Results 61-80 of 2,156 for speaker:Tom Parlon

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: The decentralisation of the Office of Public Works (OPW) to Claremorris will take place in two phases. The first phase deals with the setting up of an advance office in Claremorris and in this regard, OPW has secured leased accommodation and arrangements are now being made to have the building fitted out for official use. It is expected that the accommodation for the advance office will be...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: The Deputy should look around him.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: Empty rhetoric.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: The Deputy discovered another Deputy speaking in the House anyway.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: No.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: I hope the Deputy has more backup than he had with his earlier accusations. He should tell me which buildings.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: I did not run away with my tail between my legs, seeing the writing on the wall.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: We will invite the Deputy to the opening.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: Would that be allowed under REPS given that it sounds toxic?

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: That has all changed.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: It has been addressed.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: The Private Members' Bill put forward by Deputy Boyle proposes the creation of new procedures for the appointment of the chair and boards of public bodies and for special appointments to international organisations currently at the discretion of the Government. The Government does not support this Bill.

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: Before discussing the Bill in detail, I should note that Ireland is fortunate to have a strong tradition of public service whereby many people with proven abilities give the very best of their talents, experience and energy to lead, direct and account for their stewardship in demanding roles in key public agencies. On making appointments or nominations, the Government carefully considers the...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: I make no apology for such a system, which has been tried and tested and has been shown to work. Approximately 500 public bodies have boards and as many such boards have up to ten or 12 members, it can be seen that the numbers involved are large. A vast range of experience, skills and background is required to ensure the composition of the board of each body is appropriate. A balance must...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: In most cases such bodies are established by legislation, which also sets out a range of functions and responsibilities possessed by the Minister and the parent Department, as well as the Minister for Finance and the Department of Finance. In most cases these include the functions to be performed by that body, the submission of annual reports and accounts, borrowing, pay and pension matters,...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: Such an approach is appropriate for employing people within organisations rather than the appointment of those who are to be directors or chairpersons of State bodies, which is fundamentally different to full-time employment. Is it credible that senior, experienced professionals and business people, who have already created a successful career in the private sector would wish to go through...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: A number of advisory groups have advised Government on future policies and strategies over the years, including various groups devoted to industrial policy, competitiveness and aspects of social policy. In addition, groups such as the National Economic and Social Council have helped by giving advice and have contributed to overall development. This Bill would deprive us of access to...

Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007: Second Stage (27 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: The proposals in the Bill include the establishment of a public appointments unit in the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments. This would be responsible for monitoring, approving and carrying out appointment procedures to public bodies. Section 8 of Deputy Boyle's Bill includes a proposal to establish a new joint Oireachtas committee on public appointments. Among other...

Seanad: Asset Covered Securities (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: I thank Senators for their contributions. This legislation will underpin an important industry, income-earner and job-provider, given the 19,000 employed in the IFSC. It is a dynamic sector experiencing constant innovations and there is a need to tidy up matters. The EU capital requirements directive was passed in June 2006. My understanding is that the Basel II requirements were...

Seanad: Asset Covered Securities (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Mar 2007)

Tom Parlon: I agree with the Senator's sentiments about the officials in the Department of Finance. They have moved quickly in terms of the details involved. From my dialogue with them, they do not find the subject boring. Rather, they are fascinated by it and kept on their toes.