Results 4,701-4,720 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: A draft note was prepared in my Department in order to convey a desire to ensure an orderly transition to the new Board structure as provided for in the recently published Labour Services Amendment Bill, 2009. It was not issued as a press statement.

Written Answers — Legal Advices: Legal Advices (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I believe it is neither feasible nor prudent to disclose, by way of a general listing unrelated to any specific issue, the issues on which I, or my Department, have sought legal advice. If, however, the Deputy has a particular case in mind, he might table a Question on the matter and I will see whether I can provide specific information to him without prejudicing the administration of law or...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The following tables outline the position on 1 October 2009 in relation to the number of vacant positions in my Department, the number of vacancies in all State bodies and organisations answerable to me; the grade and the average length of the vacancies in each case. Posts vacated as a result of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement and the special Incentivised Career Break Scheme do...

Written Answers — Small Business Forum: Small Business Forum (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The Third Progress Report on the Implementation of the Small Business Forum's recommendations was published on my Department's Website on 10 December 2007. This Report sets out in detail the substantial progress made on implementing the key recommendations since the SBF Report's publication in May 2006. In the intervening period, Government has continued to implement outstanding elements of...

Written Answers — Business Regulation Forum: Business Regulation Forum (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: In April 2007 the Business Regulation Forum made one recommendation: that an administrative burden reduction programme for business should be initiated in Ireland. The programme was to have the following characteristics: (a) a prioritised approach should be adopted i.e. the heaviest burdens should be reduced first; (b) the Standard Cost Model should be used to measure the prioritised...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The total 2009 allocation of €16.595m of Departmental funding of Skillnets Ltd. activity has been drawn down in full. Disbursement of grant aid and relevant communications with individual networks are operational matters for Skillnets Ltd. in which I have no function. All publicly funded training programmes for those in work are currently being reviewed in the context of the 2010 estimates...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The various activation measures announced in the Supplementary Budget include the provision of various training initiatives that are designed to provide portable and transferable skills in a range of areas that will increase participants' employability throughout all sectors of industry. The initiatives seek, where possible, to provide accredited training programmes that are recognized by the...

Written Answers — Higher Education Grants: Higher Education Grants (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: FÁS has increased the range of training options available to unemployed persons including those with a 3rd level qualification to assist their re-entry into the labour market. Courses, such as Specific Skills Training and Traineeships which lead to major awards on the National Framework of Qualifications continue to be offered. FÁS also offers a number of Short Courses (typically 2...

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It has not been possible in the time available to compile all the information requested in regard to the number and location of foreign visits and the composition of travelling parties. I have therefore arranged to have the information prepared and will communicate this to the Deputy. In relation to the costs, as I pointed out to the House, on 6 October, the information available is limited...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I understand from FÁS that an audit was initiated by its Internal Audit Department in 2008 in response to a request from local management regarding aspects of the assessment process carried out by an external contractor. FÁS is dealing with the findings of the Audit Report including a revision of the relevant procedures, the enhancement of the contract used when dealing with external...

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The alcohol legislation will be introduced next year. There has been consultation on the sunbed legislation and I believe the Minister is anxious to introduce it as quickly as possible.

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: There has been consultation on this issue. It is a large piece of legislation. As the Deputy knows, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food looks after farm animals. That matter will be brought to a conclusion in due course.

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is proposed to take No. a14, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the Treaty of Lisbon; No. b14, motion re sittings and business of the Dáil; No. 3, Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2009 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and No. 4, Communications Regulation (Premium Rate Services) Bill 2009 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is...

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: As the Leas-Cheann Comhairle has rightly indicated, this is a procedural motion. It will be followed by legislation, which is to be considered by the Cabinet next week. These issues can be raised when that Bill is debated in the House.

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: In regard to the legislation, it will be a matter for the Chairman of the select committee to determine how much time will be allocated to discuss relevant amendments. I was aware that the former director general wished to retain the car. It was not within my remit to sanction that. It was a matter for the board. It went to the board, which made its decision. It was not part of the...

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I was aware of the situation.

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It was a matter for the board.

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: On the budget date and the preparation of the Estimates, these matters will be determined at the Cabinet meeting planned for this afternoon.

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is the same.

Order of Business (8 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I am aware of the situation and have been in contact with the receiver. Issues arise in regard to payments from my Department and the implications for decisions that have been made regarding the workers. I had an opportunity to speak on a personal basis with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and we will follow up on our conversation today. I will keep all the Deputies from...