Results 20,821-20,840 of 32,583 for speaker:Richard Bruton

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Job Creation (29 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: We have established our community enterprise centres, numbering 115 across the country. However, we respond to entrepreneurs coming forward with their ideas. We cannot grow entrepreneurs or enterprises in particular areas. We can try to provide facilities in different areas so that anyone who is emerging can get support. If Enterprise Ireland has a competitive start in a region but does...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Job Creation (29 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I thank the Senator for raising the issue. It is a continuing challenge to get regional spread. We are in a major transition. I was just looking at the figures for the west published by the Central Statistics Office from the census and there was a 60% reduction between 2006 and 2011 in the number of people employed in construction, amounting to a loss of 15,000 jobs. That is evidence of...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Bill 2013: Second Stage (29 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: We are seeking to put together a regional enterprise framework to integrate the Enterprise Ireland plan for regions and local enterprise offices. We are seeking to get local stakeholders behind a combined strategy, identifying where the competitive strengths of the region are and looking to build on them. That conversation is important and now that we have local enterprise offices embedded...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Bill 2013: Second Stage (29 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I thank the Senators who contributed to the debate. I acknowledge Senator White’s encouragement in the progress we are making. She rightly highlights emigration as a continuing challenge. The figures show that for the past couple of years net migration, which is a fairer measure, has been approximately 34,000. The trend is predominantly Irish net migration now whereas in the...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Bill 2013: Second Stage (29 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I apologise for the delay. We have just had an unfortunate announcement in respect of jobs, on which we are working. I welcome the opportunity to present the Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Bill, 2013 to the Seanad. The Bill was published on 23 December last and passed by the Dáil on 9 April 2014. The purpose of the Bill is to give effect to the decision to integrate...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Trade Agreements (29 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I am advised that the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States on the one part and the Republic of Colombia and the Republic of Peru on the other, is an agreement within the meaning of Article 29.5.2 of the Constitution. Ratification by Ireland is therefore subject to prior approval of Dáil Éireann. It is my intention to seek the necessary approval of...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Trade Agreements (28 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: The EU Commission is responsible for negotiating a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on behalf of the EU, and it is doing so on the basis of a wide mandate from the EU Council of Ministers. That mandate includes Irish interests. Since negotiations began formally in July last year, there have been five formal negotiating rounds, the latest of which took place last week in the...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Semi-State Bodies (28 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: My Department does not have any commercial semi-State agencies under its aegis.

Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2014: Referral to Select Committee (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation pursuant to Standing Orders 82A(3)(a) and (6)(a) and 126(1) of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business.

Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I thank the Deputies who contributed, including the Acting Chairman, Deputy Robert Troy. This is an important Bill. There were a number of anomalies in the legislation as it prevailed in 2006 and it is timely to deal with them. The general tone of the debate has been very positive. People recognise that we are competing in a very global environment. Companies who come to locate here as...

Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: The Bill predates the legislative scrutiny requirement.

Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: The heads of the Bill were published prior to the relevant date.

Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I look forward to the contributions of Deputies during the debate and to the co-operation of the House in securing the legislation's early enactment. I commend this Bill to the House.

Topical Issue Debate: Industrial Disputes (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: The Deputy has raised a number of points about this disturbing situation. I cannot comment on the veracity of some of the points made by the Deputy. If there is a serious case of unpaid taxes, it is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The Revenue Commissioners have extensive powers in respect of any company that fails or has unpaid taxes, including the power to put such a company into...

Topical Issue Debate: Industrial Disputes (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: None of the triggers that can be pursued have been activated. As creditors, the employees have the power to initiate an action to seek to get the company to wind up. I recognise the difficulty with payment where a company does not actively declare insolvency. Under the current legislation, the insolvency fund can be triggered only in the event that the company approaches the Department or...

Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2014: Order for Second Stage (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce this Bill to this House. The employment permits system is intended to act as a conduit for key skills required to develop enterprise in the State for all of our benefit, while simultaneously protecting the balance of the labour market and the employment rights of migrants who come to work...

Topical Issue Debate: Industrial Disputes (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: I thank Deputy Ellis for raising the matter. I share his concern at the worrying situation that has evolved. I hope the concerns of the employees can be addressed to their satisfaction quickly and that they can end the sit-in. NERA met with representatives of the employees last Friday and informed them of their rights, entitlements and means of redress. NERA has also provided continuing...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: The EU negotiator will seek to represent all 27 member states and will not go to these agreements seeking hand trips. People on both sides are going in good faith and see this as an opportunity for growth. While there are sensitive sectors on both sides that they will defend to the best of their abilities - it comes down to negotiation - I do not see it as setting up a series of potential...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (27 May 2014)

Richard Bruton: It is expected in September but we will give some outlines in June.