Results 11,021-11,040 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We have to make that decision strategically, and we are doing it. On the banking situation, which is fundamental as a strategy in terms of bringing about the prospect of economic recovery, we are continuing our engagement with the banks. We swiftly introduced a banking guarantee which meant we did not have the calamitous situation of a collapse in our banking system. We continue to strive...

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It has been suggested that everything that has happened during the past ten years was illusionary.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: With respect to Deputy Gilmore, there are no contradictions. An bord snip referred to by Deputy Gilmore is an advisory body. We will make the decisions.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Do Members want to have a serious discussion or not? On the question relating to public service numbers and expenditure programmes, the Minister for Finance has appointed a public official in his office and four others to go through every item of expenditure relating to public spending on the current side. Members should read what the man has to say. The group's remit is to examine items...

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We do not contract out Government responsibility——

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——as we do in social partnership. Whenever we hear good ideas around the table, we will take them. We will even take them from the Opposition if we can get them. The Government's plan is simple. I have outlined it. Through our budgetary strategy we need to provide stability in the public finance position. We have not yet achieved this because we have a deteriorating economic situation.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We have seen, through the balanced approach taken, the virulent opposition from all sides in respect of every aspect of what the Government must do to bring about that stability, which is a prerequisite for any prospect of recovery. Without it, recovery will be prolonged. If we want quick recovery, we must accept that budgetary stability is an absolute prerequisite. On whether it is...

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are trying to ensure that recapitalisation, if it is to take place, is done in a balanced way which does not require Joe taxpayer to put it up as the first request, which was the view of the Opposition.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Labour Party opposed the bank guarantee scheme. One can only imagine the precarious banking system of which we would be speaking if we did not have that scheme. The plan for economic renewal will be on the basis of social partnership. We will work with the social partners, those who employ and represent workers in this country and with the voluntary pillar and will devise our own...

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will not withdraw it because that is the approach of Fine Gael.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I must contend that the so-called arch strategists of the Opposition, who told me in August——

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——-I am expected to accept a strategy on pay policy——

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am expected to accept a strategy on pay policy which even the Labour Party said last week was confusing. Even the Labour Party, following its big day in Wexford, said there was confusion.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is Members opposite who are shouting.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Members opposite cannot take it. They can give it but they cannot take it.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The bottom line is, I am not taking it from them.

Leaders' Questions (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The bottom line is — I can produce the statements — that Deputy Bruton in August criticised the fact that we did not conclude the negotiations, in September congratulated me on bringing them to a conclusion and now says I should not have an agreement in place. Members opposite are now suggesting we should cut pay by 10%.

Public Relations Contracts. (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. These questions relate to the findings of the Quigley report, which was published in 2005. That report highlighted the need for special care in cases where a proposed consultancy comprises an element of direct service to a Minister or Minister of State, particularly in the public relations or communications area, and-or where a...

Public Relations Contracts. (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: In regard to what progress has been made in implementing the remainder of the recommendations contained in the Quigley report, the first point to make is that by immediately drawing up and issuing the additional guidelines, all recommendations relevant to my Department were implemented. In regard to recommendations addressed to other Departments, I understand the position to be as follows. A...

Public Relations Contracts. (3 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: As part of our savings, we introduced a 50% cut across all these areas. The point here is that many offices serve Departments and Ministers in respect of dealing with the media and public affairs, etc., who are themselves career civil servants; not all of them are brought in but some are and it is a matter of preference for Ministers who may have built up a relationship with people in this...