Results 6,321-6,340 of 15,491 for speaker:Eamon Gilmore

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: All rent commitments relating to properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs are discharged by the Office of Public Works. In addition, 110 properties are rented by my Department outside the State for use primarily as offices and official residences. Rental agreements vary from country to country in accordance with local law and practice. Leases are usually for a...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: There are no State Agencies operating under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. There are three advisory committees and one commission operating under the auspices of my Department. These are: the Ireland - United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission); the Development Education Advisory Committee; the Irish Aid Expert Advisory Group;...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: My Department has some contracts in place for services such as IT, cleaning and security. However it does not employ agency staff in Ireland. In addition, a small number of our Missions abroad engage agency staff for administrative roles. In the short time available, it is not possible to provide detailed information on these services.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I had prepared quite an extensive reply in anticipation that somebody on that side of the House might have thought that yesterday's meeting was important enough to raise on Leaders' Questions. I would like to offer a piece of advice to the Opposition parties and leaders.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Part of my success was an ability to ask the questions that were the important questions of the day. How all three managed to get through Leaders' Questions today without asking a question-----

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I have the reply here. I am sure the Taoiseach would be quite happy to give a response to Deputy McDonald if she manages to table a parliamentary question by the time the Dáil convenes next week.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I understand that was a Private Members' Bill and it is not on the Government list.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I join Deputy Wallace in congratulating the Irish soccer team on qualifying for the European championships. It is great for the morale of the country. It shows how much times have changed around here. There used to be a time when Opposition Deputies complained about the length of the summer recess. This is certainly a first in that we have got a request not only to extend it-----

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: -----but to have it in June. Unwittingly, Deputy Wallace might have stumbled on an issue which will find considerable support on the Government side. The Government will make a considerable effort to keep its nose to the grindstone and deal with the issues of the people. We will have to watch the games on the television.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The companies Bill is a major piece of legislation and of consolidation work. I think there are approximately 1,200 heads for that Bill. The expectation is that it will be brought forward around the middle of next year. I agree with Deputy Hannigan about the excellent work being done by the 60,000 people who work in the community and voluntary sector. I will ask the Minister for the...

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I do not have any difficulty having the issue debated in the House and reminding the Deputy that the guarantee, which was a bad decision at the time, was introduced by his Government and that we are stuck with it.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Government is very conscious of the extent to which 200,000 employees in the State are legally exposed as a result of the decision of the High Court to strike down the system of joint labour committees and the employment regulation orders that previously governed their wages. That is why the Government has decided to bring in legislation to provide the legal protection those workers...

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The European Communities (amendment) Bill is being prepared in my Department and I hope to have it brought forward before the end of this year. I understand the Minister for Education and Skills intends to have the heads of the education and training boards Bill discussed at the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education prior to its publication. The planning and development...

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Minister for Social Protection has a commission which is examining a range of issues, including that raised by the Deputy. I am not sure when it is due to report but a programme of reform has been undertaken by the Minister and this matter is part of it.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Brian Hayes, is working on the legislation in question. My understanding is he wants to introduce it in the House this side of Christmas, if possible. It must be borne in mind, however, that there are scheduling issues between now and Christmas because of the budget and legislation which will arise from it.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Second Stage of the Water Services (Amendment) Bill was completed in the Seanad yesterday and Committee Stage is scheduled for next week. When it has completed all Stages in the Seanad, it will come into this House.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: Not everything in a newspaper report will become legislation. There will be a social welfare Bill after the budget which will give effect to the measures contained in the Budget Statement.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: While the Keane report is being debated in the House, the Government is also considering an implementation plan for measures to deal with those who are facing difficulties with mortgage arrears. I expect the Government will make an announcement on this matter in the near future.

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: I also said at that time and throughout the summer that the Government has been conducting a comprehensive review of expenditure across all Departments. As part of this exercise, I reviewed the diplomatic service and the diplomatic missions and I decided to recommend the closure of three resident missions and the Government agreed to this recommendation. These are the missions in the Holy...

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2011)

Eamon Gilmore: The total savings are in the order of €1.2 million. I acknowledge and I agree with the Deputy that it is important to maintain diplomatic relations with the Holy See-----