Results 6,821-6,840 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 35 and 67 together. The questions relate to the publication of a revised statement on the capital expenditure programme. I am currently considering the issues relating to capital investment under the national development plan, NDP, in the context of the forthcoming budget. The question of publishing revised multi-annual capital envelopes will also be...

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The national development plan stands. The Government has made clear that implementation of the plan must be phased over a longer period. It will not be possible to implement the plan within the original envisaged timescale. Therefore, it will be necessary to extend the period during which it will be implemented. It is important in that context to identify which elements of the plan should...

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Bruton is being rather unfair to the Fianna Fáil backbenchers.

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We have backbenchers from all parties who work off word processors and, happily, many who do not. On the specific question, the Government will examine the capital priorities for next year and ensuing years and will determine priorities in relation to them. There has been considerable analyses and cost-benefit exercises in respect of many of these projects. As regards projects which are off...

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Bruton is well aware those particular projects are subject to rigorous economic analysis——

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——whatever the merits or demerits of the particular financing mechanism involved. On projects which come strictly within the public capital programme, my predecessor introduced many cost-benefit measures to ensure greater value for money in relation to these projects.

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am not.

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I would like an opportunity to reply to Deputy Bruton.

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As I understand it, the Deputy is far from being a humble bean counter; she is a qualified accountant, which is a qualification of some repute. On the national development plan, the Government must make decisions as part of the budgetary process. Deputy Burton will appreciate such decisions are confidential. The Government will be informed by the considerations available to it in that...

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Yes.

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: There are extensive procedures in operation throughout the public administration of this State for the cost-benefit——

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy has not given me an opportunity to complete my answer.

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I made it clear that there are ample procedures within the public administration of this State for the cost-benefit analysis of many different projects. For example, for educational investment at primary or second level, the specifications for buildings of that type have been established by long tradition. With regard to cost-benefit analysis, as Deputies from all sides of the House know,...

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Bruton had a question.

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I agree with Deputy Burton that these are very important strategic decisions, and they will be announced in the budget. The overall amount of borrowing that can be engaged in by the State will also be announced in the budget. It will not be announced in the House this afternoon. It is clear from the figures disclosed to date that borrowing will have to take place for investment in capital...

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: With regard to decentralisation, a political decision was announced by a previous Minister for Finance after being arrived at by the Government, which the Deputy's party——

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy's party agreed that a certain designated number of personnel and bodies should be decentralised to particular locations.

National Development Plan. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I have never heard that the Deputy's party opposed that particular Government decision unequivocally or opposed the locations selected by the then Government for decentralisation. Value for money then enters the equation, on foot of the political decision, in assessing the buildings at the proposed locations.

Appointments to State Boards. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The arrangements for appointments to the boards of State bodies are normally set out in the legislation establishing the bodies in question and are designed to ensure efficient management of the organisation. Appointments to the boards are generally made by the Minister with responsibility for the body in question, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance. In making appointments,...

Appointments to State Boards. (25 Sep 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Of course I have full confidence in the authorities referred to by the Deputy, although he will appreciate that I did not appoint the persons in question. However, I have confidence in the operation of these authorities. If it falls to me to make appointments I will of course take great care in doing so, as they are of great importance in the financial administration of the State. However,...