Results 41-60 of 8,873 for speaker:Batt O'Keeffe

Written Answers — Retail Sector: Retail Sector (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed in relation to the differential in consumer prices between this country and certain other jurisdictions and particularly in the case of our nearest neighbour the United Kingdom. Whilst consumer prices in this jurisdiction had increased at a faster rate than a number of other jurisdictions in the EU, prices have fallen considerably in Ireland...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: The following table sets out details of cost and purpose of the three contracts awarded to Indecon Economic Consultants by my Department since 1 January 2006 to date. Details of contracts entered into by Agencies under the remit of my Department are a day-to-day function for the Agency concerned. For each of the three contracts concerned, Indecon Consultants were contracted to undertake a...

Job Creation (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: In that way, we will make them fully aware of the export opportunities that Ireland can provide for their respective countries.

Small Business Sector (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Deputy is getting excited.

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: In fulfilment of the provisions of the Public Service Management Act 1997, my Department prepared and submitted to me a draft Statement of Strategy 2011-2013 for my consideration. The Department subsequently arranged for this draft to be forwarded to the Department of An Taoiseach for consultation in accordance with the revised guidelines for the preparation of strategy statements issued by...

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: Last year, which was a very tough year, the IDA created more than 10,000 jobs. The net increase was approximately 1,750 because there were significant job losses permeating from 2009. Job losses in Dell in Limerick spilled over from 2009 into 2010. Nevertheless, there was a net increase of 1,750. The IDA has indicated clearly to my Department that it does not believe job losses will be as...

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: Wrong again.

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: Wrong again.

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: Deputy Bruton looks like a teacher with a finger wagging. I am too old for that.

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: The last time I answered questions in the House, Deputy Bruton made a misleading statement of what had been achieved. I felt an onus to correct the record.

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: -----was the extraordinary demand in relation to legislation and a number of demands in terms of services.

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: The Government has taken a decision that it would not be prudent to publish a strategy statement at present because of the announcement at the end of last year regarding the calling of an election. What is available, and what we are working on, is the renewed programme for Government, the smart economy framework, the strategy for science and technology innovation-----

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: -----the ongoing work of the National Competitiveness Council, the innovation task force and Towards 2016.

Departmental Strategy Statements (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: Since I came to office we have taken €53 million out of the cost of bureaucracy in business and we are continuing to drive down cost in business. We have become much more competitive as a result of what we are doing.

Insurance Industry (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 64 together. I assure Deputies of my ongoing concern about the situation at Quinn Insurance Limited, particularly regarding the long-term impact on the workforce and their families, as well as the local communities. However, I must emphasise that responsibility for the sales process is a matter for the joint administrators who were appointed by the...

Insurance Industry (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: On the reopening of the business, the administrators were concerned that they would ensure the value of the business was maintained in order that it can be attractive for potential purchasers. The key factor has been that they reopened the profitable parts of the UK business. The Financial Regulator allowed Quinn Insurance to reopen its private motor insurance business by the end of April....

Insurance Industry (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: I met the group several times. I met representatives of the wider Quinn Group in July and November last year. At the first meeting, the delegation outlined to me the details of a proposal that would involve the participation of Anglo Irish Bank and Quinn Group. The Quinn Group hoped it might be a viable alternative to the sale of the business by the administrators. In responding to the...

Insurance Industry (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: I appreciate from where the Deputy is coming. The Government has been very supportive of the Quinn Group. I met representatives of the group a number of times as did the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach. There is a limit to what we can do. The regulator is absolutely independent and must be satisfied with regard to the corporate governance relating to all of the participants. I am...

Insurance Industry (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: Deputy Rory O'Hanlon will confirm that we met with the Minister for Finance and that Mr. Elderfield was present at the meeting. It is not for me to reveal in public the sentiments expressed by Mr. Elderfield at that meeting. The Deputy must recognise that the regulator has an independent role, and he demands that independence. He gave an opinion on that occasion with regard to the Quinn...

Insurance Industry (19 Jan 2011)

Batt O'Keeffe: Yes, I did meet with Anglo Irish Bank people and I am aware that there was interaction between the Department of Finance and Anglo Irish Bank on this matter. There was also interaction between my Department and the Department of Finance with regard to the proposed investment. The Government, the Minister and the Taoiseach can intervene with the joint administrators with regard to the...