Results 49,961-49,980 of 51,089 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Research and Development. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: The research and development performance of Irish industry has shown a worthwhile improvement in recent years. Data made available by Forfás indicates that business expenditure on research and development increased from €917 million in 2001 to €1,076 million in 2003. We have made considerable progress, but more needs to be done. The EU's research and innovation performance is...

Research and Development. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: There has been a review of Enterprise Ireland. I am preparing a roadmap or blueprint to achieve the Lisbon Agenda target of 2.5% in research and development. This will include the business spend as well as the State spend. We have signed up for the goals. We are in favour of increased research and development investment. We did a fantastic job in the past five or six years in research and...

Software Industry. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: Software companies and others in the high technology sectors face significant challenges as a result of globalisation and increased global competition. Irish companies must increasingly compete through innovation, increased investment in research and development and a strong focus on export growth. These are the key issues both now and for the future. The software sector is a substantial...

Software Industry. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: Of the 800 companies in the software industry, 600 are indigenous. We are witnessing strong growth in companies, not only in volume but in quality. The key strategic objectives are increased investment in research and development; to facilitate the involvement of those companies in such investment; a strong focus on IT education both at third and second levels; stronger research and...

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Government welcomes the report of the consumer strategy group which was published on 18 May 2005. The report contains over 30 separate recommendations involving a variety of Departments and agencies. The Government accepts the core recommendation in the CSG report and has approved, in principle, the establishment of a new national consumer agency. The Government intends to ensure that the...

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: The report advances new material and arguments in support of its recommendation to revoke the order. It is also the first time since the groceries order was first introduced in the 1950s that its operation has been examined from a uniquely consumer perspective. It is only sensible and prudent policy-making to give all those with an interest in the matter the opportunity to comment on the CSG...

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: I reject the Deputy's assertion about previous ministerial duties I occupied, including education and science, and health and children. I was the first Minister in 30 years to begin the process of abolishing health boards. The decision to do so through legislation was my decision, despite all the opposition from those on health boards.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: Yes, I acknowledge that, but I still took the decision. The smoking ban was also my decision.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: I took decisions on other matters as well.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: In making decisions, I believe that one must take on board what people have to say. To be frank, although it might be inappropriate for me to say so, I think it was too soon for the Oireachtas committee——

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: ——to arrive at a conclusion prior to the publication of the consumer strategy group's report.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: I did not have it for six months.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: In the context of the groceries order, it raises a number of points——

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: ——particularly the issue of net invoice discounting.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Oireachtas Committee would do well to re-evaluate and re-examine it.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: I will not pre-empt the outcome of the consultation period.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: Not at all, I have an open mind on this matter. There is a number of factors to take on board, not least the interests of consumers, which is a key issue. There are also the issues of primary producers, suppliers and the impact on industry. I will allow the consultation process to take place. The consumer strategy group has advanced cogent arguments. Those who are opposed to the revocation of...

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: We will have to respond in a meaningful way to the points that have been raised by the consumer strategy group, not least that, to date, everyone has concentrated on the revocation of the order only. There are other issues that the CSG raised which deserve serious consideration.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: I am glad the Deputy has acknowledged that there are other perspectives to the groceries order issue. I initiated the consultation process to allow those other perspectives to have an input into future decisions on it.

Consumer Strategy Group Report. (31 May 2005)

Micheál Martin: On the point the Deputy raised concerning planning, I agree with the consumer strategy group's broad recommendation that planning authorities should not impede competition and should never utilise planning as a vehicle for impeding competition. On behalf of the State and the Oireachtas, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government issues planning guidelines on a range of...