Results 5,861-5,880 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Media Mergers. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The reason this was introduced in the first place is exactly as Deputy Penrose stated. The issue of relevant criteria and their expansion is very important and is being evaluated. I had anticipated more retort or at least more response from outside the Department on this issue when the report was launched. Unfortunately, we did not receive a huge amount of traction on it.

Media Mergers. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I launched it.

Media Mergers. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Yes. It is out there.

Media Mergers. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I thought there would be an avalanche but there has not been. I am very conscious of the relevant criteria and I believe that plurality is extremely important. We are working through a number of the recommendations. Deputy Penrose is correct that one of the recommendations is on the new types of media and this will be incorporated.

Media Mergers. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Yes, it must be because of other legislation. If Deputy Penrose wishes to put forward a view, I will be happy to take it on board.

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: We are thinking ahead.

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 46 together. The Government is anxious that as many jobs as possible be secured at Dublin Airport. We would like to see the SR Technics Group do what it can to facilitate this, such as helping to promote the capabilities and skills available at the Dublin facility, agreeing to an orderly wind down of the facility to give IDA Ireland an opportunity to...

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Saying a number of things would be appropriate. First, several people have tabled management buy-out proposals, which are being evaluated. As I indicated to the unions today, it is important that they evaluate the proposal under discussion in the House and take on board its implications for workers. I am not referring to work practices, but to the use of redundancy funds. Second, if a...

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The answer to the Deputy's question is a categoric "No". The Government cannot involve itself in line or base maintenance.

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is not the Government's intention to take over SR Technics for a number of months in order that a viable proposition could be put forward. In the normal course of meetings with me, the Minister for Transport, Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and all the State agencies, there is a clear indication, when working with the unions or otherwise or with whoever comes forward, to do as much as...

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: At Dublin Airport.

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I must respect the confidentiality of those who have approached the IDA and Enterprise Ireland.

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: At present, three proposals are being evaluated by the IDA. A meeting took place in confidence on Friday with these companies. They were asked to revert to the IDA on Monday and there will be further discussions with them. Therefore, discussions are ongoing. Some slight confusion has arisen about a number of these proposals but I believe that one in particular, which is perceived as a...

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: On the final question, I will leave it as stated. However, the decision had a direct implication on the viability of SR Technics.

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: Moreover, the reason it still operates in Switzerland is because it is tied to SwissAir. Second, on the question of the apprentices, the Deputy had a meeting with the Minister of State, Deputy Kelleher, and I and he is working with DCU on that issue on their behalf. It would be great, were another component company or an organisation similar to the ESB in a position to take on these people....

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: The point is the IDA and Enterprise Ireland have the requisite resources to support an application being made to them. There is no problem in this regard. My agencies have the necessary resources and finance to support a viable strategic proposal. It is important to clarify again that there is no problem other than the viability of a business proposal must be such that it stands up. Were...

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: No, I am not. However, it is important not to make a mistake when making such decisions on the basis of viability. The skills are there and the framework is in place.

Job Losses. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: It is our clear intention to do our utmost to support these people. It is important that the message is given.

Corporate Governance. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: I assume the Deputy is referring to comments made by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, concerning the establishment of a new central banking commission, possible inappropriate cross-directorships and circumstances where the appointment of a chief executive as chairman may not be in accordance with best corporate governance practice. The House will be aware that the Taoiseach recently...

Corporate Governance. (1 Apr 2009)

Mary Coughlan: In the context of this discussion, I wish to identify the area about which the Deputy is inquiring. I assume the Deputy does not refer to small to medium-sized enterprises?