Results 4,781-4,800 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: This has now been carried out. In terms of supervision of any agency it is important that a parent Department should satisfy itself that systems are in place to effectively manage public funds. However, this should not be interpreted as Departments having to take onto themselves responsibilities that properly belong to the bodies concerned. That is why, in addition to my Department's...

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Since the code of practice was issued, it has been confirmed by FÁS each year over the period 2002-07, with the exception of 2006, that steps were taken to ensure an appropriate control environment. It also stated that the audit committee on behalf of the board conducted a review of the effectiveness of the system of internal financial controls and that no weaknesses were found in the...

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I assure the House that the decision to agree to the addition of years to his pension entitlement was not taken lightly. Securing his departure in a non-litigious manner was considered to be in line with the best interests of both the FÁS organisation and the taxpayer. The severance package was agreed in accordance with section 6(3) of the Labour Services Act 1987.

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I should point out to the House that any question of dismissal is, in the first instance, a matter for the board of FÁS. In this regard, it should be noted that if the board had dismissed him, the procedures involved would have been time consuming and in the absence of due and fair process could possibly have ended up in a court action.

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It would not have been possible to effect the necessary speedy change of director general, which was in the best interests of FÁS, its clients and the taxpayer. At all times during this process I acted in line with the advice of officials of my own Department and the Department of Finance. There had been considerable comment both inside and outside the House in regard to the issue of...

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: As I outlined at the outset of my remarks, I have today published the Labour Services (Amendment) Bill 2009.

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: When enacted, this legislation will improve the effectiveness and governance of the board of FÁS and strengthen the accountability of its director general to the Oireachtas. The Bill takes account of the recommendations made by the Committee of Public Accounts in its fourth interim report and the work of the Comptroller and Auditor General. My main purpose in this Bill is to effect a...

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: -----in a non-prescribed manner based on a person's particular talents and experience-----

FÁS: Motion (6 Oct 2009)

Mary Coughlan: -----to include the director general as an ex officio member of the board; to introduce a rolling system of appointments to the board; to implement the recommendations of the Committee of Public Accounts relating to the accountability of the director general of FÁS and the fiduciary duties of directors appointed by the Minister; to introduce provisions relating to the disclosure of interests...

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The Minister advises that on the issue of the amalgamation of the authorities, there may not be any necessity for the legislation.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: However, no final decision has been made with regard to whether legislation is required. In the main, the Minister is of the view that most of the work relating to the amalgamation can be carried out within the Department.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I have.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: A decision has not been taken in respect of reactivating the education legislation to which the Deputy refers. It is hoped the mental capacity legislation will be introduced by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. The review on personal alarms will be completed next month.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Nothing has been promised but the matter can be considered.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: We had a debate on this matter. Like the Deputy, I am working on it. However, there is no legislation promised.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: That question was asked on Tuesday and the Minister will revert to the Deputy directly. The Social Welfare Bill will be taken this session.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I will revert to the Deputy on those matters.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been asked to revert directly to the Deputy on that matter. The Minister is abroad and will revert to the Deputy upon his return.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I will revert to the Deputy on that matter.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Next year.