Results 8,801-8,820 of 29,533 for speaker:Brendan Howlin

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Contracts Data (26 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: In response to the Deputy's question I can confirm that no contracts or tenders were awarded to the company named by my Department since its establishment.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Irish Language (26 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: As the Deputy is aware, in October 2013 the Government approved the introduction of a new approach to ensure that there are a sufficient number of civil servants who are able to perform their duties through Irish.  These new arrangements were put in place in the context of replacing the policy of awarding bonus marks for Irish language proficiency in civil service...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Public Sector Reform Implementation (26 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: The wide-ranging ranging reforms to the budgetary architecture, introduced by this Government, have been informed by the core principle that a more open and transparent process, allowing for clearer accountability and oversight, supports the efficient use of public funds to deliver effective services for citizens. With Ireland set to exit the Excessive Deficit Procedure at the end of...

Other Questions: Aer Lingus Sale (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: The State owns a minority of the shares in Aer Lingus. I am afraid the decision concerning a majority of the shares being disposed of by the State was made many years ago, so we do not control the bulk of the shares. We have to consider that another sizeable shareholding may come onto the market shortly, depending on the outcome of legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. We must have...

Other Questions: Aer Lingus Sale (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I will reiterate what I said previously, which is that we have a minority shareholding. The Deputy is overemphasising the influence of a 25% shareholding, if she thinks that is a controlling influence on anything; it is not. That decision was made some years ago. We have to think of the strategic interests of the country, including connectivity, business, tourism and the future of the Aer...

Other Questions: Coastal Protection (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: The primary objective of Government policy on coastal protection is to ensure that in areas identified as being at greatest risk of damage or loss to economic assets through coastal erosion or flooding, appropriate and sustainable measures are identified by local authorities to protect those assets. Where intervention measures are economically justified on cost-benefit grounds and compatible...

Other Questions: Coastal Protection (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I hear what the Deputy is saying, loud and clear, and there is a lot of merit in his suggestion. In the context of the new capital programme I am working on, I am conscious that there are a number of overarching issues. One of them will be how to address climate change in future, not only concerning coastal flooding and storm damage but also protecting communities that are prone to flooding...

Other Questions: EU Funding (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I am dealing with the regional development funds here and the Deputy has referred to a fund that is not under my purview but under that of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Other Questions: EU Funding (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: Yes, there is an overlap in that regard. However, the overall cohesion money is being increased and the overall spend in Ireland will be higher. Although the Border, midland and western region is now a developed area in the European aggregate, the Government managed to get an additional €100 million for it. I will get a specific response for the Deputy on a point that is not...

Other Questions: Economic Policy (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I thank the Deputy for the question and for his kind remarks. The Government faced the challenge of restoring stability to the public finances and creating the correct environment to support sustainable economic growth and job creation. Gross voted expenditure has been reduced from €63.1 billion in 2009 to €54 billion last year. While implementing these expenditure...

Other Questions: Economic Policy (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I would not classify the policies as frugal but as disciplined.

Other Questions: Economic Policy (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: Yes, certainly. The Government began with a slightly expansionary budget last year after a period of seven years of contraction. It was able to add additional spending in priority areas, most noticeably in the areas of health and education. Public service recruitment has started again and as I have stated, there was a gross increase in the number of public servants last year for the first...

Other Questions: Aer Lingus Sale (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: As the Deputy will be aware, the programme of State asset disposals agreed by the Government in February 2012 included, inter alia, the disposal of the State's remaining shareholding in Aer Lingus. However, I made it clear at that time that a disposal of the Aer Lingus shareholding could only take place when market conditions were favourable and in circumstances that accorded with Government...

Other Questions: Government Bonds (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: As the Deputy is aware, the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA, issues Irish Government bonds which attract investment from institutions and individuals.  Other financial investment options are also available to those who wish to direct their savings to help to support the Government's work in promoting economic growth, including the national solidarity bond, savings bonds,...

Other Questions: Government Bonds (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I thank the Deputy for his suggestions which I take on board. Borrowing by the Government does not present a difficulty at this time. The Deputy will be aware that for the first time in the history of the State the Government this year issued 30 year bonds at the unprecedented low interest rate of 1.8%. Our treasury bill - three month roll-over money - issued last week had accrued a...

Other Questions: Government Bonds (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I can give that assurance to the Deputy. A meeting of the board of the NTMA held yesterday was attended by the Secretary General of my Department. I have met the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, on a number of occasions to ensure there will be in place a robust mechanism to fund critical infrastructure. This side of the summer I will be publishing the new multi-annual capital...

Other Questions: EU Funding (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: In the context of the 2013 agreement on the EU multi-annual financial framework which was reached during Ireland's Presidency of the European Council of Ministers, the Government was successful in securing €1.2 billion in cohesion policy funding for the period 2014-20.  This includes two special allocations of €150 million towards a new PEACE programme and...

Other Questions: EU Funding (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: There is always a roll-over period. Approximately 90% of the funding for the last period which concluded last year has been drawn down. We will draw down every cent, but final documentation in that regard has yet to be completed. There is always an overlap in this regard. On the indicative draw-down, the following is the expected draw-down by region. In 2015 the draw-down for the...

Other Questions: Flood Prevention Measures (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I will raise the points made by the Deputy with the OPW directly and the Minister of State, Deputy Simon Harris, who is not able to be here today. There is certainly an understanding that human habitation and human beings take priority.

Other Questions: Flood Prevention Measures (25 Mar 2015)

Brendan Howlin: I am quite certain it is the view of the OPW and would be astounded if it was not. As I said, I will pass on the views of the Deputy to the Minister of State and the OPW directly.