Results 21-40 of 1,279 for speaker:Michael Ahern

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: This provision is similar to one included in the Industrial Development Act 1993. A similar provision was included in the Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Act 1998. It is a provision that has been included in legislation for many years. I understand it was included in the draft Bill.

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: The provision in subsection (1)(d) was included in the Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Act 1998, although it was not included in previous Bills in this area. I will discuss this matter with the Minister and relay to her the views expressed by Members on all sides of the House before the Bill is taken in the Dáil.

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: No.

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: It is proposed not to accept this amendment. This is a standard provision in this type of legislation. Ministers are answerable to Parliament for policy, while the function of the director general is to carry out such policy. While the director general is responsible for the day-to-day management of the foundation, including accounts, etc., it would not be appropriate for a director general...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: The amendment changes the term "member of his or her household", which is an outdated phrase, to "connected relative". We discussed the issue and have found a precedent for the use of a better word. The text is based on section 29 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001. Where a question arises in relation to compliance with these disclosure requirements, that question shall be...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: Section 17 applies to normal day to day operations of Science Foundation Ireland. SFI will be subject to freedom of information and this section will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. The Freedom of Information Act has detailed provisions to protect interested third parties. Section 17 prevents the release of confidential information other than that which is appropriate through...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: This is a drafting amendment which aligns subsection (1) with subsection (2). Amendment agreed to. Section 19, as amended, agreed to. Sections 20 and 21 agreed to. SECTION 22. Question proposed: "That section 22 stand part of the Bill."

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: The budget comes from the Minister's office. The day to day management is in the hands of the board, chief executive and director general of Science Foundation Ireland and if they wish to employ consultants they will have to comply with the tendering conditions that apply to all Departments. They do not have a free hand in that regard. It will depend on the budget available and the procedures...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: This amendment provides a clearer timeframe for the preparation and submission of the accounts for the Comptroller and Auditor General. Four months is allowed for the board to approve the accounts. Because of its international composition the board meets four times a year and this timeframe will allow the accounts to be approved by the board in the January to April period.

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: The audit is in the hands of the Comptroller and Auditor General whose office is not under the control of the Department. When the Comptroller presents the accounts to the Minister, the Minister will be in a position to lay them before the Houses of the Oireachtas. From my experience the Comptroller and Auditor General's office does its work in a very professional manner. The words "as soon...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: Section 26(1) and (2) are standard provisions in previous industrial development legislation and the Government, in approving the establishment of the technology foresight fund and the foundation in February 2000, agreed that the establishment of research laboratories by the foundation should be an option, if necessary, to secure world-class performance in the context of a competitive...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: The SFI funds and supports the laboratories in UCC, Trinity and Galway.

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: The institutes, laboratories, etc. financed by the SFI are normally attached to universities or institutes, but if that is not feasible or practicable it can seek permission from the Government to set up a greenfield site. Amendment agreed to. Government amendment No. 17: In page 18, subsection (3), to delete line 11 and substitute "consult with the Government in respect of the opinion of the...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: The relevant Government decision, referred to in the previous amendment, stated that the Minister should consult rather than notify the Government in the event of the foundation deciding to establish a research laboratory. The text is being aligned in accordance with the Government decision. Amendment agreed to. Section 26, as amended, agreed to. Sections 27 and 28 agreed to. NEW SECTION....

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: This amendment retains the content of the original text and expands it to include (b) above. The effect of the full text now proposed is that where an agency now proposes to give an undertaking of training grants of €5 million or €5 million in excess of the level of training grant previously approved by the Government it must receive the approval of the Government before committing to the...

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: Senator Leyden's point is valid and we will look at this. Amendment agreed to. Section 29 deleted. SECTION 30. Government amendment No. 19: In page 18, to delete line 38, and substitute the following: "29.–(1) Following consultation with such bodies as may be".

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: This is a drafting amendment from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, adding a side note to the text which had been left out. Amendment agreed to. Section 30, as amended, agreed to. Sections 31 to 36, inclusive, agreed to. Title agreed to. Bill reported with amendments and received for final consideration. Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

Seanad: Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002: Committee and Remaining Stages. (11 Feb 2003)

Michael Ahern: I thank all Members for their valuable contributions and their good will towards the establishment of Science Foundation Ireland. As reflected in the debate today and on Second Stage, Ireland's sustained economic growth and prosperity will depend on establishing a culture of scientific and technological innovation as well as excellence in research and development and a globally competitive...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Ahern: Section 1 defines the term "the Principal Act" as meaning the Freedom of Information Act 1997. The term "the Principal Act" in the explanatory memorandum has the same meaning. This section is a standard provision in all legislation and I cannot accept the Senator's amendment. Senator O'Meara should withdraw the accusation that we lied prior to the previous election. Indeed, when her own...

Seanad: Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage. (11 Mar 2003)

Michael Ahern: It is not available, as yet.