Enterprise Trade & Employment

253. Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount his Department paid in 2004 for car mileage expenses; the amount paid to cover rail and bus ticket expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8591/05]

252. Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legislation, existing or planned, to protect the public interest in an independent press, in particular to prevent a single press group controlling an unacceptable proportion of media here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8543/05]

Mr. Boyle: When will legislation related to employment permits come before the House? There is uncertainty regarding work permits coming to an end and those which have run out.

Mr. Boyle: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this issue. I also thank the Minister for attending and giving this issue the serious consideration it deserves.

This decision by the Government has enormous implications for future industrial policy in Ireland. It demands an immediate response for those of us who need to know the future direction of Government industrial policy.

Mr. Boyle: Without wishing to pre-empt any decision the Ceann Comhairle might make later on a Private Notice Question, will time be made available in the House in the near future for a debate on the recommendations of the enterprise strategy group which is meant to deal with the area of research and development, and the question of supporting indigenous industry and becoming less reliant--??

74.Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement on the report of a person (details supplied); the reason this investigation was concluded earlier than expected; and the advice his Departmental officials gave the then Minister in that regard. [6213/05]

59.Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department, in assessing the potential impact of REACH on competitiveness here, is also taking into account the impact of current instances of industrial misuse of chemicals and the improper disposal of chemical waste; if his Department has data on this subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6221/05]

53.Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the establishment of an EU-wide corporate governance code in the context of increasing volumes of transnational trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6222/05]

52.Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has plans to employ more labour inspectors and to give labour inspectors greater powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6224/05]

41.Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his visit to China; his views on whether the political situation in China, including the denial of human rights and the lack of democratisation, is endangering political stability and, therefore, Irish investments in China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6218/05]