Results 11,341-11,360 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: No, I am simply telling the Deputy and explaining the situation.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am simply explaining the situation as it stands at the moment.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The other question asked related to the banking situation. There will be an opportunity for the Joint Committee on Finance at the Public Services to meet at an appropriate time to deal with those issues and hold a question and answer session; that is why we have the committee system. That can be arranged in due course at a time that is appropriate to everyone.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will answer any question, there is no problem. I refer to what is before us tomorrow for debate, namely, the economic situation of the country. The Government has set its framework for economic renewal.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It has clearly said it will take €2 billion in savings out of expenditures this year. The Government has met to discuss the matter and will finalise arrangements next Tuesday and then make an announcement. In the meantime, we are in discussions and engaging with the social partners to inform us regarding the choices we wish to make in that matter, and to build support for the effort in...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The matter is clear. The Government has indicated the timescale and it is adhering to it. Perhaps to the disappointment of some people we are making some progress.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is ridiculous.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: What has been agreed for tomorrow's business is that there will be statements on delivering sustainable economic renewal and securing our public finances. This issue is of great importance and during the next two days, all Members of this House will have the opportunity to give their views on what they, their parties or those they represent consider to be the best way to try to solve the...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the one hand, some people say we need less borrowing while on the other, people believe we should reflate the economy.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Some people consider borrowing to be the problem while others state it is the solution.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: There will be a debate tomorrow and the day after and everyone will have an opportunity to set out their views. I am sure good things will be said by many Members of this House on a range of issues that may be of importance and may be of help.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is the business before the House. At present, discussions are taking place with the social partners and no agreement has been reached on anything. People are working constructively, while recognising the size and difficulty of the problem we face——

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——to ascertain whether there is a basis on which we can proceed. These discussions continue and if and when they are agreed, we all will be the better for it and will know the outcome of that exercise.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: In the meantime, we will continue with the policies needed to address the issues before us.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: No, Members of this House can take on their responsibility to put on record their views.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: However, this also will provide us with an opportunity to outline what ideas and alternatives exist to bridge these problems and gaps. People who have ideas as to how that should be done should air them on the floor of this House.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: However, one cannot simply come forward with the negative view that problems exist without solutions.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Government has proposed solutions within the framework of economic renewal that it provided before Christmas.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: As for what will be done tomorrow, the principles that should inform how we resolve this problem on an ongoing basis include a commitment by all that the first step should be a saving of €2 billion and we will proceed immediately thereafter on that basis.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: No.