Results 1,721-1,740 of 4,073 for speaker:Mary Mitchell O'Connor
- Priority Questions: Economic Competitiveness (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I thank the Deputy. He quoted some figures which I will take on board. The World Bank's annual Doing Business report measures and tracks changes in regulations affecting business. Ireland has achieved an ease of doing business ranking of 17 out of 189 economies. That is up two places from the previous year. The Deputy also asked about tax and, obviously, it is hugely important. UK...
- Priority Questions: Motor Insurance (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: The Deputy tabled a question that is totally different from the one he has just asked. I will answer that in the supplementary reply. He asked for the timetable for the review of the book of quantum and that is the question I will answer now. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board, PIAB, is an independent statutory agency and, as Minister, I am not permitted in my executive function to...
- Priority Questions: Motor Insurance (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: In addressing the spiralling costs of motor insurance, the Department of Finance is undertaking a review of the policy in the insurance sector in consultation with the Central Bank and other Departments and agencies. The objective of the review is to recommend measures to improve the functioning and regulation of the insurance sector. The review will include an examination of the factors...
- Priority Questions: IDA Expenditure (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I understand the Deputy is referring to Carrisbrook House, the lease on which was taken over by IDA Ireland from September 2013 on the assignment of properties from Forfás to the IDA. Prior to this, the lease had passed through number of State agencies since a 65-year lease was first taken out in 1969. Carrisbrook House was 85% vacant for a number of years, despite having been actively...
- Priority Questions: IDA Expenditure (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: The decision to exit the lease was not made lightly. The IDA commissioned the services of a professional property company to review a number of options, including the early surrender of the lease. The agency carefully considered this advice, along with that of a real estate company and a financial services consultancy which also provided professional options. After almost two years of...
- Priority Questions: IDA Expenditure (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: This happened in September 2013 when the IDA acquired the building on the assignment of properties from Forfás. I became aware of the situation in the past number of weeks. The decision to enter into this lease was taken a very long time ago, in 1969. Given the nature of the lease and its terms, the State's hands were very much tied in terms of options to exit its contractual...
- Other Questions: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I am aware that Deputy Wallace asked about the precautionary principle in another question that will be taken later. The proposed EU-US free trade agreement is one of a number of new-style trade agreements that the EU is negotiating, covering not only covers tariffs, services and investment but also regulatory coherence and co-operation. Such an agreement would be the world’s...
- Other Questions: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I do not think so, but Deputy Wallace is pulling questions together.
- Other Questions: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Yes, I know, and then the Deputy mentioned CETA and also the precautionary principle. I am finding it hard, but I will do my best.
- Other Questions: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I note the Deputy's concerns about the precautionary principle in the EU treaties. However, the treaties are foundation documents for all European decision making so TTIP negotiators must be cognisant of those in all negotiations. Any final agreement will be subject to scrutiny by every individual government across the European Union. Each of the 28 member states will be able to raise...
- Other Questions: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: A total of eight persons have visited the reading room: three officials and five Deputies. The EU-US free trade negotiations are the most open and transparent trade negotiations to date. Reports relating to each round of discussions with all information on the EU position in the negotiations are published on the European Commission's website. Unlike the EU, the US does not publish its...
- Other Questions: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I am sorry, but what question is the Deputy asking?
- Other Questions: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I say very strongly that the trade agreement is not finalised and is not near that at all. I take on board what the Deputy has said. I think it is important that Deputies know what is going on. I am really disappointed in the number of people, after receiving the invitation, who have come over to the Department to view what is in the reading room and go through the two and a half lever...
- Other Questions: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: The question that was posed to me was to explain in detail the ratification process in relation to CETA and if I will make a statement on the matter. On 5 July 2016, the Commission published its proposals for signature, conclusion and provisional application of CETA, which are available on the EU Commission’s website. I ask that the public look at that website. Given the position...
- Other Questions: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I am really sorry but I cannot hear the Deputy.
- Other Questions: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I beg your pardon.
- Other Questions: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: What I said was that I note the commission has now decided to submit CETA to the Council for decision as a mixed agreement. This means that the agreement contains provisions that fall under both the EU and member state responsibility. It will be a matter for the Council and the European Parliament to decide on the signature and provisional application of CETA. Following a decision by the...
- Other Questions: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Yes.
- Other Questions: UK Referendum on EU Membership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: I thank Deputy Lawless for raising this matter. A central co-ordination unit in regard to Brexit has been established in the Department of the Taoiseach. In regard to my own Department, given the breadth and diversity of policy and operational areas that are relevant to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, this is a matter that has an impact on, and is being monitored...
- Other Questions: UK Referendum on EU Membership (20 Jul 2016)
Mary Mitchell O'Connor: Yes.