Results 10,801-10,820 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance indicated in his budget the bodies which may be merged or dissolved depending on the various proposals he announced. These will be the priority for Government in the immediate future. As to what other proposals may arise, that is a matter for the Government to consider at any time. I cannot give the Deputy a date on which the implementation plans will be available....

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: On the legislation, I understand the Tánaiste indicated yesterday that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform would sponsor the Bill as soon as the Attorney General's work has been completed in the matter.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We were aware that there are various aspects to this issue and it was the view of many Members of the Opposition that we should ascertain whether it was possible to introduce a composite Bill. The issue was examined by Government and we decided to try to take that route. As I indicated, the Attorney General continues to work on the matter. A legislation committee meeting will take place...

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Bills referred to by the Deputy, including legislation on lone parents, will be taken next year. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is before the Seanad.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy is referring to the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, Report Stage of the legislation is before the House.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy should ask the Minister.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate at this stage.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The first item of legislation to which the Deputy referred, regarding EirGrid and the transfer of assets, is due next year. Expected publication date of the education (Ireland) Bill is next year, as is the education patronage Bill and the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, that is correct — my apologies.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is correct.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the publication date for those Bills is next year.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It will not be by way of the Finance Bill, but rather through separate legislation. The European Commission will have to be notified.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: My understanding is that the Bill is awaiting Committee Stage. It is a matter for the Whips to decide where it will go from here.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of the specifics, except to say that whatever requirements are needed to enact the Social Welfare Bill will be implemented.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware that it is promised.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: No decision has been made.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will be notified in good time.

Decentralisation Programme. (25 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. Of the 184 authorised core staffing complement currently serving in my Department, 32 have applied through the central applications facility to relocate under the decentralisation programme. The breakdown by grade is: principal officer, two; assistant principal, nine; higher executive officer, five; administrative officer, four;...

Decentralisation Programme. (25 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The decentralisation implementation group has made a number of reports since this was first announced, such as outlining the expected timescales involved. Of the 2,500 staff already relocated, a further 3,500 will complete relocation as a result of the most recent Government decision with, as the Deputy said, subsequent decisions deferred until 2011. The Office of Public Works has expended...

Decentralisation Programme. (25 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny, unfortunately, is not a supporter of the programme. In this phase of the programme, over 6,000 public and civil servants will be relocated. Over 14,000 public and civil servants applied to the Central Applications Facility, which highlights a significant demand. The programme and relocation must also fit in with the proper management and skills sets that are required in the...