Results 49,721-49,740 of 51,299 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Business Regulation. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: One of the great driving forces behind Ireland's transformation economically over the past decade or so has been the strategic approach taken on macro issues. These are significant fundamental issues in attracting investment and getting the overall business climate correct. This is why the country has been so successful, more successful than any other country, in attracting mobile investment....

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 133 together. The public consultation process on the groceries order generated more than 550 submissions which were received from a wide range of parties, including a significant number from the general public. The submissions have all been considered and my Department has now compiled a detailed report on the process. I have also met various groups in...

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy will see those very shortly and I look forward to his support.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I have made no glib response. I have given detailed consideration to the issue, as is appropriate. The Government will make the decision before it is brought to the House along with legislative proposals.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy should allow me to respond. I was somewhat surprised that originally, there was a knee-jerk reaction on the part of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business to oppose any change to the groceries order, even before the consumer strategy group reported.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: However, I am glad to see there has been some amendment of that position.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I have. While it is extremely carefully worded on a number of fronts, I have made it clear that the retention of the groceries order is not a tenable proposition in the future. However, the Department received 550 written submissions on this matter. As I have stated, it was only fair to give those concerned about the issue an opportunity to discuss it with me verbally. This has taken place...

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: ——from different sides. Consequently, as I have stated, I will go before the Government shortly and will not pre-empt its decision. I will come back before the House when that decision has been taken.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: As I have stated, the existing order is not a ban on below cost selling but is on below the net invoice price——

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: In the first instance, I will bring my recommendations to the Government. It will make a decision on the issue and I will then revert back to the House. In time honoured fashion, I am going about this in the proper manner. First, I will go to the Executive and then I will bring the matter back before the House.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Deputy should define what he means.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Does the Deputy understand what he has just asked?

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The groceries order is not a ban on below cost selling and is not a ban on predatory pricing.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: Existing legislation already covers that.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Competition Act deals with the issue. I sought advice and views on this matter and it deals with the issue of predatory pricing and abuse of dominance.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: The issue of jurisprudence is separate. However, I do not accept the proposition which the Deputy has just articulated. As I stated earlier, I will bring the full range of proposals and recommendations on this issue to the Government shortly. I will then make a full presentation of those recommendations to the House. Comprehensive work has been carried out on the issue by officials within my...

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I have read the joint committee's report and have had discussions with its chairman.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: It is an interesting report.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: I know that.

Groceries Order. (2 Nov 2005)

Micheál Martin: First, the Government makes decisions on these issues. This is the position.