Results 9,701-9,720 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: While there may be different opinions within the Fianna Fáil Party, I assure the House that Deputy Gormley will remain in his position and that he has the confidence of Government.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not responsible for what is printed in The Wicklow Times. I am just making the point——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not a slur on the newspaper.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not a slur; no one is casting a slur on the newspaper.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is what is called having a sense of humour. More moneys are going into these areas than before, but there are challenges we must confront. The idea that it is all about more resources, without reforms in how we deliver services, has been proven to be untrue in a range of areas——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——particularly now that the HSE is measuring the level of output for acute hospital services and how best to reorganise. Clinically-led changes in how we deliver services are providing improvements and, in some areas, savings which will allow reallocation of resources to other areas in which deficits have been identified. If we want a better health service it is not only about more...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is what we will do. While there are many opportunities to highlight deficiencies and problems that arise in the operation of the health service, we must realise that many good things are also happening.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Structural changes are taking place. These changes will have to be implemented and persevered with because the one thing we can be sure of is that the "status quo plus" situation is not sustainable.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is why those who advocate reforms should be supported. They must work with those in the health service to bring about a better system and a better workplace environment for everyone, and better services for the people, which is what it is all about. This must be done on the basis that we do not have limitless resources and we are facing challenging times. That is the truth of it.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have already outlined what is on page 16 of Transport 21. Again, as important and strategic as this programme is——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——it must take account of the availability of resources.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not a question of that.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a question of——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a question of working through the priorities that will be identified with reference to the national development plan and implemented. If the Deputies' alternative position is that we should borrow more——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy's critique is that we should proceed in every respect, regardless of the economic situation, with a plan that was made when there was growth of 4.5%——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: He did not mislead anyone. The Deputies should listen to the answer——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——because it is the same no matter who is in government. On the basis of the resources available, those projects that give us maximum return in terms of improving capacity and providing an economic return on our investment will be identified as priorities and proceeded with in the first instance.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: When we get through this period, which even the ESRI suggests will go on for 12 to 18 months — that is its best case scenario at the moment, which is itself a pessimistic assessment of the economy——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——we will then return to higher growth rates, with more resources.