Results 11,321-11,340 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The evidence is that the framework for economic renewal sets out our economic policy priorities, which were provided before Christmas. We said then that if we are to achieve those objectives we must restore order to our public finances. We begin on that road this week. We are involving the social partners during the course of this month in order to achieve broad agreement on the approach...

Leaders' Questions (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——so that we can minimise the impact on ordinary people as we proceed with this adjustment.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 8, motion re ministerial rota for parliamentary questions; and No. a4, Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2009 — Order for Second Stage and Second and Remaining Stages, which is on the second supplementary Order Paper. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) No. 8 shall be decided without debate; (2) Second and Remaining Stages of...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that is correct.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: To answer the Deputy on the general point, if agreement is reached, obviously a framework document will be published. Discussions are ongoing. I make the point that we set out a framework based on the principles by which we will seek to deal with the situation this country is facing. We will work together in the weeks and months ahead to make sure that we implement policies that meet the...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: If we want to avoid partisanship, and we should have political competition of ideas, let it be said that the Government's approach is that we will find a method by which we will deal with the situation.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I did not interrupt the Deputy and I am answering his question, which is out of order. Therefore, he might listen with respect to what I have to say.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: If he is asking whether, if there is agreement on a framework document, he will have a copy of it, he will because it will be published.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is in order to ensure that what is known as a dispute resolution committee is set up under section 159 of the Residential Tenancies Act, which empowers the board of the Residential Tenancies Board to establish such a committee and to delegate functions and appoint members to that committee. It came to the attention of the Department that the three-year rule set out in section 159(2) was...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: If there are challenges, the whole question is to deal with this matter adequately and not put at risk the work they have done heretofore.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refer to the first matter raised by the Deputy. The issue of an opportunity to discuss the economic situation of the country was unanimously sought by everyone when we returned to the House and was, therefore, accommodated. I do not determine the length of negotiations or discussions taking place with the social partners, in terms of how the Government is trying to address this issue as...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The discussions continue, they are ongoing as we speak

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Discussions are taking place. It is not available for publication to anyone until it is are signed off and agreed, because it forms the basis of discussions and it is a framework. There may be others who have a different view on how to proceed, but I believe this is the way we should proceed. This is what I believe we should do and this is what we are doing.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: If and when there is a basis for agreement it will be available for debate and discussion in the House. That is the situation. The Parliament asked for the debate this week and it is possible. We can also debate other matters during other weeks, there is no problem with this.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is the difference. The whole purpose of this approach is to try to see if we can build a consensus around which we can try to address the problems facing the country. If some parties have no belief in that process, that is fine. That is their view. The Legislature is and will be involved on an ongoing basis.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the ongoing basis of dealing with the problems of the country in the months and years ahead. That is the situation. The Opposition cannot have it every way.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It wants a debate in the House so let us have it. If we come to the basis of an agreement about how to proceed, we can have a debate on that also in the future, that is not a problem.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Let us deal with the issue as it is and in the way people asked, that is, that there is a debate on the economy this week. Let us do so.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refer to the second question asked about the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Draft Bill 2009. I must ask the Chief Whip to contact the Deputy regarding that matter as I do not have the detail before me. What was the third issue raised?

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: These issues relate to decisions to be taken by Government in due course and which will determine those issues. There is also the opportunity of incorporating whatever changes we introduce on the expenditure side into the Revised Estimates volume, which we believe should be available by early or mid-March.