Results 49,701-49,720 of 51,299 for speaker:Micheál Martin

EU Funding. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: There is little point going into the realm of speculation. "So far, so good" is how I would term the way we are operating within the multisectoral framework. We have strong relationships with many of the companies which have established in Ireland and which may be establishing new phases to their development here. We want to maintain that relationship. I cannot speculate in terms of what may...

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The decision to appoint the chief science adviser was made by the Government as part of a package of measures in the area of science co-ordination and oversight. These measures were agreed by Government in June 2004 and included the following: the establishment of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation; the establishment of an interdepartmental committee to support the...

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: As regards the filling of the position of chief science adviser, there were particular circumstances surrounding this matter. The Government was aware of the availability of a specific individual with a particular background and experience of relevance to the position of chief science adviser. That individual was retiring from a post in the European Commission at director general level. The...

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: At the time the Government was satisfied there was a need to give momentum to science co-ordination policy and the general science agenda.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: A situation arose within the Commission where an individual was readily available to fill the position of chief science adviser. He occupied a significant post in the Commission, under which a significant number of people were employed in a research facility. He had a track record with the establishment of BioResearch Ireland and is well thought of in academia and government circles.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: It made sense at the time, with the other measures taken in science and technology policy, to create the position of chief science adviser. In a short time, many positive developments have taken place in research, such as the programme for research in third level institutions and the creation of Science Foundation Ireland. Last week, I met the chief science adviser, not to present several...

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: No, I am not dependent on his views. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the body responsible for accreditation in Ireland, was asked to assess the bona fides of this institution.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Its view was that it did not have accrediting powers within the US. In our discussions with the chief science adviser, his view was that the body he dealt with at that time is vastly different from the one in place now.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: There is an issue of due process in this case.

Departmental Appointments. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am anxious to bear this in mind when considering the individual's position, particularly as he has a significant track record in public positions both in Ireland and the European Commission. I put the position we received from the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland on that body in the US to the chief science adviser.

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: As I advised the House in my reply to Question No. 205 of 28 September, the consumer strategy group's report, Make Consumers Count, was published on 18 May 2005. The Government has already approved the report's core recommendation that a new statutory body, the national consumer agency, be established to advocate on behalf of consumers. Given that this will require primary legislation, a...

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: No, this is a recommendation of the consumer strategy group. I will deal with whatever issues the Deputy wishes me to deal with. Those submissions have been examined and I met with various groups in the last month to discuss the groceries order. I intend to bring a report to Government detailing proposals in relation to the future of the order shortly. In addition to the above mentioned...

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The work of the committee is virtually complete. We are preparing a memorandum for Government.

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I do not know. That is not relevant because the report is complete. When it involves other agencies and Departments it is necessary to request consideration of and commitments on the various recommendations from outside my Department.

Consumer Strategy Group. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: It will be submitted to Government shortly. The memorandum is in preparation.

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I have set up the business regulation forum, BRF, with effect from today. I was very pleased to secure the services of Dr. Donal De Buitléir, General Manager, Office of the Group Chief Executive, AIB Group, as chairman. The members appointed encompass an excellent spread of business and regulatory expertise and this will be complemented by the addition of departmental representatives....

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: In terms of the world of business, there was a requirement and a desire from business that there would be formalised dialogue on working relationships with Government on regulations in general. This is a good thing. During the summer, the Taoiseach announced that such a group would be established. It is important for business in Ireland, as there is a strong external perception that the...

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: This is an example of typical cheap Opposition tactics condemning any group established. The bottom line on the enterprise strategy group is that the fundamentals have been implemented in terms of economic migration policy.

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Employment Permits Bill 2005 is awaiting this House to pass it on to Committee Stage. The transport initiative unveiled yesterday is central to recommendations arising from the enterprise strategy group. Another example is work on and investment in research and development.

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am dealing with the issue. The One Step Up initiative has been allocated an extra €40 million this year. It was used immediately to upskill the workforce. Whatever criteria are used, there is solid progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the enterprise strategy group. The reorganisation of Enterprise Ireland, taking into account its new strategic vision is another...