Results 9,921-9,940 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Data Protection. (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: This is a matter for the line Minister concerned. I can only observe that, unlike family law proceedings, these are not held in camera. There is not a requirement for privacy, so the question arises of how one can transparently communicate the outcome of these arrangements.

Data Protection. (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: The question of the level of personal information and the extent to which this infringes privacy issues is a matter that can be taken up by the competent authorities and resolved in a practical manner.

Regulatory Reform. (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 13, inclusive, together. Since the publication of the OECD report, Regulatory Reform in Ireland in 2001, significant progress has been made in the area of regulatory reform. In 2004, the Government published the White Paper, Regulating Better, in response to the OECD's report. The White Paper provides the basis for work on the better regulation agenda....

Regulatory Reform. (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: The 25% target for the reduction of administrative burdens arising from national legislation by 2012 is under the aegis of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who has overall responsibility for achieving that target. In this context the Department is leading a cross-departmental project to measure the administrative burdens arising from all national legislation....

Regulatory Reform. (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: The questions relate to the OECD report on regulatory reform. In response to Deputy Ó Caoláin, there has been a large expansion in broadband usage and more competition in the sector. There has also been a big reduction in the cost of using broadband. The Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, in recent months produced a further paper setting out how he envisages the sector developing in the...

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 10, motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Double Taxation Relief Orders 2008, Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Republic of Macedonia and Exchange of Information relating to tax matters, Isle of Man; and No. 3, Electoral Amendment Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding...

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: We will be having a debate, at the prerogative of the Opposition, on the economy. We will have questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and this legislative proposal will be brought forward for Second Stage today and tomorrow. With regard to the charge that the Government is not prepared to do anything about the economy, we have brought the date of the...

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: The important job of Government is to focus on the need to address this issue now and in the next couple of weeks.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Opposition will put it to the test when it comes forward.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I said, I am ready to engage with the Opposition in regard to its Private Members' motion. Given that it has tabled the motion — we have tabled a counter motion, as has the Labour Party — we would like to debate it within the time allocated. Obviously, the Government is getting on with the business of preparing for the budget and Ministers are involved in bilateral meetings this week...

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: That was the subject of intensive work between the Attorney General's office and the Department of Health and Children over the summer period. It is not yet finalised but is almost so and it is intended to bring it to the Houses during this session.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: We had this question before. Progress was made over the course of the summer regarding issues that in certain respects were delaying the drafting of the Bill. It is being finalised at present and is expected to come before the House during this session. That is my information.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: There will be separate legislation for some of the new aspects that were agreed in partnership. With regard to the Combat Poverty agency issue, obviously there are no plans to do anything at the moment. The matter is under review.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand that such a motion is not necessary. The Comptroller and Auditor General has the relevant constitutional responsibility and discharges it very well. Indeed his reports are often referred to and lauded in this House in terms of the issues they raise and the forensic examination they undertake in various aspects of public expenditure. The use of the existing mechanisms one...

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the issue is still under consideration and whether an amendment may be required on Committee Stage to see whether it can be encompassed.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not included in the Bill at present.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: The publication of that Bill is subject to the resolution of certain legal issues that arose during the completion of the drafting process. Every effort is being made to have it published as soon as possible.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: The latest information I have is that the heads of the Bill are expected later this year. I will raise with the Minister for Education and Science the matter of whether this issue is as simple as the Deputy indicated.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: I was going to respond.

Order of Business (24 Sep 2008)

Brian Cowen: The fact that we are bringing forward the budget by six or seven weeks this year means arrangements must be adapted to the circumstances in which we find ourselves. We need to bring forward the budget quickly and provide clarity and certainty regarding the direction of the economy, in light of the situation in which we find ourselves. For this reason, pre-eminence must be given to holding...