Results 10,421-10,440 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I fundamentally disagree with Deputy Ó Caoláin on all these matters for the following reasons. The decision of the Irish people is being respected and the Lisbon treaty cannot be ratified without the agreement of all member states, including the Irish people, in the matter. The problem we have is our understanding of the consequences of the real situation. The Deputy outlined to me the...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We must then decide what is the issue for us and where do our national interests reside. Deputy Ó Caoláin's party has historically opposed membership of the European Union.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Sinn Féin adapts its position from time to time to suit its circumstances. I have attended many functions at which prominent members of the Deputy's party who hold executive responsibility welcomed the fact that funds are being provided under INTERREG on the Border for this, that and the other. Thanks to the solidarity of citizens of the European Union, many millions of euro have...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: At the same time, however, the Deputy is telling me not to kowtow to bullying exercises. There is no bullying taking place; member states are stating positions. Ireland must decide where this leaves us, what we want to do about it and which of the concerns raised it will be possible to have addressed in a way that would give people more confidence on some of the issues. That is my job and...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I did.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I did.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Okay.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: No newspaper can anticipate Government decisions. They can write about them and there are many items in the average Sunday newspaper and in daily newspapers. I would have to spend a great deal of time here talking to the Deputy if I was answerable for every one of them.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We will leave that aside for the moment. The first point is that no decision has been taken on a second referendum. The second point is that the situation at the moment is as the people decided last May. The third point is that the 26 other member states have given their views as a result of that and, fourth, it is my job to work with them to see whether the concerns raised in the...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not have any supplementary information on the last point raised by the Deputy. I have no problem talking to Opposition party leaders before the December Council meeting. No provision was made in the Estimates for a referendum next year because no decision has been taken. Calls for a constitutional amendment to enshrine children's rights under the Constitution have been referred to....

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot anticipate any Government decision. As of today, that is the situation. I have explained what the Government is attempting to achieve in its work with colleagues at the European level, arising out of the various European Councils we have had and the conclusions that have been reached since the most recent referendum. I do not wish to anticipate any decision until we see how this...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not see any reason to change the term of office of the President of Ireland, as seven years is a proper and adequate length. I am not aware of any major public demand to change the term. On the other questions, if the treaty of Lisbon is not ratified before May 2009, the European Parliament elections will have to be held under the existing arrangements. The question of whether that...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: A range of views are expressed on individual issues but, particularly in light of events that have arisen in the past several months, such as the Georgia situation and the international financial crisis, it is a strongly held view that speedy co-ordination and institutional rigour within the institutions are prerequisites for the Union's effectiveness, not only in its own region but also...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the Lisbon treaty, my intention is to bring clarity where much confusion was fomented.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am sure Deputy Ó Caoláin will be of assistance in that.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Clearing smoke where there is no fire is one of Deputy Ó Caoláin's best attributes.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It was meant as a compliment, as an attempt at humour.

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The constitutional tradition is not to enumerate each constitutional right in the Constitution. We have a doctrine of unenumerated rights, directives of social policy, Articles 41 and 44 and a range of articles where the rights of citizens are well-protected by our courts. They have displayed an ability to develop Irish jurisprudence in a way in which we can all be proud. In recent times,...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, one must be careful that what might seem like a good idea might raise questions of interpretation and might affect existing jurisprudence. These are complex issues and the Charter of Fundamental Rights stands in its own right. It has been set within the treaty context. Incorporating this into our constitutional law in that way would not necessarily provide the clarity people believe it...

Constitutional Amendments. (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The point I am making is that I would be very slow to change the Constitution. There must be a strong imperative to do so. The objectives the Deputy seeks to achieve can be achieved without the necessity of inserting such a constitutional principle into the Constitution. The directives on social policy as part of that constitutional document have provided a means by which we have seen a...