Results 27,461-27,480 of 36,764 for speaker:Enda Kenny

Pre-budget Outlook: Statements (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: That is correct.

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the latest debacle to erupt in banking circles. I understand from comments made today by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, that yesterday evening a proposal from Allied Irish Banks was dropped into the Department of Finance. This proposal was obviously not dropped in on a whim. It was for the appointment of a person as managing director of...

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I am sure the Taoiseach is aware of the reaction of people, particularly the young, to the situation. This is one of the major institutions centrally involved in the financial and economic debacle in which we find ourselves. It is one of the major institutions in respect of which Mr. Trichet today referred to countries losing their reputations and credibility. The Government effectively has...

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: Why has this matter not been dealt with decisively by the Government in view of the State's control? Neither we nor the bank know what is occurring and the Government will not say. Surely there is someone among the Irish diaspora who is objective, external, would do the job for €500,000 and would clean up the bank within 18 months. The person proposed to be appointed was centrally...

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I did not attack his good name or his character.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I noted the announcement by the Taoiseach and the Government of the appointment of Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn to be the Commissioner from Ireland and I congratulate former Deputy and Minister, Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on her appointment. Deputy Bruton has reminded me here it is a little like Milton's sonnet, They also serve who only stand and wait. In making his nomination for the appointment of Ms...

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: When does the Taoiseach expect to make an appointment to the European Court of Auditors, following the appointment of Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn? Will the Taoiseach indicate when the fisheries (consolidation) Bill is due? Members of the Government will be going to Copenhagen for the climate change conference, which is so important. The climate change Bill is expected to be published next year, but...

Regulatory Reform. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: Question 7: To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the implementation of the recommendations of the OECD report on regulatory reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30618/09]

Regulatory Reform. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: Have we done any work on a baseline study of the cost of red tape in Irish industry? Every day, Members are being contacted by businesses in various sectors and inevitably red tape arises as an issue, with more form filling and administrative obstacles of one sort or another. Since we last discussed this, I raised the question of a baseline study that would show the cost of red tape for...

Regulatory Reform. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I agree with the Taoiseach's comment about getting the right balance for effective regulation. Regulation that was too loose caused mayhem that we are now dealing with. The recent OECD economic survey of Ireland made two points. It indicated that we should move to a single agency to deal with employment and unemployment. This concerns the work of FÁS and the Department of Social and...

Departmental Expenditure. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: Question 1: To ask the Taoiseach the projected costs to date of the communications unit in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30613/09]

Departmental Expenditure. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: Why is it necessary to second staff from other Departments? Which Departments are involved? I was not aware that staff from other Departments were seconded to the communications unit. From statements made by the Taoiseach's predecessor on several occasions, my understanding of this unit was that individual Departments were obliged to take cuttings of newspapers and news items relevant to...

Departmental Expenditure. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: Which other Departments are represented on the staff of the communications unit in the Taoiseach's Department? There is a cost of €119,000 directly to the Department of the Taoiseach from a sum of €257,000, as the Taoiseach mentioned. Am I to take it there are no separate paper-cutting communications units in the Departments of Transport, Education and Science and all others? I...

Departmental Expenditure. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: Why was it necessary to second staff from other Departments into this unit? It has a small staff and has a specific job. What Departments are represented? Was there a purpose for seconding staff or was it just a matter of finding a job for somebody?

Departmental Expenditure. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I thank the Taoiseach.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: Question 4: To ask the Taoiseach the duties and responsibilities of the special political advisers as appointed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30614/09]

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: The front page of one of the national newspapers today sets out clearly the scale of payment by Government to special advisers, media advisers and other personally appointed staff. It is interesting to note that the Government spent €6.2 million in 2008 on special advisers, media advisers and other such persons - one would build a few schools for that. The Taoiseach stated €2.7 million...

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I understand it is €128,000. It was €118,000 in 2007 and after the Taoiseach's appointment, it increased by €10,000 to €128,000. Is there a particular reason for that or was it based on bonus, increments or whatever? Are all of these positions subject to the recruitment embargo? If, for some reason, a political, special or media adviser happens to be let go or retires from the...

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I recall the appointment of what were then known as programme managers back in the rainbow Government's time. By and large, that system streamlined work going into the Cabinet where there might have been differences of opinion or a range of views being expressed by different Ministers, particularly when a number of parties constituted the Government. It had a streamlining effect on putting...

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Enda Kenny: I accept that.