Results 11,401-11,420 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy's final contention has not been suggested by anybody, even in the context of outlining whatever prospective difficulties and problems those offices may have. What was suggested is that instead of the DPP taking certain prosecutions those would be handed to the Garda to prosecute. That is what was said. The DPP indicated that this is not the optimum position. I acknowledge and...

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept that the 3% payroll cost reduction is a drastic cut. In fact, some of the criticism from the other side of the House has been that it is insufficient. I know Deputy Flanagan's interest as justice spokesperson for his party is with regard to the efficacy of the prosecution service, and he makes the case. The point we would make is that in late 2006 the Department of Finance...

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept that. The vacancy that is being filled in late February or early March is a librarian post, which I am sure is important in itself in terms of organising data processing, the availability of case law and so on. That is the position——

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: That has been filled. It is often the case, given that approved posts and casual vacancies occur all the time for a whole range of reasons, that whole-time equivalent vacancies are available. Obviously, people work within their budgets, which is a common feature of all HR issues in Departments.

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Obviously, these are all issues that will be considered closely by the Minister concerned, by our Department and by the Minister for Finance on an ongoing basis as we seek to effect economies and savings across a whole range of activities. The 3% payroll costs cut, compared to what will be required in the years ahead, is a minor imposition, to be frank, and we must see it in that context....

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: We examine all these issues, but the question is put in terms of people re-offending on bail. One of the criteria laid down for the refusal of bail is the prospect of re-offending. Under our system, the decision of whether to grant bail is made by an independent judge. We cannot decide on that. If such a danger exists, the case is made to the court. It is a matter for the Judiciary to...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 8, inclusive, together. The total allocation for my Department in the Estimates set out in the budget for 2009 is €36.269 million. This is an overall decrease of 14%, some €5.871 million, on the 2008 Revised Estimate allocation. This decrease includes the transfer of the information society and e-inclusion functions and associated funding of...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Can the Deputy repeat that, please?

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have the specific information available in terms of the Minister for State and my constituency office. I will have to get that for the Deputy and correspond with him. I cannot anticipate Government decisions regarding any savings made in the days ahead until they are made. There was a small provision for the Moriarty tribunal. I am not aware that public hearings are being...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refer to subhead F and the costs of the Moriarty tribunal 2009. As the Deputy stated, €7.516 million was provided. That provision relates to the running costs of the tribunal in 2009 and the costs which are estimated to arise in 2009 regarding the completion of the tribunal's work. It is expected to include reporting costs and some element of award of legal costs. As it is not...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refer to the first question regarding the forum. It will meet in working group session. I understand it has decided to meet in a working group session rather than in plenary session as it is more effective. Obviously, an allocation has been made to it this year, within which one hopes it must operate. Second, in respect of the Moriarty issue, that matter is being dealt with by Mr....

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: As I pointed out, part of the decrease in my Department's Vote pertains to the transfer of the Information Society and e-inclusion functions from its Vote to those of the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Finance. The Government considers that the funding would be better expended on the workload in which people in those Departments are involved in this regard....

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Specific questions on pensions issues and similar matters should be tabled as I do not have such information to hand. As for the Mahon tribunal, the question of bringing such tribunals to a conclusion is a matter that has been dealt with by the various responsible Ministers by interacting with the tribunals themselves. As the public hearings now are over, one would expect the commensurate...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes, I have used the steward's house from time to time, as I have required it. While I have not used it regularly, I have used more frequently in the new year than was the case previously.

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will not mind if I go home every now and again.

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Given my overriding responsibilities as Taoiseach, the number of staff I have are required to help me do the job given the range of responsibilities that it entails. They are appointed for that purpose and serve me for that purpose.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. a15, statements on delivering sustainable economic renewal and securing our public finances; and No. 9, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000 (Section 5) (Specified Period) Order 2009, to be taken at 6.40 p.m. tonight and the order shall not resume thereafter. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in...

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I did see it.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Lend me your one.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refute Deputy Ó Caoláin's statements in that regard. The purpose of the debate is to——