Results 4,181-4,200 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: On the Order Paper, this is Question No. 40 to the Minister for Finance this evening.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is on the Order Paper. I am from the Border region and I am acutely aware of the issues. I distinctly recall being vilified last year on the basis that one of the main reasons people travel to the North is to buy alcohol. That has proved to be correct. It is important to say, for the benefit of the retailers in this country, that we now see better value for money here. There has been...

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is important to say that in the context of the value for money being provided by retailers in this jurisdiction. Every €10 spent in the retail sector is worth €24 within the Irish economy, and it is important to get that across.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I have articulated these concerns in many ways to the Minister for Finance in the light of considerations he is taking in the context of his preparation for the budget. After 23 years in this House, I will not disclose the outcome of such briefings on the basis that I have due regard for the process of budgetary preparations.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: As the Deputy knows, we have decided to proceed with a code of practice. That is in hand and I am taking into account concerns in this regard. I have heard what the joint committee has had to say and I shall soon be making further announcements in that context, to deal with the code of practice and the many issues that have been raised, particularly by the food sector.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is important, however, to emphasise that we get good value from many of the retailers working in this jurisdiction.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Without wanting to be unhelpful, I shall have to revert to the Deputy because it is secondary legislation.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It may be important, but I am not in a position at this time to bring forward an answer on the basis of a secondary item of legislation. Under Standing Orders, I am entitled to revert to the Deputy, which I shall be more than happy to do as soon as we are finished here.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: As is normal after any emergency, there is always a review of all the planning. I am sure this will take place in the context of the aftermath of the flooding. However, it is unfair of the Deputy to say there was no plan. It is very unfair to those who have given a considerable amount of their time and effort, civil defence, for example and the county councils under the stewardship and...

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is important to emphasise that in the context of any such crisis, the emergency plan is always reviewed to see whether any new initiatives need to be introduced.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Deputy Burton, please. Let us get an answer as regards legislation, if there is any.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: There is promised legislation.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: There is promised legislation.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: As for the legislation, the Government intends to amalgamate the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: That forms part of the legislation.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The Deputy should not worry about it. I have the corporate governance sorted in that regard as well.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Second, the Deputy may not be aware that an undertaking was given to review the entire Competition Act.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: That has been done and is almost complete. I wish to ensure that this legislation is fit for purpose in the context of our economic and industrial policy. This legislation will be brought forward at the beginning of next year for consideration by this House. I look forward to the Deputy's input and her views in the context of the legislation.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: There is no date for the consolidation Bill. The sale of alcohol Bill will be introduced next year.

Order of Business (3 Dec 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I have no further comment.