Results 49,301-49,320 of 51,072 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Semi-State Bodies: Semi-State Bodies (22 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: As provided for in the Science Foundation Ireland Act 2003, the director general is appointed for a five-year term. The director general's contract will expire in September 2006. SFI announced in September 2005 that the director general will leave the Foundation before September 2006 to take up a new appointment at California Polytechnic State University. I understand that the position will...

Written Answers — Semi-State Bodies: Semi-State Bodies (22 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The chief science adviser is appointed by Government. As I have stated publicly, the post will be filled by open competition. It is expected that the process will commence in the new year.

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (17 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The main purpose of the community employment programme operated by FÁS is to provide work experience and training for the long-term unemployed and disadvantaged groups and thereby enable participants to advance successfully to employment in the open labour market. On 10 November 2004, following a review of FÁS employment schemes, community employment, job initiative and social economy...

Written Answers — Capital Expenditure: Capital Expenditure (17 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: My Department was not directly involved in carrying out capital projects of between €30 million and €50 million in 2004 or 2005. However, within my Department's agencies, two projects were approved for funding within this cost range. One capital project was approved for grant aid of €48.25 million by IDA Ireland in 2004. This request was underpinned by a cost-benefit analysis of the...

Written Answers — Company Law: Company Law (16 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 324 to 328, inclusive, together. The Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement has made inquiries into the matter of the status of Controlled Demolition Group and he understands that joint administrators were appointed to the company under the provisions of the UK Insolvency Act 1986, as amended by the Enterprise Act 2002. He also understands that, following...

Leaders' Questions. (16 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: That is not correct.

Leaders' Questions. (16 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I will not take lectures from Deputy Rabbitte.

Leaders' Questions. (16 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: We will meet Deputy Rabbitte on the hustings.

Road Network. (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am pleased to have the opportunity on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, to respond to Deputy Enright on this matter. The Minister for Finance keeps a watching brief on matters pertaining to Tullamore and the midlands generally.

Road Network. (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: He is very active in the context of developing the country and ensuring a central role for the midlands in that overall national development. There is no prospect of Tullamore being left behind given the presence of the Minister, Deputy Cowen, at the Cabinet table in such a pivotal position as Minister for Finance.

Road Network. (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: In the past 11 months the Department of Transport has developed the most detailed national transport plan ever devised in this country. Transport 21 will give Ireland a first class transport system that, on a national level, connects all regions to each other and to our main seaports and airports and, in the cities, will provide greatly enhanced public transport alternatives to the private...

Road Network. (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: With regard to roads, the midlands generally and the linked gateway of Tullamore, Athlone and Mullingar have already benefited from the major investment in the upgrade of the national roads programme in recent years. The upgrade of the N7 through the bypassing of Kildare, Monasterevin and Portlaoise has improved access to and from the midlands. Access will be further improved when the...

Road Network. (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: With regard to rail, Tullamore has benefited from investment in the railway network under the national development plan by virtue of its location on both the Dublin-Galway and Dublin-Westport intercity rail lines. Combined with the fixed infrastructure renewal work already completed or under way, Transport 21 will provide for 120 intercity rail cars to be deployed on the mainline rail network...

Written Answers — European Council Meetings: European Council Meetings (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I assume that the Deputy is referring to the various council formations rather than the European Council, for which the Department of the Taoiseach has primary responsibility. The council formations for which my Department has particular responsibilities are the Competitiveness Council and the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council. My Department also has...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together. My Department has not received or sought exemptions for Ireland from generally applicable EU directives or regulations. In the normal course of negotiating legal instruments, my Department contributes to negotiations on the basis of securing the best outcome for Ireland and frequently makes proposals or suggestions to amend proposed...

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: As I am provided with an official car and driver for use in the course of my duties, the matter has not arisen.

Written Answers — Departmental Programmes: Departmental Programmes (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The national spatial strategy is a framework designed to re-orientate the balance of development across the country and in this regard it is not possible to quantify costs, benefits or savings that have accrued to date other than to look at the spread of investment and job creation in the regions. Redirecting the established force of development and investment preferences is not a...

Written Answers — Employment Support Services: Employment Support Services (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: All FÁS training and employment programmes are open to former family carers. Some programmes are delivered on a part-time basis and may support former carers in their transition from caring responsibilities to participation on training and employment programmes. Since 5 October, 2000 persons who were formerly in receipt of a carer's allowance and whose caring responsibilities have ceased,...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: All Departments are required to meet a 3% minimum target for the employment of people with disabilities. The policy with regard to the 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities in the Civil Service is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance. My Department currently exceeds the minimum requirement, with 4.27% disabled people currently employed. In addition,...

Written Answers — North-South Co-operation: North-South Co-operation (15 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Good Friday Agreement set out a new vision for the island of Ireland and led to the establishment of the North-South Ministerial Council and the North-South implementation bodies. My Department is a co-sponsor of one of the North-South implementation bodies, InterTrade Ireland, the all-island trade and business development body. The North-South unit of my Department was established to...