Results 12,041-12,060 of 13,264 for speaker:Pat Gallagher

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: While I am here to answer questions, I condemn in the strongest possible fashion the activities of Irish Ferries on Thursday evening last. I had responsibility for and agreed to the flagging out of the MV Normandy. I did not take that decision lightly. I had meetings at that time——

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Let us establish the facts. I did not take that decision lightly. I met the union representatives and representatives from Irish Ferries. Given the vulnerability of the situation between Ireland and mainland Europe at that time, I took the view that it was necessary to take the decision. However, I was given a very strong assurance by the company that this would not in any way, then or in the...

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: That was the situation which was made clear to me at the time. If I did this——

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Yes, it was a number of months ago. I first heard of the decision to offer an attractive redundancy package some ten minutes before it was announced in the media, and I heard it third or fourth hand. While I did not have to be told, as the line Minister I could have been advised in advance and could possibly have entered into negotiations or discussions at that time. On 12 October I met David...

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Deputy knows the history of the EU manning directive. As a result of my meeting with David Begg, SIPTU and the Seamen's Union of Ireland I asked the European Commission about its intentions regarding the possible reintroduction of that directive. It may take some time but the clock must start ticking. The Commission indicated it had no plans to introduce a similar directive. I will attend...

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: It is much easier to be an historian than a forecaster and there are some good historians around. This was done in good faith and the unions were fully aware of this. I respect the unions because this was a difficult issue for them at the time, led by Paul Smith of SIPTU. I admired the unions for their practical and pragmatic approach. There was no question of any signed deal in this issue....

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Last week. It goes back to 1 January 2004. All companies will benefit from that approval. This is a difficult business within Europe. If there was no flagging out to the Bahamas and elsewhere the companies might not be on the same footing. I seek a level playing pitch. I am anxious to put this in place and the Commission approved the employers of seafarers PRSI refund scheme. I indicated it...

Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31: Irish Ferries Dispute. (29 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I did not.

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (24 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Howth Yacht Club has expressed an interest in acquiring additional berthing space within Howth fishery harbour centre. The matter is under consideration by the Department. A decision will be made when all aspects of the proposal have been examined in detail.

Written Answers — Fishing Vessel Licences: Fishing Vessel Licences (24 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I am currently examining proposals that have been submitted to me by the fishing industry concerning the mackerel fishery by polyvalent vessels. This examination is not confined to polyvalent vessels under 65 feet and will include vessels both above and below this size threshold. The overriding objective of the examination is to ensure a rational and orderly exploitation of the available...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (23 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I am examining proposals that have been submitted to me by the fishing industry. I hope to complete this examination within the next few weeks with a view to the introduction of appropriate management measures from the beginning of next year.

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (22 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: No limit has been set on the number of coffee trading licences at Howth fishery harbour centre. Following a public tender process in conformity with public procurement guidelines a licence for coffee trading was awarded to the most economically advantageous tender received.

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (22 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Department has not set any criteria for traders seeking to obtain a stall in the new market in farmers and fisherman's market at Howth fishery harbour centre. This is solely a matter for the operator of the market who has been licensed to provide such a service. The determination of what stalls should constitute the market is solely a matter for that operator. No application seeking to...

Written Answers — Harbours and Piers: Harbours and Piers (22 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Parkmore Pier, Kinvara is owned by Galway County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development is a matter for the owner in the first instance. The county council forwarded proposals in December 2001 and again in 2003 to the Department for Exchequer funding under the national fishery harbour development programme for improvement works to the pier, estimated to cost €88,300....

Written Answers — Irish Ferries: Irish Ferries (22 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I presume the Deputy is referring to the proposal by Irish Ferries Limited, to make certain of its seafarers employed on its ships, the MV Ulysses, the MV Isle of Inishmore and the HSC Jonathan Swift, redundant. Legal advice provided to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, indicates that Irish employment rights legislation applies to workers, national and non-national, on board...

Written Answers — Marine Safety: Marine Safety (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I refer the Deputy to the detailed reply I gave to the House yesterday regarding this incident. There are currently two investigations underway in the Department on this matter. One is being undertaken by the maritime safety directorate to determine if the vessel used to transport the people to the island was certified or licensed in compliance with the relevant maritime safety legislation....

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: To avoid legal doubt and in the interests of coherence and accessibility for all concerned, it was also decided to update and consolidate the law from 1894 relating to the registration of sea fishing boats. Those provisions are in Chapter 6 of Part 4. For convenience, section 64 contains the up-to-date text of the law relating to sea fishing boat licensing, incorporating the changes made by...

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I said I would not oppose it in Private Members' business.

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." The primary purpose of this Bill is to modernise the legislative framework for sea-fisheries. The principal Act currently in place was adopted in the mid 20th century and was subject to a number of amendments. It was designed for a sea fishing industry which primarily involved short trips by small Irish boats. The sea fishing industry has...

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005: Second Stage. (17 Nov 2005)

Pat Gallagher: We will have to remove the gun from him as well.