Results 48,181-48,200 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that this application was refused and that the employer has appealed but the original decision in this case was upheld. I should add that, in the aftermath of EU Enlargement, it is Government policy that employers should be able to source nearly all of their workforce needs from within the EU. Accordingly, only in cases where...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 933 and 934 together. The Small Business Forum, which I set up last year, and whose report I published in May, were asked by me to examine the overall current environment for conducting small business in Ireland and to advise on the adequacy and appropriateness of public policy responses in the context of that environment. In carrying out their review the...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The person concerned was employed on a short-term contract as a Temporary Service Attendant. His contract was due to expire on 12 May 2006. His contract was extended until 28 July 2006 to allow for a number of appeals he made in writing and orally. The Secretary General of the Department, having fully considered the matter, and following legal advice from the Office of the Attorney...

Written Answers — Health and Safety Regulations: Health and Safety Regulations (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Health and Safety Authority, which is the body responsible for enforcement of occupational safety and health legislation in Ireland, has conducted a pilot programme in relation to the Voluntary Protection Programme. This pilot programme, which commenced in 2004, arose out of a joint EU/US meeting that considered areas for practical co-operation between the EU and US. The programme is...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Work Permits section of my Department has informed me that they have no record of a valid application in this case.

Written Answers — FÁS Training Programmes: FÁS Training Programmes (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: Present policy is that participation on FÁS employment schemes has an upper age limit of 65 years of age. Under this arrangement FÁS may provide funds to community based employers to cover participant costs until the day before his/her 66th birthday. As the Deputy is aware, as FÁS is not the employer of scheme participants, any employer may choose to continue to employ individuals beyond...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: IDA Ireland is the Agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland. During 2005 the Agency hosted one first-time site visit to both Westport and Castlebar. The Agency is maintaining contact with the companies involved with a view to securing investment, if possible. Unfortunately, IDA was unable to secure visits to any of the other...

Written Answers — FÁS Training Programmes: FÁS Training Programmes (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I am informed by FÁS and the Community Services Unit, West region, that a significant proportion of its complement of CE places has been allocated. FÁS West region, is however still in a position to accommodate some new entrants and up to 30 vacancies are now in the process of being filled.

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: Finding alternative employment for the workers in question is a priority for the State Development agencies. The Industrial Training agency FÁS has briefed all staff on the range of services available to them and many of them continue to participate in the various programmes run by the agency. Since the announcement of the job losses, Enterprise Ireland has participated at a number of...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 949 and 959 together. The company has not returned any grant aid to Enterprise Ireland. Discussions between Enterprise Ireland and the company concerning grant aid to the plant at Rooskey, Co. Roscommon are still continuing. Progress is being made on the negotiations and it is expected that a conclusion will be reached which will take account of a very...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I am aware of the ECJ ruling that the Deputy has referred to. The September 12 decision from the ECJ confirms the earlier Opinion issued by the Court that the UK Controlled Foreign Companies (CFC) rules restrict the freedom of establishment principle and are only justified to the extent that they are applied to counter "wholly artificial arrangements". Taxation is of course the...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: My Department has been making good progress in the relocation of 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. The number of posts in Business Units decentralising to Carlow, as at 15th September, is 280. Having regard to the agreed staffing protocols governing decentralisation, my Department has approached all General Service staff who expressed a first preference...

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: Responsibility for the implementation of the RAPID and CLÁR Programmes resides with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. My Department's contribution to the RAPID Programme is being delivered by FÁS through FÁS Community Services, the Local Employment Service and FÁS Training Services. The Community Employment Programme, constitutes a major element of FÁS Community...

Written Answers — Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: Consumers enjoy certain statutory protections from the activities of unscrupulous traders. The Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 requires that in every contract for the supply of a service where the supplier is acting in the course of a business, the following terms are implied: that the supplier has the necessary skill to render the service, that he will supply the service with...

Written Answers — Census of Population: Census of Population (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The Census 2006 Preliminary Report results are likely to be used by my Department for general economic commentary, for comparing our demographic indicators with other economies and, indeed, in informing our labour market policy considerations on issues such as employment, training and migration. Equally, the enterprise development and advisory agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland...

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I am very concerned about the job losses announced in the company and their impact on the workers, their families and the local communities. Finding alternative employment for the workers is a priority for the State Development agencies and IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS will play their part in developing a way forward for the workers. The role of FÁS, the State Training agency,...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: The next Trade Mission that I will lead is to Canada, from 16th to 20th October next. This event has been organised by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and at this late stage the details of the various events have been decided and the list of companies participating has been finalised, as logistical arrangements need to be settled some weeks in advance. The procedure in Enterprise Ireland for...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: IDA Ireland is the Agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland, including its regions and areas. The agency hosted 2 visits to County Kildare in the past twelve months, one to Naas and one to Athy. The Agency has maintained contact with the companies involved with a view to securing investment, if possible. IDA Ireland's strategy for...

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: I am very concerned about the job losses in the companies concerned and the impact on the workers, their families and the local communities. Finding alternative employment for the workers is a priority for the State Development agencies and accordingly IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS will play their part in developing a way forward. The role of the training agency FÁS is...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (27 Sep 2006)

Micheál Martin: IDA Ireland is the Agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland, including its regions and areas. The agency hosted 19 visits to Limerick and 6 visits to Clare since the beginning of 2006. So far this year no visits have been hosted to North Tipperary. Ultimately, decisions regarding where to locate, including what areas to visit as...