Results 49,281-49,300 of 51,072 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The State cannot hinder the exercise of that right.

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Otherwise, it would be in breach of its duties——

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Deputy Rabbitte should allow me to make my contribution to the House. He, or one of his colleagues will have an opportunity to speak, as other Members have done.

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Otherwise, it would be in breach of its duties under the Treaty of the European Community. Once Irish Ferries satisfies the Minister that its proposed re-flagging in Cyprus is on foot of its right of establishment, the State cannot prevent the re-flagging. That is the stark reality. Pending that re-flagging approval, Irish employment laws will continue to be enforced and at all times Irish...

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: —— wherever they are flagged.

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: However, once the vessels re-flag in Cyprus it is clear, as a matter of international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, that the terms and conditions of the employed seafarers on such vessels is to be decided exclusively by the flag state, which in this case will be Cyprus. Moreover, it is crystal clear that the State cannot prevent a re-flagging that...

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Once a right of establishment in accordance with European law is exercised, by definition, there would be a genuine link with the member state in which the vessel is re-flagged. Hence the Labour Party's proposed Bill will not solve the problem. In fact, it will compound the situation by unfairly raising expectations of a legislative solution.

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: We offered to share our analysis of the legal position with the representatives of SIPTU and I understand this took place last Friday evening. It serves no purpose to provide the illusion of a solution which is not available. Equally, I reject the suggestion that the deplorable circumstances in Irish Ferries can be repeated in other sectors of the workforce. This is, as Members know, not the case.

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Seafarers and states operate within well-defined international legal provisions and conventions. It is a regime that applies to that industry. That is not the position in other industries.

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The position of other workers is entirely different.

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Irish labour law and Irish regulations can and will be applied to workers from other member states, or from outside the European Community. Furthermore, the Taoiseach has signalled publicly and in direct discussion with the trade union movement, that we are prepared to strengthen the provisions to secure employment protection in the Irish labour market and to engage fully with them in that...

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: In the interests of the wider social and industrial relations environment, a negotiated solution should still be sought and we are determined that effective protection of employment standards will apply. Finally, we believe that this is best secured within the context of social partnership. As the House debates this issue, the Labour Relations Commission continues its deliberations in the...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (24 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: A small number of former employees of my Department and its agencies have been brought back to work on contract, or others employed on contract to do work which, in some cases, was traditionally done in-house. This includes a number of temporary staff engaged each year to provide cover for staff availing of term-time work options, to provide maternity cover and staff engaged on short-term...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (23 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Support for job creation and investment is a matter for the industrial development agencies. Under the Industrial Development Acts, I may give general policy directives to IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland but I am precluded from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others. In terms of attracting foreign direct investment to west...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (23 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: IDA Ireland is an autonomous statutory agency established under the Industrial Development Acts 1986 to 2003. The agency operates in accordance with the provisions of the Acts and under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency as part of the statutory...

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (23 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Following a review of FÁS employment schemes, including community employment, job initiative and social economy programmes, on 10 November 2004, I announced that the current ring fencing and prioritisation for essential child care services would be maintained. Approximately 2,200 child care places are provided to disadvantaged areas under community employment schemes. With reference to...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (22 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together. There are five civil servants and one press adviser in the Department's press and media relations office. The grade and remuneration details are outlined in the accompanying table. It should be noted that the principal officer undertakes other duties in addition to his role in the press and media relations office. The press and media...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (22 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The information in respect of staffing of my office is set out in the following tables. Staffing of Private Office Grade Higher Executive Officer (Private Secretary) 1 Executive Officers 2 Clerical Officers 5.8 Total 8.8 These staff are civil servants. Constituency Office. Grade Clerical Officers (Civil Servants) 2 Personal Assistants (non-civil servants) 1.5 ...

Written Answers — Industrial Development: Industrial Development (22 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Support for job creation and investment is a matter for the industrial development agencies. Under the Industrial Development Acts, I may give general policy directives to IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland but I am precluded from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others. Ultimately, decisions regarding where to locate, including...

Written Answers — Competition Policy: Competition Policy (22 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I have previously advised the House that I consider predatory pricing to be an abusive and anti-competitive practice that acts against the interests of consumers. However, it is a tactic employed by a firm that is dominant in its market and involves the sale of product below cost for a prolonged period of time in order to damage or eliminate a competitor. Predatory pricing is, therefore, a...