Results 11,521-11,540 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with the Deputy's statement. A legislative change will be required to proceed with the alteration in the early child care supplement, in addition to other legislative changes on the pension levy and other announcements made yesterday. For children under five, the payment under current arrangements is €3,100 per child per year and after the changes we have announced take...

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——in revolutionising the direct provision for child care in line with national anti-poverty strategies down the years. Many of the targets were reached. Taking child benefit and the early child care supplement together for children under five, the provision is €3,100 per year. With our proposed changes, it will be €3,000 per year. I do not regard the adjective "punitive" as being...

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The purpose at all times has been how to ensure we maintain confidence and stability in our banking system while simultaneously protecting the taxpayers' interest, should a commitment be made by the taxpayer in that respect. The portrayal of the issue in any other way — as a bail-out or other irresponsible comment — does nothing to bring confidence to the economy or address the issues...

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: That will happen this year.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that will also happen this year. The Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, is active in that area.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The latest information I have is that it is for this year. I cannot give an exact date.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance has indicated that the Revised Estimates Volume, REV, will be available in early March.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The REV will take account of the changes relating to the decision taken yesterday in respect of the €2 billion savings that will result from changes in expenditure levels in various Departments. This exercise must be undertaken this month and that is one of the reasons the REV will only be available in early March. It is not intended to bring forward a Green Paper or a White Paper; it is...

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no way we can discuss that matter now.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate when the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill will be forthcoming. The fisheries (amendment) Bill will be published during this year.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Progress is being made and the Bill will be brought forward as soon as possible. It is not being left in dry dock.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no date for the publication of the legislation to which the Deputy refers. However, the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Act 2008 gives the Minister statutory and wide-ranging powers to ensure that prudent lending practices will be the norm in our banking industry in the future. The powers to which I refer will allow the Government to have a far more direct influence in...

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The recent contract arrangements agreed with consultants improved the situation for public patients.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The contract to which the Deputy refers provides a better deal for taxpayers and public patients.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I reiterate that it provides a better deal for taxpayers and public patients than was previously the case.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Of course.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Jan O'Sullivan also inquired with regard to the statutory arrangements that must be put in place. These will be incorporated into the Bill relating to the pension levy and other issues to which I referred earlier. All legislative requirements will be dealt with in a single Bill.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The heads were approved on 27 January and drafting of the Bill is proceeding as a matter of priority. As the Deputy stated, this is important legislation and we are according to it the necessary level of attention.

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: As the Ceann Comhairle suggested, the issue the Deputy raises can be raised in the debate today and tomorrow. I am sure the Minister for Finance will be pleased to answer any questions Deputies may have on monetary policy and the impact exchange rate movements are having on Irish competitiveness during the question and answer session. This issue is of particular importance for Ireland given...

Order of Business (4 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: A voluntary code of practice has been in place in respect of members of the Irish Banking Federation, with which the regulator deals. The statutory code of practice would include——