Results 6,421-6,440 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 11, motion re Shannon Airport and development of the mid-west region on the conclusion of No. 16. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 11 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.30 p.m. today and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the speeches of a Minister or Minister of State...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate the Deputy's request.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am not in a position to accommodate Deputy Stagg's request.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Yesterday's schedule was altered because of the decision of the Opposition to put down a confidence motion. We are now dealing with the business as scheduled.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I join the Leader of the Opposition in conveying the sympathy of the House to the families of Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy who lost their lives while doing their job as fire fighters in Bray yesterday. In regard to the fire service generally, we have completed the first phase of a fire service change and modernisation programme which focused initially on the enhancement of fire...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Consideration can be given to that matter in discussions between the Whips in preparation for next week's business. The Government has been discussing it at some length at recent Cabinet meetings. The Taoiseach has allowed a considerable amount of time for it in next week's agenda. There was a further serious incident last night. Occurring in the same week when a garda carrying out his...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Debates on matters such as the Comptroller and Auditor General's report are normally dealt with in committee, be it the Committee of Public Accounts or the finance and the public service committee. That is the means by which this is done. They may also be considered in plenary session on the floor of the House if the Whips so decide. There will be many opportunities, as there always are,...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is time to recognise the role played by public private partnerships. They do not replace traditional procurement policy but they do play an important role in this area. There are many examples of where they have proven to be of extraordinary assistance in transforming areas at great speed. I have already named three.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Bill will be taken early next year. I join with Deputy Lynch in sending best wishes to the athletes travelling to Shanghai. I was glad to have been able to provide in my last budget a significant allocation to the organisation involved.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, the Taoiseach, in response to questions yesterday, conveyed the wishes of the new Minister of State with responsibility for children to continue with the work engaged in by the committee established by the former Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan. It is intended to establish a joint standing committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas and to provide it with the...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I revert to the Deputy, the Bill is not, as he says, on the Order Paper.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Minister, Deputy Ryan, and I have had discussions on the matter. We are eager to ensure we plan for the years ahead in budgetary terms in order to allow people to meet their energy requirements through exploitation of the greener home scheme and various other schemes instigated by his predecessor. The Minister, in an effort to ensure proper management of his budget this year, is making...

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: No, it does not mean that.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Whips are responsible for the provision of time for economic debates in the House or in committee. I have always welcomed such debates and look forward to such debate being arranged. On the general question raised by the Deputy, I am glad to say that the financial institutions in Ireland, under our regulatory and supervisory authorities, are in good shape and have a strong liquid position.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Whips are appointed to deal with these issues.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: I have every confidence in the collegiate nature of the Whips. I am looking at Deputy Stagg in particular who is well known for his co-operative nature. The first item on his agenda will be the establishment of the Deputy's finance and public service committee. I look forward to discussing these matters at the earliest opportunity.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate when the Bill will come before the House. Perhaps a parliamentary question to the line Minister with the opportunity for supplementaries will divine more detail.

Order of Business (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: Not to my knowledge.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Valuation Act, 2001 which came into effect on 2 May 2002 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable. In regard to the Valuation Act, 2001, I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act, and that I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, have no...

Written Answers — Tourism Development: Tourism Development (27 Sep 2007)

Brian Cowen: The mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme is a tax incentive scheme introduced in Section 29 of the Finance Act 2007. The legislation provides for the appointment of a mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board which will be responsible for approving and certifying buildings and structures that qualify for relief under the Scheme. In carrying out this function the Board will be...