Results 10,361-10,380 of 11,979 for speaker:Billy Kelleher

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: These are SMEs. They are small software companies that are winning substantial contracts right across the public sector in the United Kingdom. It is important that we do not say Irish SMEs are unable to tender for public procurement contracts either in Ireland or abroad. They are doing it very effectively and 95% is the figure.

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: We have started unbundling some of the larger contracts to make it more amenable to small and medium firms to tender for contracts. We are looking at this in the most imaginative and strategic way possible. We must understand that many Irish companies, including small and medium-sized companies, are winning contracts abroad.

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: The Deputy is clearly keeping a very close eye on what the Government is doing. At present, the Government is reviewing the whole area of construction. We are looking at it on a sectoral basis to see where we can make contracts more amenable to the small and medium-sized sector.

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: It is being carried out at present. We are very conscious of the need to make it easier for small and medium-sized firms to tender. There are some areas of Irish public procurement for which no Irish company can tender because they may not have expertise in the area, may not have the capacity or may not be producing the required product. This is the case in the medical, military and other...

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: This issue was publicised recently. Most State agencies and the State itself pay within 15 days of receipt of invoice. Approximately 97% of payments are made in that time. Contracts between private companies and individuals is another issue. The State does not get involved in that. Terms of credit is an issue between a vendor and a purchaser.

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: We are conscious that terms of credit are being extended way out and this is putting huge pressure on small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those that are supplying larger companies with products, goods and services. However, that is a civil matter for the people concerned.

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: The State cannot be involved in every aspect of life. When two people are drafting a contract, it is important that there are clear terms and conditions about when payment scheduling is arranged.

Public Procurement Contracts (13 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: I am only trying to give advice to the Deputy and to the broader business community. Individual contracts can be drafted and are drafted continually. Until recently the terms of reference were always very vague but credit terms have extended quite substantially. We are conscious of the pressures this is putting on people.

Written Answers — Company Law: Company Law (12 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: The content of audit reports is determined by Irish company law, which is largely based on EU legislation in this area, and by internationally-based auditing standards. In addition, auditors currently have a range of statutory reporting obligations, for example, under criminal justice legislation and taxation law. Officials of my Department, and, as appropriate, other Departments,...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: I am delighted to have this opportunity to address the Seanad on the subject of Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: A Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015. This new Government strategy and action plan, which was prepared by my Department in co-ordination with all relevant Departments and State agencies, was launched last week by the Taoiseach. It...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: -----because uncertainty may lead to people retrenching and looking at other areas of the world in which to invest. Ireland is a key location for foreign direct investment. One of our cornerstones is our corporation tax of 12.5%. We have many other positive areas as well. We have a highly educated and flexible workforce. We also have a strong cohort of foreign direct investment companies...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: Before I respond, I wish to apologise, as my mobile phone rang during my opening remarks. There is a faulty button on it; I will have to apply to see if I am entitled to an upgrade. I welcome the Senators' views on the Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy strategy. The debate was rightly broadened by the speakers to encompass the challenges we, as a people and an economy, face. This...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: I know he has and is familiar with it from the content of his contribution. He will note that a key component of it is the sectoral area involvement, market analysis and identifying what sectors of our economy would be appropriate in the context of exporting to those markets. With regard to emerging markets, some economies have emerged as forceful markets in recent times, which had not been...

Seanad: Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy: Statements (7 Oct 2010)

Billy Kelleher: Perhaps a nice meal would be put in front of me. It is obvious that this country's growth projections have been reviewed. There was a positive growth outlook in the first quarter of 2010 which was not the case in the second quarter. We must try to analyse the figures with a view to achieving growth in the longer term. We should highlight the fact that there was massive contraction of...

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: I have noted the headlong rush to congratulate Deputy Bruton on placing this important motion before the House. While I will not congratulate him just yet, I would like to thank him for giving us an opportunity to highlight what the Government is trying to do to address the severe economic challenges that exist. As I have just five minutes in which to speak, I do not propose to engage...

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: If we had followed that party's example, the economy would be in absolute rag order at present.

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: We must address where we are now.

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: The banking situation is of critical importance. This is not about bailing out banks. We are trying to address the impaired balance sheets of the banks so they can access credit and capital, lend it to small and medium-sized businesses and ensure it flows into the broader economy. That is a critical part of the Government's job creation strategies. We need to have a functioning banking...

Economic Strategy: Motion (Resumed) (30 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: On a point of information, the Minister for Finance asked me to apologise to the House for being unable to attend. He wanted to do the wrap-up but could not do so because of urgent public business. I apologise for not having stated this sooner.

Air Services (29 Sep 2010)

Billy Kelleher: The Minister for Transport sends his apologies to the two Deputies and realises that this is a serious issue and one that is close to the hearts of the Deputies' constituents. The Minister is very aware of the possible implications for Kerry of Ryanair reducing its level of services on the Kerry-Dublin route. This service is operated under the current public service obligation, PSO,...