Results 1,601-1,620 of 11,979 for speaker:Billy Kelleher

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: I have noted the headlong rush to congratulate Deputy Bruton on placing this important motion before the House. While I will not congratulate him just yet, I would like to thank him for giving us an opportunity to highlight what the Government is trying to do to address the severe economic challenges that exist. As I have just five minutes in which to speak, I do not propose to engage...

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: If we had followed that party's example, the economy would be in absolute rag order at present.

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: We must address where we are now.

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: The banking situation is of critical importance. This is not about bailing out banks. We are trying to address the impaired balance sheets of the banks so they can access credit and capital, lend it to small and medium-sized businesses and ensure it flows into the broader economy. That is a critical part of the Government's job creation strategies. We need to have a functioning banking...

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: On a point of information, the Minister for Finance asked me to apologise to the House for being unable to attend. He wanted to do the wrap-up but could not do so because of urgent public business. I apologise for not having stated this sooner.

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: I am delighted to have this opportunity to address the Seanad on the subject of Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: A Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015. This new Government strategy and action plan, which was prepared by my Department in co-ordination with all relevant Departments and State agencies, was launched last week by the Taoiseach. It...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: -----because uncertainty may lead to people retrenching and looking at other areas of the world in which to invest. Ireland is a key location for foreign direct investment. One of our cornerstones is our corporation tax of 12.5%. We have many other positive areas as well. We have a highly educated and flexible workforce. We also have a strong cohort of foreign direct investment companies...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: Before I respond, I wish to apologise, as my mobile phone rang during my opening remarks. There is a faulty button on it; I will have to apply to see if I am entitled to an upgrade. I welcome the Senators' views on the Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy strategy. The debate was rightly broadened by the speakers to encompass the challenges we, as a people and an economy, face. This...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: I know he has and is familiar with it from the content of his contribution. He will note that a key component of it is the sectoral area involvement, market analysis and identifying what sectors of our economy would be appropriate in the context of exporting to those markets. With regard to emerging markets, some economies have emerged as forceful markets in recent times, which had not been...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: Perhaps a nice meal would be put in front of me. It is obvious that this country's growth projections have been reviewed. There was a positive growth outlook in the first quarter of 2010 which was not the case in the second quarter. We must try to analyse the figures with a view to achieving growth in the longer term. We should highlight the fact that there was massive contraction of...

Written Answers — Company Law: Company Law (12 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: The content of audit reports is determined by Irish company law, which is largely based on EU legislation in this area, and by internationally-based auditing standards. In addition, auditors currently have a range of statutory reporting obligations, for example, under criminal justice legislation and taxation law. Officials of my Department, and, as appropriate, other Departments,...

Departmental Guidelines (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: "Your Business Your Bank" is a draft document prepared through the work of the credit supply clearing group. The document is aimed at bank business customers and seeks to bring greater clarity to the current realities of funding business and how business customers can best position their businesses to secure the funding they need. The text of the document is currently being finalised and it...

Departmental Guidelines (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: First, on the substance of the question pertaining to the draft document, Your Business Your Bank, I repeat this comprehensive document will be published soon. I believe it will assist businesses when they prepare applications for loans from banks. As for the broader debate on credit availability to small and medium-sized businesses, the Government acknowledged and realised some time ago...

Departmental Guidelines (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: While the Government received support from some parties which are responsible, other parties obviously shirked their responsibility and decided to be populist.

Departmental Guidelines (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: That said, the small and medium-sized sector is struggling to access credit.

Departmental Guidelines (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: One must be also conscious that some small and medium-sized businesses are not viable and will not be able to draw down credit, regardless of whether times are good or bad.

Departmental Guidelines (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: However, a cohort of small and medium-sized businesses exists that must be supported by the banks. Since 2008 and in the context of the subsequent recapitalisation, the Government has put in place systems to first ensure there is access to credit and that if businesses are refused credit, an independent appeals mechanism exists under which they can appeal to the Credit Review Office. This...

Departmental Guidelines (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: Briefly, Mr. Trethowan stated clearly recently that credit availability to the small and medium-sized sector was freeing up. In addition, a report produced by a business representative organisation, namely, ISME, states that matters are improving on the ground. Two issues arise in this regard. First, some businesses are not viable and will not be able to access credit. Unfortunately, this...

Departmental Guidelines (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: It is important to note that the people whose function it is to monitor whether access to credit is freeing up or otherwise have discerned an improvement. While there is some way to go, the Government is ensuring that this issue will be monitored continuously.

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: The Government is working to ensure that SMEs can access public sector contracts in Ireland and abroad. As well as being an important source of income, winning public sector contracts here can have a very positive impact when companies are looking to win contracts abroad. We are continuing to drive the development of innovative public procurement processes across the public sector that...