Results 11,101-11,120 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Constitutional Issues. (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The supplementary information I have on foot of the questions tabled relates generally to the Sullivan report rather than the present legal status of statutory rape laws as a result of the CC case. I would have to check whether any lessons are to be learned or reviews drawn up to further amend the law, or perhaps a question should be tabled to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law...

Constitutional Issues. (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, I do not have any information on that. Tabling another question to that effect would be the better option.

Constitutional Issues. (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I stated in the original reply, I am informed by the Attorney General that all the report's recommendations have been implemented. A three-person panel of experts, a risk management group, also made recommendations which were referred to in the Sullivan report. Appropriate action has been taken to implement that group's recommendations and its members have been informed. A legal...

Constitutional Issues. (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot let that pass, it is an unjustified criticism.

Constitutional Issues. (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: In the context of the issue, the need to deal with the drafting of that legislation and obtain approval of the Government is the time in which one can proceed. If one indicated publicly before then, one could have prejudiced——

Constitutional Issues. (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It was raised on 14 October during the case. It had serious public policy implications. It was important that new law be put in place before the matter was heard and adjudicated on. That happened within a two week period from when the point was raised by the High Court judge. The counsel representing the Attorney General brought it to the attention of the latter, who brought it to the...

Constitutional Issues. (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is only fair. Any fair-minded person would regard that as a speedy and comprehensive response.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 10, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a Council Decision on the strengthening of Eurojust amending Council Decision 2002/187/JHA, back from committee; and No. 2, Health Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. and business shall be...

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The legislation was signalled by the Government in respect of the reforms that we brought forward in the interests of maintaining a sustainable level of service for all citizens, including those aged over 70 who have an entitlement to a medical card. The large threshold we have devised in respect of the income thresholds that will apply confirm that 19 out of every 20 existing pensioners...

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The only general observation I will make is that if the Leader of the Opposition wants to have a good handle on what Irish foreign policy is at any time if there is a contest between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Mr. Bonde, the Minister for Foreign Affairs will win it quite easily.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are working intensively with the Presidency and with colleague member states to bring to their attention this issue coming up and trying to put our case. Obviously, no agreement will be reached until any conclusions are adopted. With regard to the other matter there are no Government proposals.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand one will come back from the Select Committee on Health and Children tomorrow for a short debate. I do not think the Supplementary Estimate with regard to Agriculture is due until next week and I cannot anticipate anything at present.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is on Report Stage in the Seanad.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The commendation by the Deputy of the legislation to which he referred would not be sufficient to guarantee my support.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Both those Bills are subject to a public consultation process. Neither will progress until that process is completed.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: There is currently no date for the introduction of this Bill.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with the final part of the Deputy's statement.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the other matters, I will ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to collate that information for circulation.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That Bill is awaiting Committee Stage. We hope it will be taken up soon by the relevant committee.

Public Service Reform. (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, together. I launched the Government statement on transforming public services on Wednesday, 26 November. In tandem with this statement, the report of the task force on the public service, the report of the organisational review programme and the Civil Service customer satisfaction survey 2008 were also published. The cost of the launch,...