Results 46,461-46,480 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Ministerial Appointments: Ministerial Appointments (19 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: The main sources of advice, externally provided to my Department, are the various agencies and bodies under its remit. Of these, Forfás is the main source of advice which inputs into decisions taken by me and my Department in relation to policy matters. Forfás is the national policy and advisory board for enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation and the body in which the...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (19 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: My Department is required to relocate 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme and this is planned to occur by the end of 2009. In order to accommodate staff who wished to move earlier than the projected building completion date of late 2009, officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and...

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate and I apologise for my inability to attend yesterday evening. As the House will be aware, the main objective of competition policy is to prevent and remove distortions of competition resulting from the actions of companies or public authorities, thus enabling markets to function effectively. A regulatory framework that upholds effective...

Competition (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) (19 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: I was not aware of that.

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: The following table provides the numbers of participants on CE Schemes in Co. Mayo in the years 2002 to 2006 and to date in 2007. Year Participants 2002 1,031 2003 767 2004 795 2005 811 2006 774 2007 784 The following table details the current Community Employment Projects in Co. Mayo and the number of approved places in each project in the area. Name of Scheme Number of approved...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: The works or services paid for in advance by my Department, that will not be completed before the end of the 2007 financial year are set out on the following tabular statement. In relation to the agencies of my Department, this is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies concerned and one in which I have no function. Project paid for in advance but will not be completed by end of...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Appeals Officer has requested some additional information from the employer in relation to this case. On receipt of that information a decision will be made on this appeal.

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together. The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that these applications were refused on the grounds that the issue of permits in this instance would lead to more than 50% of the employees in the stated company being non-EEA nationals. The employer was notified of this decision in writing and of their right to appeal. To-date...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: The following is the information requested by the Deputy: 1. Foras Áiseanna Saothair (FÁS) The terms of reference, functions and purpose of An Foras Áiseanna Saothair (FÁS) are set out in the Labour Services Act, 1987. In summary the main functions and purpose relate to the provision of training or retraining for employment and the provision of assistance in obtaining employment or work...

Written Answers — Refund Policies: Refund Policies (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: I have no direct responsibility for the investigation of complaints relating to contracts for airline travel and associated accommodation. I am aware, however, of a number of issues relating to those contracts, including that of non-availability of, or restrictions on, refunds. The National Consumer Agency has been examining various practices in the airline industry in recent months,...

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: Notifications of firms in difficulty and where jobs are at risk are received from all of the Industrial Development agencies under my Department's Early Warning System. However, the information is provided on a confidential basis and it must remain confidential. The Deputy will understand that this is commercially sensitive information which could be of benefit to national or international...

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: Two companies based in the Shannon Free Zone announced job losses in 2007. Mohawk Europa announced job losses of 92 in August 2007. The Company, a manufacturer of specialized cutting tools, attributed the losses to increasing costs, the impact of a strengthening Euro and decreased order levels. The company's survival plan did not meet with the approval of employees and the company ceased...

Written Answers — Grant Payments: Grant Payments (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: NISO, the National Irish Safety Organisation, which is a voluntary and non-profit making body making a valuable contribution to occupational health and safety in Ireland, received an allocation of €100,000 in 2006 and €75,000 in 2007 from my Department to assist it in a major restructuring and redevelopment plan which it is undertaking following a strategic review. It is proposed to make...

Written Answers — Health and Safety Regulations: Health and Safety Regulations (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2001 specific categories of workers (including those engaged in the Operation of Plant Machinery) were required to have certification under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). Workers were required to successfully complete a one day Training/Assessment Programme for each category of machine in order to...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Government recognises the value of international work and travel programmes for students. They contribute to the development of lasting links with other countries and provide valuable experience for students themselves. At the same time, it is essential that any such programmes be compatible with Ireland's existing employment permit and immigration legislation. My Department, in...

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: The 2006/2007 Follow Up Survey of FÁS Participants (carried out by the ESRI on behalf of FÁS) highlights that, of those interviewed in the period following their completion of a CE scheme, 30% were in employment (17% part-time, 12% full time and 1% self employed) and 6% had progressed to other training and education programmes. An additional 29% had taken the opportunity to avail of a...

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: Details relating to the FÁS budget for Community Employment for the years 2002 to 2006 are outlined as follows: 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 CE Budget (€million) 332.697 276.705 270.134 292.981 324.04 Proportion of FÁS allocation 39% 34% 32% 31% 33%

Written Answers — Departmental Records: Departmental Records (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: I understand that the diary maintained by my private office generally indicates the location for my official duties from day to day.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (18 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: Following the transfer of responsibility for indigenous industry development in the Mid-West Region from Shannon Development to Enterprise Ireland (EI) from 1 January 2007, Enterprise Ireland established its new National Regional Development Headquarters, which incorporates the County Enterprise Coordination Unit, in Shannon. This has given Enterprise Ireland a major presence in Shannon....

Written Answers — Departmental Investigations: Departmental Investigations (13 Dec 2007)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together. My office has responded to previous correspondence from the person concerned and I expect that a further reply will issue shortly in relation to recent emails. I understand that complaints in relation to this matter have been submitted to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement which has been in contact with the person...