Results 19,481-19,500 of 20,459 for speaker:Frances Fitzgerald

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Departmental Functions (21 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 143, 147, 148 and 151 together. Following on the announcement by An Taoiseach of changes to the configuration of the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Social Protection the process of identifying the functional areas, staff and resources that will transfer from my Department has begun. This is being done in accordance with...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Economic Competitiveness (21 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: Costs, prices and inflation levels are a key element of Ireland’s international competitiveness. The National Competitiveness Council recently published its annual Costs of Doing Business 2017 report which examines a range of enterprise costs that are largely domestically determined such as labour, property, transport, energy, water, waste, communications, credit, and business...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Appointments to State Boards (21 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The State Board information requested by Deputy Collins is listed on the following table. Agency No of Appointments 01/05/2017-15/06/2017 Name Position Process Vacancies Enterprise Ireland None N/A N/A N/A 1 vacancy since 29/05/2017 Health and Safety Authority None N/A N/A N/A No vacancies Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority 2 on 30th May 2017 Ms Etain Doyle Mr David...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: IDA Data (21 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The following table sets out IDA properties that are currently available to prospective investors. To date, IDA Ireland has not rented properties to local authorities for uses other than their original purpose. The IDA does not release details regarding the length of time that particular sites have remained vacant as such information is commercially...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Departmental Agencies Data (21 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together. The following state agencies are currently under the aegis of my Department: IDA Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland; National Standards Authority of Ireland; Enterprise Ireland; Health and Safety Authority; Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority; Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; Personal Injuries...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Departmental Contracts Data (21 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: My Department uses external public relations providers having regard to its business needs for specialist communications advice, training and technical materials assistance. In engaging such providers, the Department is mindful of the need to secure value for money and, accordingly, strives to keep costs to the minimum. The amount spent by my Department on outside contract and or third party...

Leaders' Questions (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I join the Deputy in expressing sadness at the news of the tragic death of a young man at the weekend while being transferred between two hospitals. I offer my sincere condolences to the family. Like the Deputy, I do not want to say anything that would add to the distress his wife and family are feeling at this time. I have discussed the issue with the Minister for Health who took a...

Leaders' Questions (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: As I said, Dr. Herity undertook that review and the Minister is following his report.

Leaders' Questions (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The organisation of primary PCI centres throughout the country is a national issue - there is no question of that. It relates to how we provide services for the entire population. We have had this debate in respect of other services. We absolutely have to take account of the best evidence available. The best evidence was got from Dr. Herity at the time. There is a national review of...

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy's summary of the Government's approach to the Brexit negotiations lacks the reality of the work that has been done. All he has to do is look at the agreements reached and statements made so far, all of which put at their centre the priorities of the Irish Government. That is absolutely clear from statements by the British Prime Minister and EU levels. Michel Barnier's...

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: I did.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: As far as businesses are concerned, Enterprise Ireland is working closely with all its 5,000 companies. All the other bodies have been having discussions. There has been the all-Ireland economic dialogue and an economic dialogue will take place next Wednesday, working closely with businesses to ensure that they plan and prepare.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: There is nobody more conscious of the challenges they face than businesses where they see the challenges, given our reliance on the UK at present. That is why we are putting such a focus on these negotiations. We realise the seriousness of the Brexit discussions. The questions the Deputy asked have to be seen in the context of the overall approach we have taken, which has been well...

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: Of course it is. The Taoiseach outlined very clearly on Monday what is the approach of the Government.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: It is that we do not want to see a hard Border and that everything will be done to avoid that. It is in that context that the answer to the Deputy's question is obvious.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: No words can adequately deal with the horror that unfolded in London with this horrific and tragic fire which saw the loss of so many lives. It undoubtedly raises questions in the UK regarding the kind of issues that the Deputy mentioned, but every country will want to examine whether their own fire safety measures are good enough, if materials are being used in cladding such as the ones...

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: As I said, this area is being reviewed by the Minister who took action immediately. He requested all local authorities to review their multistorey social housing units to ensure all early warning systems, including alarm and detection systems; emergency lighting; means of escape - a big issue in the Grenfell Tower fire; and corridors, stairways and emergency exits, were in place and fully...

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The Deputy tabled a parliamentary question on this yesterday. He and Deputy Lowry have continually raised this issue and both Deputies have had continual discussions with the Minister. They invited the Minister to Tipperary and he visited the hospital.

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: Local public representatives were recently in the hospital to see the progress and to be brought up to date on the plans and the actions the Minister has taken in respect of the capacity issues the Deputy has raised. The Minister recognises that action needs to be taken and the Deputy will acknowledge that he has taken action. He outlined to the Deputy yesterday the provision of 11 new...

Leaders' Questions (Resumed) (22 Jun 2017)

Frances Fitzgerald: The process is under way and the unit is expected to open in September 2017. The Minister is also examining the additional supports that can be put in place for Our Lady's Hospital Cashel, because, as the Deputy rightly said, that could also help to alleviate pressures on the accident and emergency department of STGH. There has been progress. The Minister is examining the provision of...