Results 1,881-1,900 of 1,995 for speaker:Joe Flaherty

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Compliance with the Nitrates Directive and Implications for Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I know the EPA is very politically correct with its answers but are there rogue local authorities that are not shouldering their weight?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Compliance with the Nitrates Directive and Implications for Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: We have targets for water quality to 2027. Obviously the EPA is looking at the figures and real-time reports. It is dependent on an annual report that is at best dated. From where the EPA is sitting, does it see itself attaining those 2027 targets given where we are now and the likely projections in terms of progress? Are the water quality targets for 2027 attainable?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Compliance with the Nitrates Directive and Implications for Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: What do we need to do to move that dial?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Industrial Development (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 9. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on progress in acquiring an IDA Ireland purpose-built facility in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30008/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Industrial Development (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: Will the Minister provide an update on IDA Ireland's plans for an advance building solution facility for Longford town. At present, the town boasts in excess of 2,000 FDI-supported jobs thanks to Technimark, Avery Dennison and Abbott. Abbott is due to start work on an expansion at its plant and Avery Dennison has applied for planning permission. I have repeatedly asked this question in the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Industrial Development (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I thank the Minister for his commitment to this project. He is working hard on it. I appreciate that there are commercial sensitivities involved. Discussions are at an advanced stage in relation to the acquisition of a site for the new facility. Will the Minister, as he has to date, to take a personal interest in it. This is a key project for Longford town. It is critical for the future...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Industrial Development (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: As the Minister rightly says, FDI has been transformative for the midlands and very much for County Longford. Abbott has evolved. Initially, it started out with 600 jobs. It has now in excess of 1,300 people in employment. Avery Dennison - the Minister pointed out that he opened the plant in 2018 - is enjoying a meteoric rise. The company's stated intention is that it wants to be the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: Will the Minister provide an update on the benefits of the NUTS 2 eastern and midland region project arising from its regional innovation valley status designation?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I thank the Minister of State for his response. The RIV is a very welcome project and very worthwhile pan-European initiative, as it seeks to strengthen and advance a European-wide innovation ecosystem and connect all EU territories to address Europe's burning societal challenges and foster stronger cohesion. The midlands and north east were particularly fortunate to be included. As the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: The RIVs are particularly beneficial for those regions, which probably have not evolved as fast, that can learn from the successes and good fortune of the more innovative regions. The concept of the RIV was never more welcome, especially as we face into an era of artificial intelligence and seek to look to a future that will reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, increasing global food...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: EU Programmes (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I will have my Deputy Murnane O'Connor moment because I will cross Departments. The Minister of State will obviously be familiar with just transition, which is very important to the midlands and the north east. It is important that the RIV engages with the Department of the environment and sees the opportunities that are there for the midlands in just transition in respect of the climate...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Grant Payments (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 12. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois that registered for the increased cost of business grant; the value of the payments for businesses in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30007/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Grant Payments (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: Will the Minister give some indication as to the number of business in counties Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois that have registered for the increased cost of business grant and the value of the payments for the businesses in each county?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Grant Payments (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: That is okay.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Grant Payments (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I share the Minister's goodwill towards the officials and staff of Longford County Council. It is one of just 19 local electoral areas, LEAs, throughout the country that paid out more than 99% of their grants. That is commendable work on their part. Initially, €160 million was allocated. At present, it looks as if €102 million has been paid out under this scheme. The...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Grant Payments (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I would give a word of caution and perhaps a word of warning. As we came out of Covid, many businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises in retail and hospitality, became somewhat dependent on supports and this continued through the ICOB scheme. I am sure this has been fed into the budgeting process. It is critical that we have a commitment in the budget to ensure the supports...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Corporate Governance (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I ask the Minister to report on the work of the Corporate Enforcement Authority.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Corporate Governance (11 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: After 18 months of existence, the advantages of the CEA being a stand-alone agency are clear. In particular, the flexibility that status brings is readily apparent. Will the Minister indicate how the agency has performed regarding recruitment? Has it secured its own recruitment licence, thereby allowing it to run recruitment campaigns with competitions tailored to suit the needs of a...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Compliance with the Nitrates Directive and Implications for Ireland: Discussion (Resumed) (10 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: Will Dr. Cotter come back to the committee on whether the EPA can do an interim six-month report in December?

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Decentralisation Programme (9 Jul 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 52. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider a programme of decentralisation of Government Departments to assist rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29437/24]