Results 6,341-6,360 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Government Pay Awards. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I did not intend to prohibit Deputy Burton from using that word, but I will prohibit myself from using it in future.

Government Pay Awards. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Entering the talks, it is neither my frame of mind nor the Taoiseach's that this item is on the agenda because we want to justify the increase.

Government Pay Awards. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: It was decided to defer it for a substantial period and the questions the Deputies raise are not simply of relevance to Ministers but concern a substantial category of senior public servants as well.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 84 and 139 together. The programme for government states that the Government will continue to move ahead with decentralisation and ensure that no public servant is obliged to accept decentralisation against his or her wishes and that promotion opportunities remain available. I have no plans to review the programme and I am confident the public service...

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Bruton raised several issues. First, the progress report was published by my predecessor last October and at that stage the decentralisation implementation group was of the opinion that the programme is progressing satisfactorily. The time frames are, of their nature, indicative and subject to a number of variables. I made it clear in my answer that there has been some slippage...

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy asked whether it was the case that there has been no decentralisation. There has been.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I beg the Deputy's pardon. There have been considerable difficulties with regard to State agencies but these represent a very small proportion of the total number of posts to be decentralised. Negotiations with ICTU are ongoing and the Government is attempting to work through the issues in question with congress. The Deputy mentioned criticism contained in the OECD report. That, again,...

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: When the implementation group revert to me I will take decisions on the matter.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The senior officers of the State work to Ministers as a collective body. Advice is sought from them on occasion and then one acts——

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: One acts on that advice if it is appropriate.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Burton raised a vast range of issues. When I receive the relevant reports I will examine them with care. However, decentralisation is Government policy. The implementation group is simply that, a group to implement the programme. There has been some slippage in meeting targets but a substantial amount of decentralisation has taken place. The issue of decentralisation of powers...

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The review seemed to be pointing——

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The review seemed to point towards an abandonment because it referred to the cost of constructing buildings in the current climate.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As recommendations come back, I will examine them. The Government made a decision regarding decentralisation and I assure the House that decision stands——

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——and the function of the implementation group is to implement it. Any cost arising from decentralisation must be appraised and will be judged on strict value for money terms, as every project related to it to date has been judged.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Regarding the second question I accept I am the responsible Minister. Deputy O'Donnell expressed concern on the one hand that the decision was rushed and on the other that decentralisation was not happening fast enough.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy cannot have it both ways.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The view of the implementation group is that it is proceeding satisfactorily.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am not convinced of the merits of an all-party approach as I am not convinced such a process would secure agreement on the way to proceed.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I will take responsibility. If there has been some delay in the progress of decentralisation——