Results 11,141-11,160 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not correct, in an effort to maintain financial stability, to state this is not the case. We should stick to the regulatory arrangements as they are.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We should allow people to get on with the real economy and maintain some confidence in it rather than suggesting it is not even worth talking about.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the Deputy's question on the recapitalisation issue, it is a matter for the Whips to discuss if people want statements. To hear the views of the House would be no harm and might be helpful. Some statements at some time during the week could be considered, but it is important to point out that timetables are involved. Depending on what type of recapitalisation were to emerge,...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That matter requires the approval of the European Commission as well. We are in discussions at EU level on the proposals that we have so that we can introduce legislation. We were hopeful that we would have it before the end of this term, but it looks more likely that it will be early next year.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, I am not aware of what emerged in the media this morning.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: If a question on its status were asked of the line Minister, it would be helpful.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy can be assured that our interests will be continually defended by the Minister concerned.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That would be a matter for the Minister for Finance to decide in due course. I have not been following the Finance Bill this year as closely I did in previous years, but I understand that it is a matter that can be discussed on Report Stage.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am referring to the question of what are the Minister's intentions. I do not expect——

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will go through the Bills to which the Deputy refers in detail. Dealing with violent crime and murder is an operational matter for the Garda Síochána. The force is devoting many of its resources to dealing with these matters and is enjoying much success in many respects. I do not wish to take away from the seriousness of the ongoing problem but it is not just a question of enacting...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The service plan can be debated in the House at any time after the Christmas recess. More than €14.7 billion is being allocated in respect of the provision of health services next year. Engagement involving management and unions is taking place on the question of how greater flexibility might be obtained in respect of work practices. Such flexibility would avoid the necessity of...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Opposition is suggesting that we must continue to deliver health services at current levels——

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——then that is at variance with the position of the stakeholders.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am also anxious to protect patients and to ensure that the necessary reforms, flexibilities and efficiencies in work practices will be forthcoming which will ensure that front line services are not affected to the extent indicated by the Deputies — who both assume there will be a "no change" situation.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill is before the House and the Second Stage debate thereon will be resumed. I do not have a date for the publication of the heritage fund Bill.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are progressing with drafting the legislation. As the Deputies are aware, various Departments are involved. Deputy Terence Flanagan also referred to the auctioneering profession. I understand it is the Minister's intention to incorporate provisions relating to that matter in the property services regulatory authority Bill.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Auctioneering will be dealt with in the Bill to which I refer and there will then be further legislation.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is expected that the defence (amendment) Bill will be published in the middle of next year. The Minister for Defence will advise the Government in due course as to what our position should be in respect of the Chad mission.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Such legislation will not be introduced this week.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Drafting in respect of various aspects of this legislation is continuing. The Deputy will be aware various Departments are involved. The priority is to get the drafting complete and having done so to make a decision as to whether it would be best to incorporate all the issues, which are interconnected, into one Bill. We must get on with the drafting in respect of the various aspects of...