Results 50,301-50,320 of 51,305 for speaker:Micheál Martin

Written Answers — Enterprise Strategy Group: Enterprise Strategy Group (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: The Government recently considered and endorsed the report of the high level committee that was asked to look at the most appropriate implementation arrangements for the recommendations of the Enterprise Strategy Group, ESG. The Government is broadly supportive of the policy directions recommended by the group, as underlined by its intention to implement, either in full or with some...

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: As I outlined in my answer to the Deputy's question of 24 February, the reduction of 5,000 in staffing levels as announced by the Government in 2002 applies to all sectors of the public service. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and its agencies, including FÁS, are expected to contribute to this reduction. In the case of FÁS a reduction of 150 over a number of years from a...

Written Answers — Indigenous Enterprise: Indigenous Enterprise (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: Full-time employment in Irish owned enterprises which are supported by the enterprise development agencies currently stands at 149,113; this represents a rise in employment of 5,000 over the five year period since the end of 1999. In the international context, in which we operate as an open economy, this represents a strong performance. More broadly, over the decade since 1995, there are...

Written Answers — Company Closures: Company Closures (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I understand that the liquidator has made considerable progress in realising the assets of the company and establishing the full extent of its liabilities. He has indicated that he hopes to complete the liquidation process later this year. At this stage, the main production sites at Arklow and Cork remain the principal assets yet to be realised. It is understood that contracts have been...

Written Answers — Trade Exports: Trade Exports (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: Exports to Hong Kong amounted to €833 million in 2004, up 21% from the 2003 total of €688 million. Hong Kong is an important business partner for Ireland in Asia, notably for services, and, in particular, for goods en route to other locations in China. There is much potential for Irish companies there. It is both a sophisticated market for a range of our exports and a good location for...

Written Answers — Company Closures: Company Closures (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: When Irish Fertilisers Industries Limited went into liquidation, ICI and the State, the shareholders in IFI, established a special fund — while there was no legal obligation to do so — of almost €24.5 million to provide ex gratia severance payments to the former employees. Payments from the fund were made in accordance with the basis for distribution determined by the trustee of the...

Written Answers — Manufacturing Sector: Manufacturing Sector (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: The principal means of delivering direct assistance to indigenous manufacturing companies is through the national enterprise development agency, Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland can assist those indigenous manufacturing companies that are, or at least have the potential to be, export focused. I should point out that the decision to provide support to a client company is a day-to-day...

Written Answers — Enterprise Strategy Group: Enterprise Strategy Group (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 152 together. Shortly after the launch of the Enterprise Strategy Group's report in 2004, the Government asked a high level committee under the chairmanship of my Department to advise on the most appropriate means to progress implementation of its recommendations. The Government recently considered and endorsed that committee's report, which was broadly...

Written Answers — Enterprise Strategy Group: Enterprise Strategy Group (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 110 together. Shortly after the launch of the Enterprise Strategy Group's report in 2004, the Government asked a high level committee under the chairmanship of my Department to advise on the most appropriate means to progress implementation of its recommendations and the most suitable modes of implementation. The Government recently considered and...

Written Answers — Pharmacy Regulations: Pharmacy Regulations (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: In February 2005, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children circulated proposals for a pharmacy Bill for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the pharmacy review group. Under the section 30(1)(c) of the Competition Act 2002, the Competition Authority has a statutory role in advising Government on proposals for legislation in relation to their...

Written Answers — Departmental Studies: Departmental Studies (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: The socio-economic study in question was commissioned by Ballyhoura Development Group in association with local interest groups and not by my Department. I understand that a first draft of the study has been completed by the consultants appointed to carry out the work. The final draft is expected within the next few weeks. I am informed that the report will then go on public display.

Written Answers — Energy Costs: Energy Costs (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: Last year the National Competitiveness Council, NCC, identified electricity costs as one area of concern in the context of overall cost competitiveness in the economy. In its Statement on Prices and Costs 2004, the NCC noted that in the three years to September 2004 electricity prices for industry have increased by approximately 40%. My Department has carried out a review of the issues from...

Written Answers — Industrial Projects: Industrial Projects (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 97 together. The announcement of the proposed aid to Intel on 19 May 2004 pointed out that the grant was subject to EU approval. The proposed aid was required to be notified to the European Commission for approval under the multisectoral framework on regional aid for large investment projects. Under this framework, which came into general effect on 1...

Written Answers — Banking Sector: Banking Sector (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I understand that the new rules are part of the ongoing development of a single euro payment area, which will facilitate cross-border payments such as credit transfers and direct debit payments. As such, the new rules are primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. With regard to the effect of the rules on competition, I have not undertaken any study. However, I hope that the...

Written Answers — Departmental Inquiries: Departmental Inquiries (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 105 and 127 together. Sixteen investigations into company law matters were initiated by my predecessor in the period since 1997. In three cases, the High Court appointed, on an application by the Minister, inspectors under section 8 of the Companies Act 1990. The inspectors appointed to Ansbacher (Cayman) Limited presented their report to the High Court on...

Written Answers — Community Employment Schemes: Community Employment Schemes (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 126, 139 and 219 together. FÁS employment programmes, which comprise community employment, CE, social economy, SE, and job initiative, JI, will provide over 25,000 places in 2005. I am informed by FÁS that the number of participants on community employment was 24,991 in January 2003, 19,848 in January 2004 and 22,194 in January 2005. There are currently...

Written Answers — Insurance Industry: Insurance Industry (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 128 together. The 47 recommendations contained in the report of the Competition Authority are designed to make the insurance market in Ireland more open, transparent and competitive. Accordingly, I welcome the authority's findings and conclusions. However, responsibility for the implementation of the majority of the recommendations lies with the...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: The review of industrial performance and policy 2003 carried out detailed analysis of Irish industrial performance and policy over the previous decade, including the performance and role of the enterprise development agencies over that period. While the review made no specific recommendations relating to future policy or the role of the agencies, the analysis contained therein informed the...

Written Answers — Company Closures: Company Closures (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I understand that the liquidator has made considerable progress in realising the assets of the company and establishing the full extent of its liabilities and that he hopes to complete the liquidation process later this year. At this stage, the production sites at Arklow and Cork remain the principal assets yet to be realised. It is understood that contracts have been signed for the sale of...

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (20 Apr 2005)

Micheál Martin: I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 116 together. The statistics referred to arise from the Review of Enterprise Ireland Supported High Potential Start-ups 1989-2004 conducted by Enterprise Ireland. The report is an internal report of Enterprise Ireland and as such is an operational issue for the agency and not one in which I have a direct function. Enterprise Ireland has informed me...