Results 8,921-8,940 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a question of appropriateness. We have set up tribunals of inquiry to look into various matters. The requests for information from the tribunal were made on a confidential basis and it would be improper for me to divulge the content of that correspondence. That is the situation as far as the tribunals are concerned. It is they who make the requests. People must understand that it...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: No. In the body of my reply I confirmed that the Department has co-operated fully with all such requests and will continue to do so in the future. As I said, from time to time my Department has been requested by various tribunals to supply files and information, which has been forwarded to them. I cannot add to that. There is nothing outstanding as far as I know.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am advised — it is a requirement of the tribunal — that, for reasons of confidentiality during the private phase of the tribunal's work, I am prohibited from going into further detail. If the tribunal wishes to pursue an issue, it will be put in the public domain in accordance with the tribunal's procedures. As far as the tribunals are concerned, I am not in a position to discuss this...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot refer to the quote. I do not recall making that comment. I stated that there was merit in considering future procedures for investigating matters of public interest given that these proceedings have been ongoing for a considerable length of time, far beyond the contemplation of those who proposed establishing them originally. The Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005 provides for...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: My views on tribunals of inquiry are clear. They must deal with issues far more speedily, comprehensively and efficiently than we have seen. That is my honest view. I understand the members of the tribunals currently sitting have indicated they will conclude their public sessions at the end of the summer. I look forward to receiving their reports and to getting on with our business here.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: In respect of the matters raised by Deputy Kenny, any question put to my Department can be answered if the information is available as appropriate in the Department. I cannot anticipate whether a specific question about any matter is under my aegis since it predated my appearance in this office.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will certainly be available to assist in whatever way I can.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is not to be taken as a prior commitment on what the answer will be. The former Taoiseach is entitled to the same presumptions as any other citizen going before that tribunal. On Deputy Kenny's question about the particular phrase used, Deputy Bertie Ahern went to court and was fully vindicated in respect of some of the issues put to him which were not regarded as complying with fair...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I answered the question.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the first matter, as I said previously, the questions I was asked pertained to various matters and I had to answer in the way I did based on the requirements of the tribunal itself. I am not suggesting whether a particular file was sent there, I am simply making the point that whatever requests come to the Taoiseach's office in regard to its private business, I am required to...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the tribunal's work is near completion. We hope to receive its report shortly after that work is completed. I will obtain a copy of the latest official communication from Mr. Justice Moriarty on that matter and forward it to the Deputy.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together. These questions relate to the findings of the Quigley report, which was published in 2005. That report highlighted the need for special care in cases where a proposed consultancy comprises an element of direct service to a Minister or Minister of State, particularly in the public relations or communications areas, and-or where a...

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Were that true, it might be a point, but only €3 million has been allocated this year in assisting to bring to people's attention Transport 21, what it means and what it will do for people. It is not a question of €20 million being spent.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: No allocations whatever are agreed for 2009 to 2011, inclusive, and these matters must be reviewed on a constant basis. I have indicated to colleagues that this is an area in which I will expect a report. I will make the point before everybody goes off thinking €20 million is being spent, that it is not.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny made the point about four times but €20 million is not being spent. It is very unlikely anything like €20 million will be spent.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The amount of money spent is €3 million.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, they would not be because they do not involve direct service to the Minister in the way the Quigley report sets out.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I was asked how many cases have been referred to the Government secretariat under the additional procedures. Six cases coming within the terms of the guidelines have been processed so far. Two of the cases related to the appointment of an arts adviser in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. My predecessor approved an appointment in 2005, following appropriate prior consideration by...

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy's questions relate to the implementation of the Quigley report. I assure him that it is being implemented. The report's recommendations were adopted by the Government and the Secretaries General of the various Departments were informed. I explained the procedure in my initial reply. That is that; that is the way it is. It is a matter of ministerial choice. I have observed...

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am simply making the point that the choice of press officer is a matter for the Minister and procedures and processes are in place by which that appointment is made. The appointment can be internal or external. I do not know what the Deputy's point is, but procurement rules and procedures are observed in all cases. That is the way it is. I am sure Deputy Ó Caoláin would agree that...