Results 1,581-1,600 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The framework for economic renewal launched by the Taoiseach last December sets out our agenda over the next few years for how we will re-orientate and reprioritise the business of Government to achieve the goal of building a smart economy, which will help underpin our future. An improvement in national competitiveness, which was mentioned by several Senators, is crucial if we are...

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: If there is any cause for surprise, it is perhaps how long the period of growth to which I refer lasted. It is true the Opposition warned us about the end of the boom. However, it also demanded that we do even more than we were doing. The recession was acknowledged when the figures confirmed that it existed.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Employment has increased by 600,000 since 1997. At that stage, the rate of unemployment was more than 10%.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: There has been a great deal of discussion in respect of FÁS. It must be recognised that many people other than the managing director and one or two other directors work for FÁS. The latter does a great deal of valuable work, particularly through the medium of community employment schemes.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: We should not be entirely negative with regard to our level of competitiveness. For example, we have an extremely competitive tax system. If Senators doubt that, they should ask people in Northern Ireland about the system which applies there.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Within the next year or two we will establish a national motorway network. Our public transport system has greatly improved, although there is a great deal more to be done.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I agree with Senator Donohoe that the retention of jobs is extremely important. Essentially, it is on this aspect that the discussions taking place between the Government and the social partners are focused. The decisions relating to the Estimates and this year's budget also centred on the retention of employment. The Fine Gael motion contains a number of suggestions and proposals in...

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: It is being provided for again this year.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The summer works scheme is coming back this year.

Seanad: Economic Issues: Motion (28 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: All right. Senator Nicky McFadden talked about stopping imported goods. I am not quite sure how that could be done consistent with our EU obligations. I do not believe we should go down a protectionist route. We must make ourselves competitive.

Written Answers — Commemorative Events: Commemorative Events (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: In 2007, the Government allocated a grant to the Glasnevin Cemeteries Group to fund a significant programme of restoration works in Glasnevin Cemetery to be completed in time for the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Works completed to date include: the relocation of the Sigerson Memorial; landscaping in the vicinity of the Round Tower and lighting of the base of this tower; cleaning of monuments...

Written Answers — Drainage Schemes: Drainage Schemes (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The carrying out of the Boyne Arterial Drainage Scheme in the 1970s / 80s resulted in damage to some fish spawning beds in the catchment. Following the completion of the scheme, the Office of Public Works sought and received the assistance of the Central Fisheries Board to identify and subsequently address this problem. A fishery rehabilitation programme was designed by the CFB, in...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: An Architect has been appointed for the provision of a new Garda Station at Clonark, Co. Roscommon and planning is advancing. Consideration is being given to the leasing of a property locally to provide temporary accommodation for the Gardaí in the short term.

Written Answers — National Monuments: National Monuments (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: As indicated at that meeting, the Office of Public Works has no function to determine or enforce a public right of way over these lands. The guardianship deed that confers on the Commissioners the responsibility for the maintenance of the gatehouse structure only, did not include a provision for public access. We will again examine concerns raised on the stability of the gatehouse and carry...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together. The number of properties being rented countrywide under the Government's Decentralisation programme is 34. Of these properties 8 are held under long term leases and 26 are held under short term temporary leases. All of these properties are occupied. One building has been purchased under the programme in Tullamore. It is occupied by...

Written Answers — National Monuments: National Monuments (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 to 290, inclusive, and 299 together. Céide Fields Year Visitor Numbers 2006 30,806 2007 33,746 2008 31,463 Céide Fields Year Costs Total Revenue € € 2006 240,233.00 68,608.60 2007 243,543.00 73,997.60 2008 287,867.00 65,266.40 All the operations including opening hours at visitor centres and sites operated by the OPW around the country...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: There are no funds available at present to allow this project to proceed. The matter will be kept under review.

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I thank Senators for what has been, by and large, a constructive debate. I had the privilege of sitting in the House throughout the entire debate and many interesting ideas and suggestions were put forward. A point was just made about the alleged difference between the ESRI and the Department of Finance. This possibly arises from rounding up and rounding down figures. The ESRI is...

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Houses of the Oireachtas have many opportunities to make inputs of ideas, and this has been one. They can also constitutionally accept or reject outcomes of programmes, plans and negotiations. Inevitably, negotiations which involve the size of a pay bill must take in those who receive or earn incomes and those who pay them. It is not realistic to believe negotiations — I have been...

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (27 Jan 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I will do so on that note.