Results 201-220 of 11,979 for speaker:Billy Kelleher

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: I will refer to that towards the end of my contribution. We have a great deal to do in that context. The work environment must be family friendly. It must be conducive to employees looking forward to going to work and not impacting negatively on their quality of life and that of their families. We are examining that issue and it is hoped that in the next few months we will be rolling——

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: The report has been concluded. This is action. Senator Alex White was going well while referring to a number of issues, but then he mentioned the thorny subject of agency workers. I am glad I left time to address it.

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: Two issues are involved. Regarding the European directive, we gave a commitment in Towards 2016 that we would regulate agencies. In that context, we will introduce a Bill and a memorandum will soon be sent to the Government. The matter is taking time because there are issues regarding the European Court of Justice's findings on the free movement of goods and services throughout the EU and...

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: The commitment is to have a framework shortly. The memorandum will go to the Government to ask for permission for a Bill to be drafted. The temporary agency workers directive will be discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on 5 December. As I stated in a recent interview, Ireland will continue to play a proactive role in terms of our situation, what we are trying to achieve and...

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: There was no financial incentive to——

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: I hope that the scheme will be an encouragement and that the property market will not be as conducive to investment. The scheme has been altered to allow for people investing in venture capital.

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: I thank Senators.

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: Flattery can get me into trouble.

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: We value education and are trying to move towards the high end, such as by investing in fourth level and doubling the number of PhDs, but these are not the end. People will not be able to access that education because they dropped out earlier. They must be continually upskilled. Many went into trades, which are fine in and of themselves, but people must be skilled in other areas as an...

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: In the context of the budgetary position for the coming years, the national development plan will be fundamental in terms of investment in infrastructure, increasing knowledge-based activity——

Seanad: The Irish Market in a Globalised Economy: Statements (21 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: ——and training and education. These issues are of paramount importance to Government policy. I thank Senators and the Cathaoirleach.

Order of Business (27 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: Before the start of the next session.

Written Answers — European Council Meetings: European Council Meetings (27 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: I intend to go to the Council of Ministers' meeting on 5th December which will consider the Amended proposal for a Directive of The European Parliament and Council on temporary agency work.

EU Directives. (28 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: Ireland will continue to adopt a constructive approach to the European Union negotiations on the proposed EU directive on temporary agency work. While I support the objective of providing for the equal treatment of agency workers, the proposal for consideration as currently drafted is imbalanced. We have concerns about exemptions or derogations that would be to the benefit or advantage of...

EU Directives. (28 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: We support the thrust of the directive but the difficulty is that other member states have derogations and collective agreements. That allows them to enact legislation which enshrines disparity between agency workers and others, putting Ireland at a competitive disadvantage to them. We want to achieve a level playing pitch in our negotiations. We do not want to undermine competitiveness...

EU Directives. (28 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: I share the Deputy's concerns. Agency workers being paid below the normal rate is a matter that is being examined in legislation. The directive is in a different context as we would put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage if we sign up to it. We are negotiating in that context. In protecting employment regulation orders, EROs, and registered employment agreements, REAs, the Government...

EU Directives. (28 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: We reacted quickly to the situation in Irish Ferries.

Employment Support Services. (28 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: I assume that by field staff the Deputy is referring to the grade of inspector whose primary responsibilities include the carrying out of inspections and other associated inquiries at places of work with a view to determining compliance with certain employment rights legislation. In accordance with commitments given under Towards 2016, the social partnership agreement, the number of...

Employment Support Services. (28 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: The role of the National Employment Rights Authority, NERA, is to ensure employment legislation is complied with and its purpose is to educate and inform to ensure companies are aware of their obligations and employees are aware of their entitlements. In this context there is a strong emphasis on information and education with programmes being rolled out in various sectors of the economy....

Employment Support Services. (28 Nov 2007)

Billy Kelleher: The most important point is that the language inspectors have been recruited and are being trained at the moment.