Results 9,041-9,060 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——compared to what they were before.

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is a fact, and assertions to the contrary by a number of Deputies opposite do not change that fact.

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: There are increased resources for that area and a direction has been given for this year which will ensure the extra moneys being allocated are spent in that area.

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am making a point that needs to be made. If we are going to have, as happens in health budgeting, demands on the service beyond what was contemplated in the service plan, arrangements have to be made at the discretion of managers at local level who can decide how best to handle the situation. Opposition Members cannot say it should be done that way today but if there is a shortage in the...

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is what they are trying to achieve every morning. At some stage they are going to have to decide which side of the fence they are on when it comes to reform in the health service.

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Trite sound bites.

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is the intention of the Tánaiste to discuss these matters with the chief executive of the National Consumer Agency in the course of this week.

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is intended to discuss these matters with the chief executive of the National Consumer Agency. The question of profiteering in respect of imports as a result of the difference in the currency exchange rate is a matter for the National Consumer Agency, the Competition Authority and the Department. I am glad the rate of inflation decreased in the past month. However, it still stands at...

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: As already stated, the National Consumer Agency was established to deal with the type of complaints and issues — particularly those relating to consumers — to which the Deputy refers.

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The agency possesses the competence to follow up on an individual issue to which the Deputy refers, quite apart from the general question which is also a matter of some concern. The price of oil and diesel is a matter that must be addressed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with the relevant agencies. There is a need to ensure that there is transparency as regards pricing...

Leaders' Questions (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Tánaiste has indicated she has already made arrangements to discuss the situation and their analysis of it with representatives of these agencies. Those discussions will also focus on identifying the action which can be taken and which might prove effective in respect of this matter.

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. The code of conduct for office holders was drawn up by the Government pursuant to section 10(2) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, following consultation with the Standards in Public Office Commission, and it was published in July 2003. Deputies will be aware that the Ethics in Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2007 provides...

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: On the latter matter, the then Taoiseach was making the point that whereas these people had competence to go on these State boards, they were also people he knew. In many cases when I am looking for suitable people for appointment, there are some people whom I never met before who are recommended to me and others whom I know or meet in the course of my duties may impress me and may have a...

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am sure they will not meet with the Opposition's unanimous approval.

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have followed that in all my public life.

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I hope there is no implication that is a standard I have not lived up to until now.

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy does not need anything to put forward an argument with me.

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: We should not go into the Deputy's past.

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I was in west Berlin looking over at east Berlin. I thought I saw the Deputy over there one day.

Standards in Public Office. (21 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It would be a matter of perhaps some months.