Results 1,581-1,600 of 2,965 for speaker:Robert Dowds
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: There is one other area that I wish to ask Mr. Shanahan about, that is, the Forfás throughput of expenditure with regard to pensions. I understand that Forfás is responsible for pensions for former Forfás, IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland people. What will happen to that role when Forfás is subsumed into the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation?
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Presumably it is basically a transfer from the Government to Forfás to pay those pensions. Is that the case?
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: I apologise for interrupting. Is Mr. Shanahan satisfied it is yielding new jobs to the best extent possible? Does Forfás have a function in tipping off the relevant educational or other agencies to indicate the areas of likely skills shortages where people need to be upskilled to be in a position to take up jobs coming down the line? I know there are problems in some areas in that regard.
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: I turn to the property over which Forfás has leasehold, particularly Carrisbrook House in Ballsbridge, where the current occupancy rate is only 15%. On a lease that is due to expire in 2034, it is currently costing Forfás €1.2 million per annum in vacant space. I know there is a minor problem with Knockmaun House in Mount Street, but that is obviously much less significant...
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: I thank Mr. Shanahan and his colleagues for coming before us today and providing the committee with its report. When will Forfás be wound up? Will all staff transfer to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation? How will this change impact on the work done by Forfás? Will it all be done through the Department to which Forfás staff have been assigned? Are there any...
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: As regards the Forfás function, to what extent does it have a role in trying to encourage certain types of industry to locate here, whether through the IDA or by encouraging Enterprise Ireland to go down particular tracks Forfás believes would be useful in terms of employment creation? Tremendous work has been done in this area and it is extremely important, given the changing...
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: One concern I have as regards Forfás being absorbed in the Department - the civil servants present may object to my phraseology - is that a dead hand sometimes operates in the Civil Service. Clearly, the most innovative and flexible minds are required. While I accept it is difficult for Mr. Shanahan to comment, will Forfás, once it has been absorbed, be able to draw on the...
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Is it envisaged that Forfás will be able to draw on external expertise when required?
- Public Accounts Committee: Forfás Annual Accounts 2012 (17 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: As regards the Action Plan for Jobs, Forfás is responsible for 11 actions in 2013. The report describes some of these actions as disruptive reforms. I ask Mr. Shanahan to explain that reference. To take one of these actions, namely, trading online, what exactly is Forfás's input in that area and other areas? Is it making a significant impact on how people can do their business?
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Financial Resolution No. 8: General (Resumed) (16 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Where is the Deputy's strategy?
- Leaders' Questions (16 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Rubbish.
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: There was a €1 million gap.
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: The Government is trying to sort out the country.
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: What rubbish.
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Rubbish.
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Such a suggestion from Fianna Fáil.
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Deputy Sean Fleming could give us classes in how to buy votes.
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Where would the money have come from?
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: Fianna Fáil overheated the construction sector.
- Financial Resolutions 2014 - Budget Statement 2014 (15 Oct 2013)
Robert Dowds: The Deputy has some neck.