Results 4,501-4,520 of 6,307 for speaker:Gerald Nash

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Departmental Reports (7 Oct 2015)

Gerald Nash: I confirm that the University of Limerick (UL) has completed its study, which I received recently. The study is a substantial body of research into the prevalence of zero hour contracts and low hour contracts across the Irish economy, the manner of their use and their impact on employees. I intend to bring the report to Government in the first half of October with a view to its immediate...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Living Wage (7 Oct 2015)

Gerald Nash: The introduction of the Living Wage Campaign is a voluntary initiative which I am championing. Over 120 employers, trade union representatives and civil society organisations gathered at Dublin Castle on 30September to discuss the issues involved with both myself and the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. participating. The Living Wage Campaign has been...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Commencement of Legislation (6 Oct 2015)

Gerald Nash: The Government is committed to the earliest possible implementation of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013 and in order to achieve this, approved the delegation of responsibility for its implementation to me as Minister for Business and Employment, late last year. I am taking all the necessary steps to bring about implementation of the legislation as speedily as possible and significant...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Employment Appeals Tribunal (6 Oct 2015)

Gerald Nash: I am committed to fully supporting the Employment Appeals Tribunal as it works through its disposal of the legacy cases it had on hand prior to the establishment of the Workplace Relations Commission. With effect from 1st October, the activities of the Labour Relations Commission, the National Employment Rights Authority, the Equality Tribunal and the first instance functions of the...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Employment Rights (30 Sep 2015)

Gerald Nash: I confirm that the University of Limerick (UL) has completed its study, which I received recently. The study is a substantial body of research into the prevalence of zero hour contracts and low hour contracts across the Irish economy, the manner of their use and their impact on employees. I intend to bring the report to Government in the first half of October with a view to its immediate...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Redundancy Payments (22 Sep 2015)

Gerald Nash: The Workplace Relations (WR) Act 2015, which was signed into law on 20th May, reforms the State’s existing employment rights and industrial relations structures. It provides for a new two-tier Workplace Relations structure comprising the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court to replace the current five bodies. While a number of technical and operational provisions of...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Pensions Legislation (22 Sep 2015)

Gerald Nash: I fully appreciate the concerns of retired and deferred members of pension schemes whose schemes are being restructured, particularly where such restructuring may impact on existing or potential pension benefits. In this regard, the question of pensioner groups having access to the State’s industrial relations machinery in pursuing pension scheme grievances is an issue to which...

Other Questions: Construction Contracts (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: This is an important provision under the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and I only received responsibility for it towards the end of last year. I proactively sought this responsibility because I see it as being critically important to the construction industry, an industry that has suffered over the past few years. It is particularly important for SMEs operating in the construction sector,...

Other Questions: Construction Contracts (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: There is little for me to add other than to say this is a priority and I have given it my full commitment. We need to get the right people for this important panel to ensure the aspirations underpinned by the legislation work for everyone involved. I hope it will be a swift process but it needs to be open and transparent. The Public Appointments Service process will take some time but I am...

Other Questions: Construction Contracts (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: I believe so.

Other Questions: Construction Contracts (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: I thank the Deputy for tabling the question. The Government is committed to the earliest possible implementation of the Construction Contracts Act 2013 and, as a consequence, last November approved the delegation of responsibility for its implementation to me as Minister of State with responsibility for business and employment. Significant work has taken place since then. I have recently...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Employment Rights (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: The overarching point here is really about making work pay, ensuring people can access working hours that work for them and helping people to be financially independent. It is about much more than getting a weekly or monthly pay cheque; it is about the dignity of work and dignity at work and it is about making a contribution to society. The overarching principle informing the reforms that...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Employment Rights (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: Despite the protestations of some people, we fully transposed the part-time workers directive a number of years ago in consultation with the social partners, including the trade unions, which were satisfied to sign off on it. Deputy Daly is studiously avoiding the fact that the economy has been transformed over the last couple of years. We need to be conscious that we have seen a decrease...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Employment Rights (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: I discuss these matters with the Tánaiste all the time. Irish employment rights legislation contains strong safeguards for part-time workers. The Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001, which is the main legislation governing the employment rights of part-time workers, implemented EU Council Directive 97/81/EC into Irish law. The purpose of the directive was to implement...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Company Closures (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: We all agree that what has happened in Clerys is very shocking and quite appalling. Those who were directly employed by Clerys and the concession holders and their staff have been treated appallingly. The House will be aware that last week I submitted a report to the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to further inform the Government on the issues surrounding the sale and liquidation of...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Company Closures (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: Directors have responsibilities to their employees and it is questionable in this case whether these duties have been fulfilled, but that is not something we can settle here. There are very clear provisions in company law. I refer directly to sections 599 and 600. These provisions, taken together, refer to situations where a related company may be required, for example, to contribute to...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Company Closures (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: I referred to that matter in referring to the committee of inspection. This should happen. It is rare for the Department of Social Protection to be represented on such a committee, but in this case, given that, essentially, the Minister for Social Protection will become a preferred creditor when payments are made to staff who have been left high and dry because of this transaction, it is the...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Advisory Group on Small Business Recommendations (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: As the Deputy is aware the purpose of the Advisory Group on Small Business (AGSB) is to give a greater voice in the development of policy to SMEs and to advise me as Minister on issues of relevance to SMEs. In addition to this, the Group provides on-going assistance and advice to relevant Government Departments and Agencies on any issues affecting SMEs by identifying those issues that impact...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Unfair Dismissals (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: The Deputy will understand that I cannot provide legal advice in relation to the law applying to any particular situation, or the interpretation of legislation. Independent legal advice should be sought if an individual has concerns about a specific employment situation. The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) provides general information on employment, equality & industrial...

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: National Carers Strategy Implementation (15 Jul 2015)

Gerald Nash: The National Carers' Strategy published in 2012 by the Department of Health, sets out the strategic direction for policies, services and supports provided for carers. This strategy, prepared in consultation with carers, established the key priorities to support carers given scarce resources and a Carers' Forum is held annually to continue to give carers a voice at policy level. The Family...