Results 9,661-9,680 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Some progress has been made in respect of this matter as a result of ministerial discussions. A certain number of sheltered homes were completed and it was a question of making staffing arrangements in order that those who might benefit from the provision of those homes could take up residence in them. Some progress has been made since this matter was first highlighted.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: There will not be 300 teams in place by the end of the year if the information relating to level of progress made thus far, as outlined by the Deputy, is correct. The co-operation of those involved in the medical profession and others is required to ensure the teams can be put in place. The Deputy will be aware, from a position he occupied in the past, that a great deal of negotiation must...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The commitment relating to medical cards was made in the context of being honoured over the entire course of the Government's term of office. We must prioritise the matters that can be advanced on the basis of the resources available.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: On the basis that the growth rate will not be 4.5%, it is clear that we will not be able to implement all aspects of the programme for Government. The latter is, after all, based on the assumption of achieving such a rate of growth. We must prioritise certain areas of activity, ensure we make the correct strategic decisions in order to increase the capacity of the economy and make it able...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I made the point to the Deputy——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is not correct. When circumstances change and revenues are not as predicted, one has to adapt and prioritise.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: They are not simply the priorities, they are the full gamut of activities that the Government would like to undertake if we achieve a 4.5% growth rate per annum for the next five years. It is clear, if the criticism is that we are not implementing the programme, that it would put us into an unsustainable public finance position. That is clearly not an option.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The bottom line is this——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not running away from it. We will come forward with our own priorities in regard to how to proceed. That is a matter for the Government in terms of Estimates campaigns and developing the Department of Finance position.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: In the meantime, immediate decisions will have to be made to take corrective action so that we work within the spending limits we have set ourselves for this year, while recognising, as we must, that the reduction in tax revenues means a deterioration in the public finance position for the year.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is not true.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy did not hear that at all.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I said we would prioritise what is in the programme.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: One prioritises what is in the programme.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the first matter raised by Deputy Coveney, I refer him to the statement made in March by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, which set out the policy position as a result of consultations with stakeholders. On the question of the national broadband strategy, the Minister plans to publish his ideas on that area imminently.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I have said, the Government has discussed this matter and the Minister will publish the outcome of those discussions presently.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: When the NDP was published, it stated clearly on page 16 that it was subject to a prudent budgetary policy fully consistent with the Stability and Growth Pact. That was reiterated by me and my colleagues on numerous occasions. It is stated on the same page that the NDP will "allow for reallocation as necessary depending on evolving priorities and the economic and budgetary situation." The...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The bottom half.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I gave the Deputy a straight answer and he has misrepresented it again.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Exactly. When I give the Deputy a straight answer he does not accept it.