Results 47,261-47,280 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Consumer Protection. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy is an Opposition spokesperson on the matter, he should have observed what it did.

Consumer Protection. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: Much work was done——

Consumer Protection. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: ——in terms of surveys and submissions, including one regarding the groceries order. There were several campaigns on the empowerment of consumers, of which the Deputy would have been notified. There was a distribution to households as part of an effective "Know Your Rights" campaign, which indicated to consumers their rights and entitlements under existing law. The agency had an input...

State Authorities. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: A key Government commitment in the social partnership agreement Towards 2016 provided for the establishment of an office for the director of employment rights compliance, known as the national employment rights authority, with an increased labour inspectorate, by the end of 2007. I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made on the establishment of the new authority. The...

State Authorities. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: It was done through a competition.

State Authorities. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: I will get the exact details of it for the Deputy.

State Authorities. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: Yes. I will get the details of the type of competition, etc.

State Authorities. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: We did not nominate him. He was presented to us as a result of a competitive process.

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: Direct feedback from business was facilitated over the past 15 months through the Business Regulation Forum, which comprised representatives of the business community and business representative organisations. In 2006, the forum collected evidence from businesses about regulatory burdens in a number of ways. Over 40 submissions were received from businesses, organisations and individuals....

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: We need to keep this debate in perspective. I have been active on the regulation issue — I increased the audit exemption threshold soon after I took office.

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Minister for Finance introduced significant measures in the budget, on foot of the work that was done in co-operation with the Small Business Forum, to reduce the burden on businesses. He amended the VAT thresholds, for example, to help small and medium sized enterprises. The work that has been done to date illustrates the fact that regulation affects small businesses more than large...

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Hogan should pay attention to what I am saying.

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: I noticed that his mind was wandering. He should take note of these positive indicators ahead of the campaign that may take place over the next few weeks.

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: When I was a teacher I was able to tell when the attention of students was elsewhere, just as I noticed when Deputy Hogan was concentrating on the change in the Chair. The Deputy asked me to outline the Government's targets. We are prepared to nail our colours to the mast. Like our European counterparts, we want to reduce the regulatory burden by approximately 25%, across the board, over...

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: Perhaps the Deputy heard it in the House of Commons.

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: No.

Business Regulation Forum. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: This is an ongoing issue. It would be incorrect to suggest that we have just become associated with this issue. The consumer legislation we passed in this House is a good example of simpler consolidated legislation that reduces the regulatory burden. It repealed a number of outdated historic Acts. We need to create a pillar of legislation that can be accessed by consumers, business and...

European Defence Agency. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: Representation at meetings of the European Defence Agency, EDA, is a matter for the Department of Defence and I have no function in the matter. Enterprise Ireland does not represent Ireland at meetings of the EDA and has no powers to conclude agreements relating to the EDA on behalf of the State. Meetings of the EDA are attended by staff from the Department of Defence. However, I understand...

European Defence Agency. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: We have a strong legislative framework for regulating the dual use issue, which the Minister for Foreign Affairs piloted through the Houses. Deputy Ryan's question suggested that Enterprise Ireland was acting as Ireland's representative at the EDA. In the interest of Enterprise Ireland, it is important to clarify that it does not act as Ireland's representative on the European Defence...

European Defence Agency. (26 Apr 2007)

Micheál Martin: The Department of Defence has requested the involvement of Enterprise Ireland in identifying Irish companies which might potentially participate in this research programme. To date, Enterprise Ireland has provided preliminary technical assistance to the Department of Defence at EDA meetings for a research and development programme which the EDA has decided to undertake and in which the...