Results 7,801-7,820 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have just explained the procedure to the Deputy. He asked a question and then criticised me for letting him know when I will take some of the recommendations made by the Standards in Public Office Commission last summer.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I answered the question but if I get a smart answer I have to give Deputy Gilmore a smart answer back.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It was a smart answer. Deputy Gilmore is trying to get a line in the newspaper.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Gilmore need not worry. He will achieve double digits eventually. He will break through that 10% mark any time soon. Recommendations were made, some of which I wish to incorporate. Those amendments are being prepared. When they are finalised and incorporated into the Bill it can come to the House and be dealt with comprehensively. I thought that was a comprehensive way to deal...

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, with Government amendments. It will incorporate some of the recommendations of the Standards in Public Office Commission and when enacted here will return to the Seanad to take on those amendments.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Two more.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government has approved that course of action in principle. Work continues on some technical amendments and they will be provided as soon as possible. Once I have that I can come to the House with the incorporated Bill. I cannot say much more about it.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: How the House orders its business is a matter for the Whips, as the Ceann Comhairle said.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Taoiseach dealt with this matter comprehensively during Question Time yesterday.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to say when the dentists or animal health Bills will come into the House but the electricity regulation (EirGrid) (amendment) Bill will be published this session.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The criminal law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill will be published some time later this year.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: A debate in the House on the Electoral Commission's report is the first step to be taken before taking any legislation on it. There has been much comment on it from all sides of the House and it would be good to have the views of the House expressed in a debate. Regarding the correct answer to the Deputy's first question, I presume it is in relation to the new boundaries. However, I will...

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is best to get clarification from the line Minister and I will ask him to communicate with all Deputies.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of the debate which took place but I take it that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Micheál Martin, and other Government spokespersons were talking about the general regulatory review that is being undertaken at present. If that is the case, the first report on that is due in July. I am not aware of any impending legislation coming before the Cabinet...

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is never any other way.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: In response to the Deputy, we look forward to him joining us for the Committee Stage of the Finance Bill, when we can discuss these matters.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand it will be introduced some time this year. It is not on the legislative list at present. Draft heads of the Bill are in preparation in the Department and its expected publication date is 2008.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will know from his time as a Minister, it is not a question of abandoning legislation but of preparing it properly and producing it on time, if possible. It may be that the promised date may not be met.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government remains committed to bringing forward a civil partnership Bill as soon as possible, given the drafting requirements that are involved.

Order of Business (14 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the first matter raised by Deputy Howlin, his question will have to be directed to the line Minister for a detailed reply. I am not aware of any constitutional issue arising but I will ask the Minister to consult with Deputy Howlin, having heard what he has raised this morning.