Results 7,161-7,180 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (21 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: The one-parent family tax credit is a credit that can be claimed by a single parent (whether widowed, single, deserted, separated or divorced) who has a dependent child resident with him/her for the whole or part of the relevant tax year. The Revenue Commissioners deem this requirement to be met if the child is so resident for at least one night during the year. The payment or non-payment...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (21 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 requires the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to arrange for an actuarial review of the financial condition of the Social Insurance Fund to be conducted every five years. The most recent actuarial review, which covers the period from 2005 to 2061, was published on 17 October 2007. One of the Review's principal findings was that, based on a...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 7b, motion re establishment of Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children; No. 7c, motion re appointment of Members to committee; and No. 11, statements on climate change and energy security. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) Nos. 7b and 7c shall be decided without debate; (2) the proceedings on No. 11 shall, if...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: There is no specific debate promised in the House but there is a debate taking place on pensions arising from the detailed actuarial reviews and the Green Paper on pensions. As many as 32 written submissions have been forwarded to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on foot of publication of that important document. There were over 2,000 hits on the website, which demonstrates...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: The purpose of Parliament is not exclusively to deal with legislation. In many cases, one could talk about over-regulated areas in the economy. In my honest opinion, the question of the consolidation and repeal of legislation should be as much a part of the agenda as the issue of introducing more legislation. I do not believe in relegating important debates in plenary session when there...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: If there has been an example of the successful modernisation of the country it has been in the financial services sector. This party is very proud to have been the author and implementer of that policy which has resulted in the creation of tens of thousands of well paid jobs in this country and enhanced our reputation internationally as a place in which to do business. The financial...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is true that the Deputy has always been a proponent of holding more debates in the House, yet there are members on the Opposition benches who would regard the holding of more debates in the House as in some way a dereliction of the duty of the House and consider that we should have more legislation all the time. When the Opposition co-ordinates its position, it will help us figure out...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: It was predictable.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is not normal practice to publish the advice of the Attorney General to the Government on any matter. This applied to Governments supported by the Deputy.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: There has not been a formal discussion or formal advice provided for the Government but the Taoiseach has indicated, subject to the formal advice being provided, that it is likely a referendum will be held, based on previous experience and case law. A formal decision has yet to be taken.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: I cannot provide an answer this morning. It is not on the list but I will attempt to convey a reply to the Deputy.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: That was introduced by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle when Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It had the full and unambiguous support of Government Members at the time but things change.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the electricity Bill, it is unlikely to make progress anytime soon. Work is continuing on the preparation of the heads of the Bill but they have not been discussed yet.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Health Information Bill will provide a legislative framework for the governance of information in the health sector. Work has commenced on the drafting of a discussion document in preparation for the regulatory impact analysis and public consultation on the proposal. The matter is at a preliminary stage. Regarding the Electricity Regulation (EirGrid)(Amendment) Bill which will provide...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: I note the games Fine Gael is playing locally on the issue.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: So much for strategic infrastructure.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: There is a debate on climate change and energy security today. If that is not an opportunity to raise the issue, I do not know what is.

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: I note the Deputy's continuing interest in this area, which involves trying to close the timescale between not necessarily the ratification but rather the adoption of or agreement in respect of certain conventions and their transposition, where appropriate, into national law. As a former Minister, he will be aware that in light of the issues that take priority in Departments, these matters...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will also be aware that ministerial colleagues on many occasions give other legislation a higher priority. The Deputy also inquired about the prevention of corruption amendment Bill, which is designed to strengthen the law in the context of preventing the bribery of foreign public officials, combating corruption in the private sector and establishing an officials compliance...

Order of Business (22 Nov 2007)

Brian Cowen: The heads of the Bill have been approved and it is expected to be published this session. Perhaps the debate on the Bill will enable the Deputy to elicit the more detailed information he is seeking in respect of the instruments to which he refers. The Deputy raised this matter on a number of previous occasions. There has been some improvement in the number of instruments that have been...