to secure the services of Dr. Donal De Buitléir, General Manager, Office of the Group Chief Executive, AIB Group, as chairman. The members appointed encompass an excellent spread of business and regulatory expertise and this will be complemented by the addition of departmental representatives....

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: In terms of the world of business, there was a requirement and a desire from business that there would be formalised dialogue on working relationships with Government on regulations in general. This is a good thing. During the summer, the Taoiseach announced that such a group would be established. It is important for business in Ireland, as there is a strong external perception that the...

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: This is an example of typical cheap Opposition tactics condemning any group established. The bottom line on the enterprise strategy group is that the fundamentals have been implemented in terms of economic migration policy.

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Employment Permits Bill 2005 is awaiting this House to pass it on to Committee Stage. The transport initiative unveiled yesterday is central to recommendations arising from the enterprise strategy group. Another example is work on and investment in research and development.

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am dealing with the issue. The One Step Up initiative has been allocated an extra €40 million this year. It was used immediately to upskill the workforce. Whatever criteria are used, there is solid progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the enterprise strategy group. The reorganisation of Enterprise Ireland, taking into account its new strategic vision is another...

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: One of the great driving forces behind Ireland's transformation economically over the past decade or so has been the strategic approach taken on macro issues. These are significant fundamental issues in attracting investment and getting the overall business climate correct. This is why the country has been so successful, more successful than any other country, in attracting mobile investment....

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 133 together. The public consultation process on the groceries order generated more than 550 submissions which were received from a wide range of parties, including a significant number from the general public. The submissions have all been considered and my Department has now compiled a detailed report on the process. I have also met various groups in...

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy will see those very shortly and I look forward to his support.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I have made no glib response. I have given detailed consideration to the issue, as is appropriate. The Government will make the decision before it is brought to the House along with legislative proposals.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy should allow me to respond. I was somewhat surprised that originally, there was a knee-jerk reaction on the part of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business to oppose any change to the groceries order, even before the consumer strategy group reported.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: However, I am glad to see there has been some amendment of that position.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I have. While it is extremely carefully worded on a number of fronts, I have made it clear that the retention of the groceries order is not a tenable proposition in the future. However, the Department received 550 written submissions on this matter. As I have stated, it was only fair to give those concerned about the issue an opportunity to discuss it with me verbally. This has taken place...