Results 9,541-9,560 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will not be told what way we will do it. We will do it on the basis of what is agreed when the Whips sit down and have a sensible discussion. If there is room for a one hour debate in the morning, we will have no problem dealing with the matter. We should deal with it calmly and let the Minister get on with his job as he sees fit.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is unlikely that such a large report which has just arrived on the Minister's desk and will have to be considered by the Minister, her departmental officials and perhaps her legal advisers will be released in the near future. We will have to decide what the Government will do with it. It is a question of ensuring the Government is informed on these matters. That will take time. I do...

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am being asked to anticipate the Tánaiste's consideration of a report that she received last night. I cannot give any undertaking that it will be published before any broadcasting Bill is considered.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That will be a matter for the Tánaiste.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The motion on the economy will be in the name of the Minister for Finance. The House will also consider the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The animal welfare Bill is the subject of public consultation. Deputy Creed can articulate his views at that forum.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: We will see how long the public consultation process which is the first phase takes.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The health information Bill will be introduced next year. There is no date for the dental Bill.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Later this year.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Last Thursday the Tánaiste said there was no date fixed for publication of the Bill.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Bill has been dealt with by the interdepartmental committee which has not yet come back with a solution to the problem, although I understand it met again recently. The Exchequer returns will be published tomorrow in keeping with normal practice. The Department of Finance team will answer whatever questions the media have for it. That will be——

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is not the normal practice, as the Deputy knows.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: We agreed some weeks ago to extend the sittings of the House to accommodate the debate. The Minister for Finance will come to the House and it will be an opportunity for everybody to discuss the situation based on the information and range of data that will be available, from the Exchequer returns, the Central Bank's quarterly bulletin and CSO reports. The Government will make its decision...

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Dáil reform is a matter for all parties in the House and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. The Chief Whip, having taken up that position in recent weeks, will obviously consider what ideas are current. It is important to point out that Dáil reform must be about improving the workings of the House, not trying to find ways in which——

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——the House can continue with theatrics or engage in them unnecessarily and beyond its dignity.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: This matters if we are interested in Dáil reform but Dáil reform is usually a code for how we can continue the tennis match that takes place here every day.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: If we are interested in proper Dáil reform, let us talk about the issue and have a proper discussion. I would have no problem with that.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I know that is what the Deputy meant and that is why I answered him on the same subject.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I know the Deputy's party has proposals on reform but there must be all-party agreement.

Order of Business (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is open to all Oireachtas committees, as the Deputy knows, to go through the Estimates in detail. We brought forward the annual statement in order that people would be able to see that we had done what we said we would do, and learn that targets were reached, or exceeded. There is a great opportunity in the committee system, based on the budgetary reforms we have already introduced, for...