Results 6,801-6,820 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Social Insurance Fund: Social Insurance Fund (24 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The bulk of the accumulated surplus of the Social Insurance Fund is invested by the National Treasury Management Agency in euro denominated deposits and government bonds, subject to guidelines from the Minister for Finance. In 2006 the rate of return on the funds managed by the NTMA was 2.72% and the annualised return (to 19 October 2007) for the current year was 3.80%.

Order of Business (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 10e, motion re Orders of Reference of Committees; No. 10f, motion re appointment of members to committees; No. 3, Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill 2007 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and No. 15, Charities Bill 2007 — Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. 10e and 10f shall be decided...

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: My understanding is that it is a matter for the Opposition to try to accommodate Deputies from the various Opposition parties on committees.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is not simply the responsibility of the Government to decide on these matters.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The co-operation of all Deputies is required. I understand that a fair bit of gamesmanship was going on until late last night on all of these matters. Deputy Ó Caoláin is aware that the Chief Whip is prepared to discuss this issue with him later this afternoon, in the interests of accommodating Deputies Ferris and Gregory in respect of membership of a committee.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the third matter raised by Deputy Kenny, he also raised it the morning after the lecture given by Mr. Justice Carney in Cork. I made the point that these matters are within the internal jurisdiction of the courts and as I understood it Mr. Justice Carney did not call for an amendment to the law.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has line responsibility for this matter and is considering the situation. He may introduce legislation. It is a matter for the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to determine in due course and subject to Government approval any proposal he brings before it. It can then be debated in the House.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I will stay in order but I reject the assertion made by the leader of the Labour Party. With regard to the matter of the tribunal, the question of winding it up is a matter for the chairman. We had motions for its establishment and for its independence in its functions. It is responsible for its own operations. I am not aware that motions are required in the Dáil to wind up the tribunal....

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand it will be in 2008.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Again, I understand that will be next year.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: In 2008.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The heads of the criminal justice miscellaneous provisions Bill have been approved by the Government and the first draft is under consideration. That Bill is expected this session.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The health information Bill will be published next year. Probably the best figures to seek are wholetime equivalents.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand that Bill is not listed.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: If we get the correct name of the Bill we will communicate with the Deputy.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is not so intended.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: So far as it is possible or practicable, certainly it is always best to give appropriate notice between publication and the taking of a Bill. As the Deputy will be aware sometimes there are occasions when that is not possible, due to the urgency of a Bill coming through or whatever. In regard to the student support Bill, which is a Bill to place all student support schemes on a statutory...

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Legislation was not promised in that area. The Taoiseach gave his reaction to——

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I was about to reply to the Deputy.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: No, there was no promised legislation. My recollection is that the Taoiseach, in the House, indicated his concerns, quite rightly, in regard to some of the heinous crimes that have taken place. Obviously the question of what further legislative or other measures should be taken is a matter of continuing consideration by the Minister and the Government at all times.