Results 6,561-6,580 of 16,057 for speaker:Mary Coughlan

Written Answers — Consumer Rights: Consumer Rights (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I understand that the case referred to by the Deputy relates to the practice of the company concerned imposing a charge on customers who pay their bills by means other than by direct debit. The National Consumer Agency has received a number of complaints in relation to this practice from consumers. I am advised that the Agency met with the senior management of the company concerned on a...

Written Answers — Trade Missions: Trade Missions (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together. Since my appointment as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I have led three trade missions on behalf of Enterprise Ireland. These were to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), London and Zurich. The mission to the UAE took place from 24th — 28th November last. In all, 88 companies and organisations took part in the...

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: As I said last week in response to a similar PQ, the fiscal positions of both countries are very different. In this regard it should be borne in mind that Ireland already has a low tax economy by comparison with other competing economies, especially in the area of direct taxation on both business and labour, which has a direct impact on all companies and workers in the State. This lower...

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: On the issue of the Employment Law Compliance Bill, which has been published, both the Minister of State and I are in final negotiations with the social partners to bring this matter to the House next year.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: It is called work in progress. At least the head of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions made a very good decision by marrying a Gweedore woman. Similarly, in respect of the employment agency regulation Bill, the Government hopes to bring the matter to finality. Extremely difficult issues pertain to bringing both these items of legislation before the House. The preferred option is that...

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: No, before the Government brings it before the House.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: However, the views of Members on both sides of the House will be reflected in the context of bringing this legislation to finality.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: As for the industrial relations (amendment) Bill, because the Government wishes to bring both the Employment Law Compliance Bill and the employment agency regulation Bill before the House at the beginning of next year, it will become available later in the year. As for the issue regarding the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government legislation, from what I can ascertain...

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: First, the Employment Law Compliance Bill is to give statutory recognition to an authority which is operating at present and which has an inspectorate, known as NERA. Unfortunately, however, when it comes to the extremely serious issues that were raised about the exploitation of vulnerable workers, which is completely unacceptable, the best defence when supporting people is to have...

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: Both pieces of legislation will be taken in the House next year.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I am not au fait with——

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: ——whether or not there is, or if it will be published. I will ask that the offices be in touch with the two Deputies.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: It will be published next year and I look forward to its discussion in the House.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: Yes.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: That will be published in the middle of next year.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: The year is nearly done.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: It is not relevant.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: They were not.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: I am not aware of one. That is a matter for the Whips. There is no problem.

Order of Business (4 Dec 2008)

Mary Coughlan: There is legislation promised. There will have to be legislation in order to amalgamate the NCA and the Competition Authority. There is no report promised to the House. The Forfás report on the cost of doing business, which is in draft form, will be brought to finality today. I will be discussing with the retailers the issues regarding the sterling differential and prices. I am...