Results 9,621-9,640 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——taking account of the realities that this Government, or any Government in current circumstances, must acknowledge. Other governments in the euro area and beyond have to contend with them also.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 18, inclusive, together. Much progress has already been achieved in fulfilling the commitments in the programme for Government. Clearly, the Government must make decisions in light of the fiscal position which will be indicated on publication of the half-yearly Exchequer returns. We will give priority to those programme commitments which are most...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: These are budgetary matters taken at budget time in the context and circumstances of what the budget would be. During the election campaign, I set out my priorities with regard to those tax commitments and these are on the record and available for public consumption. All commitments made in the programme for Government and our manifesto were very clear. They were more conservative than...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I made it clear to the Deputy in my earlier reply that it is a question of using resources. All programmes, including that one, are based on the availability of resources. We have to do the right thing with the resources available to us. I made the position clear during the election campaign, not subsequently.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not waffling. I made it very clear——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am answering the question. The Deputy seeks to suggest the commitments were absolute or made without reference to the public finances, which is not the position. When the commitments were made they were set out very clearly on that basis. A sound economy is the bedrock of social progress and an absolute prerequisite for all our ambitions. To that end, we will defend prosperity and the...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: We would do so if we achieved 4.5% annual growth.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The meaning is very simple. As was the case with the Labour Party programme, my party's programme was based on certain assumptions. The Labour Party's assumptions were the very same.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am in Government and I am telling the Deputy we do our budgets when budget time comes.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is being smart.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy knows exactly what I will do.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not a question of having a river to cross. Unlike the Labour Party during the election, I set out the priorities and, in the event of there being a downturn, where my priorities would be if we could achieve them. I cannot anticipate what the Minister for Finance, who has constitutional responsibility in this area, will do at budget time.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: This year we can be sure that we have such a challenging environment that the prospect of tax reform in the first budget is not on the agenda. However, we also want to ensure we keep taxes on labour and capital low in order that we can continue to reward risk and those who are working and ensure people maintain their standard of living. That is not rocket science. I will not have it...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: What was the final question?

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware what, if any, teams are in place. The question would be best directed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not have the information. On the construction industry, it is estimated that in the region of 40,000 residential houses will be built this year and activity continues in the commercial sector.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are involved in forecasts and will know at the end of the year what is the actual position. Some say 45,000 houses will be built this year, while others say output will be 35,000 or 40,000. I am taking the median figure but it is only a forecast. I am trying to have an intelligent conversation halfway through the year.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Compared to last year, the level of output has greatly decreased.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy is suggesting there is no activity in the construction sector——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am giving a straight answer but the Deputy will not listen to it.