Results 661-680 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Written Answers — Job Creation: Job Creation (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: The core policies and measures which underpin the Government's drive to grow exports and create sustainable jobs are outlined in the Government's "Jobs and Growth 2010" Statement, which was published in March. It is clear from this Policy Statement that the delivery of jobs and economic growth requires both direct and indirect measures. We have made sure, first of all, that the business and...

Written Answers — Job Losses: Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: It is not possible to audit the extent to which job losses in the economy arise due to firms relocating abroad. Information received by the enterprise development agencies from client companies which have closed plants or downsized their workforces suggests that job losses have been attributable to a range of factors including loss of contracts or a drop in demand for products, restructuring...

Departmental Properties (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: Does that justify it?

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: Given my recent change of portfolio, I have not yet had the opportunity to arrange a face-to-face meeting with my Northern Ireland counterpart, Arlene Foster, MLA. However, I have spoken to her by telephone three times over the past several weeks on Quinn Insurance and the impact of redundancies on the company and the local economy. We discussed the possibility of preparing a joint proposal...

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: I absolutely reject the Deputy's suggestion that I was not proactive in this regard. When it first came to my notice I made it my business to meet Mr. Quinn. Subsequent to understanding the difficulties that were to arise, I contacted Mr. Frank Ryan, chief executive, and Hugh Cooney, chairman, Enterprise Ireland. I asked them to make arrangements to meet immediately with Mr. Quinn in...

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: Although I am surprised at the Deputy, I should not be and there is political expediency in his statement.

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy attended a meeting yesterday evening-----

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy attended a meeting yesterday evening. He was in the presence of the Taoiseach during which the issues of aid and the independence of the regulator were raised. It is not expedient for the Government to appoint an independent regulator to ensure companies and groups are subject to financial regulation and then interfere in the process. Is that what the Deputy is suggesting?

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy has had his say. He should let me finish.

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy was present when it was made quite clear by the Taoiseach last night that the Government cannot become involved in State aid to a private company. The Deputy is also aware that the Government could not become involved in State aid to Waterford Glass when that issue surfaced. Where required, the Government has given a guarantee to the regulator in the UK-----

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: -----when it came to policies within our remit.

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy is well aware that we have done everything possible to extend car insurance and now we are making every effort-----

Job Losses (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: I welcome Deputy Crawford's positive approach. It is important to acknowledge that this is an outstanding company and that the people losing their jobs are of the highest calibre. We must do everything possible to assist them. We should also keep in mind that 1,900 people are still employed by the company and that the administrators are confident these jobs can be sustained and hopefully...

Proposed Legislation (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 80 together. As both the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority were established under statute, it is necessary to give effect to the newly merged body by way of primary legislation. At the time the merger of the two bodies was announced, as part of the rationalisation plan for State agencies during the 2009 Budget Statement, work on a...

Proposed Legislation (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank the Deputy for his good wishes. I am sure he will help me along my way. On the question of ministerial appointments, the Deputy will have to put down a question to the Taoiseach. All such decisions are his prerogative. By merging the two bodies in question we can produce a stronger entity, but there is no point in doing so unless the new body has teeth and the ability to implement...

Proposed Legislation (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: On the question of savings, I advise Deputy Penrose that both bodies are operating at staffing levels below what would have originally been sanctioned. The NCA has 39.4 whole-time equivalents - WTEs - and 80 were sanctioned. The Competition Authority has 43.2 WTEs and 59 were sanctioned. I anticipate that the staff complement of the new merged body will be less than the posts allocated to...

Proposed Legislation (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: I thank Deputy Morgan for his good wishes. In response to Deputy Crawford's question, I hope that with the appointment of John Travers, we can put in a voluntary code of practice. That can be converted into an absolute code of practice enshrined in law. I hope that if we can get the co-operation of both sides under the chairmanship of Mr. Travers, there will be a fruitful outcome on what...

Proposed Legislation (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: We will make the code mandatory if necessary.

Enterprise Stabilisation Fund (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: I propose to answer Questions Nos. 40 and 43 together. The enterprise stabilisation fund, ESF, was established by Government in 2009 as a two-year scheme to support viable but vulnerable exporting companies experiencing difficulties because of the current economic climate. Some €78 million is currently being provided under the ESF for 2009 and 2010. At 30 April 2010, a total of 227...

Enterprise Stabilisation Fund (12 May 2010)

Batt O'Keeffe: I take issue with the Deputy with regard to the Government not having a jobs strategy. Governments do not create jobs, but create the environment in which jobs can be put in place. I am satisfied the Government has a strategy that will create jobs. Take for example the IDA Ireland programme, Horizon 2020, which will create a number of jobs through a programme that will run from 2010 to...