Results 49,401-49,420 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Employment Permits Bill 2005: Second Stage (Resumed]. (10 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The integration issue is important. As transformation takes place and Ireland becomes a country of net immigration as opposed to emigration, a significant challenge is presented to put in place the infrastructure and mechanisms to ensure proper integration of migrant workers in our communities. My Department will shortly launch an initiative with FÁS on the integration of migrant employees...

Employment Permits Bill 2005: Referral to Select Committee. (10 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, in accordance with Standing Order 120(1) and paragraph 1(a)(i) of the Orders of Reference of that committee.

Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Second Stage (resumed). (10 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: For important reasons.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (9 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I recently provided information on the progress of my inquiries in this matter in response to a question from Deputy Howlin. I indicated that, given the importance of the issues raised, it is vital that due process be observed in dealing with these matters. I am currently considering materials and responses submitted by the individual concerned and the matter is ongoing.

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (9 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: While I do not have precise market share details for all newspapers in the market, I am aware that the Independent Group continues to hold a leading position in the national newspaper market. There is vibrant competition, particularly in the Sunday newspaper market, which, despite the strength of the Independent Group titles, continues to be a highly contested market. I also welcome the fact...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (9 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: No contracts, awarded by my Department from 1995-2004, over-ran financially as a result of jobs being incorrectly specified. In general, where a requirement arises to seek delivery of additional functionality which was not included as part of the original contract, such additional requirements are separately costed and approved.

Leaders' Questions. (9 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I hope Deputy McGrath supports the legislation.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: My Department has made good progress in implementing its decentralisation programme. With regard to the site, the current position is that my Department is working closely with the OPW on the procurement of a site in Carlow town centre and we understand that the OPW is close to finalising the acquisition of this site. The next steps in the process will include the OPW issuing a call for...

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (8 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 — Work Permits: Work Permits (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am informed by the work permit section of my Department that an application was received on 28 January 2004 in respect of this person. The application was refused on the basis that two non-EEA directors of the named employer-company did not have the required business permission from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The employer was informed of this decision in writing and...

Written Answers — Irish Language: Irish Language (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: My Department has incurred the estimated following expenditure set out under the headings listed from 2002 to 2004: Training 2002 2003 2004 â'¬ â'¬ â'¬ 630 630 540 University Degree Programme from 2002 to 2005 €2,500 Translation 2002 2003 2004 â'¬ â'¬ â'¬ 4,470 3,602 1,214 Advertising 2002 2003 2004 â'¬ â'¬ â'¬ 10,175 13,680 9,504 Other ...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The audit committee of my Department has five members. It is chaired by Mr. Dermot Quigley, former Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, and includes the head of internal audit from a Government agency and three senior departmental officials. The committee has met on four occasions in the past 12 months. Agendas for these meetings typically relate to agreement of minutes of the previous...

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Gross job losses in Enterprise Ireland and IDA supported companies in County Donegal since 1996-2005 is not yet available — were as follows: Year Gross job losses 1996 736 1997 430 1998 526 1999 1,569 2000 838 2001 968 2002 622 2003 919 2004 639 Of the total gross job losses indicated above, 66% were attributable to losses in the textiles and clothing sector....

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The total entrepreneurial activity rating is a measure used by the international global entrepreneurship monitor, GEM. It encompasses any type of entrepreneurial initiative, including self-employment as well as those taking specific actions to establish new enterprises. The GEM is a long-term, large-scale multinational research programme co-ordinated jointly by the London Business School and...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: In respect of the decentralisation of Enterprise Ireland headquarters, including 300 staff, to Shannon, the agency has identified the posts to be transferred and these are advertised as part of the central applications facility, CAF. The most immediate implementation step for Enterprise Ireland is to provide for a new headquarters building designed to meet the business needs of the...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: My Department and the decentralising agencies under the aegis of my Department have completed a risk assessment exercise to assess direct and indirect risks, threats to and opportunities for the synergies between my Department and its agencies following decentralisation. Both Enterprise Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority have undertaken separate risk assessments within their own...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am informed by the work permit section of my Department that the above named individual has lodged a complaint with the rights commissioner service of the Labour Relations Commission. This case was partially heard on the 24 August 2005 and is due to resume in the near future. In these circumstances the work permit section is prepared to consider favourably an application from a new...

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am informed by the work permit section of my Department that an application was received on 12 October 2005 in the respect of the named individual. The application was refused on the basis that there are EEA nationals available for the work in question. The employer has been notified of this decision in writing and of their right of appeal. To date, no such appeal has been received.

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (8 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The constitution of State boards is governed by statute. Nominations are based on an individual's experience and expertise in a particular field, and not on any disability that the person may have. In some instances I am obliged to make appointments based on the nominations received from nominating bodies. While I am aware that there is one member of a board with a disability, I am not in a...

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (3 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: My sole departmental responsibility with regard to property management companies arises in the context of company law. Property management companies are generally constituted as companies limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts and are required to comply with the relevant provisions of company law. The operation of such companies under their relevant memorandum and articles of...