Results 861-880 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 9a, motion re establishment of Joint Committee on the Constitution; No. 19, Ráitis maidir leis an nGaeilge — Statements on the Irish Language, to conclude at 12 noon, if not previously concluded; No. 9b, motion re Zimbabwe and Roy Bennett; No. 18, Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Second Stage (resumed); and No. 22, Land Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Second Stage...

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: We have heard from the Opposition about the importance of value for money for the taxpayer. Regarding the Dunne inquiry, the total cost of the inquiry was approximately €20 million up to the end of December 2004. On 1 September last the Government decided that the chair of the inquiry should furnish to the Minister for Health and Children, not later than 31 March, a final report following...

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: With the Ceann Comhairle's permission and respecting his ruling on this matter, the new medical cards are intended to allow 200,000 more people visit their GP free of charge. We do not accept that this is a material change in the GMS contract. We have always accepted that details regarding operational matters would be agreed with the IMO. The legislation was enacted this month. The Government...

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Rabbitte should remind the IMO of that.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy should remind the IMO of that.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to say at this stage when the defence amendment Bill will be ready. I understand the heads of a Bill will be prepared during the course of this year. Regarding the referendum on the EU constitution, work is continuing on that at Cabinet sub-committee level. I understand it is the intention, if it has not already begun, to start a consultation process with other party...

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: If they wish to do so, the Whips can organise a debate on the decisions which were taken. I attended all the meetings other than the one last Sunday which took place while I was returning from the United States. We had no outstanding issues. Our officials were quite capable of dealing with the matter. No issue arose for us in the course of the last meeting. To suggest that we were not...

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am aware of the ECB's statement on the matter. The purpose of the discussion on the changes in the Stability and Growth Pact was to ensure its wider acceptability and greater credibility. We have considered the experience of the past seven years to ensure that rules are not applied rigidly and automatically without taking into account certain relevant factors which are beneficial to us. I...

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: This matter is on the Government's legislative programme. We hope to publish the Bill before the start of the next Dáil session.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: The policy that is in place is working very well.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: I commend——

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: We have a policy in place.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: We inherited a situation in which no policy was in place.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: There was no policy in place when we came to power.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: No policy is in place.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy obviously does not require a reply at all.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: I will answer the Deputy when he resumes his seat.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: My understanding is that I should rise when the Deputy sits down.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand that an immigration Bill will be introduced. These matters can be further discussed in the context of that legislation. I commend the Minister, Deputy McDowell, for the decision he made this morning.

Order of Business. (24 Mar 2005)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the Whips are discussing this matter.