Results 11,801-11,820 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is also some support for the project on the other side of the Border. Co-financing will also be a great help by getting everyone to put in their euro and sterling. That will be a great opportunity to show what North-South co-operation can do. I am sure Deputy Crawford will do all he can in that regard also.

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree the summer school scheme has been a good one. It was devised at the Cabinet table and is a practical response to the need to empower local boards of management to get on with work themselves rather than going through rigid departmental procedures that are time consuming if nothing else. A significant amount of remedial work in particular has been done under the summer works scheme....

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I mean devolved. Hundreds of projects have been carried out under the devolved scheme. I have seen many instances of it in my constituency. Such projects gives a great sense of ownership to the community rather than it being something that comes from on high. It allows many people with various skill sets in local communities to do the work and, as Deputy Crawford indicated, do it more...

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 19, Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); No. 20, Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); and No. 1, Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad] — Second Stage. Private Members' business shall be No. 56 — motion re economic crisis (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is a meeting of the Whips this evening to decide next week's schedule but we need this enacted quickly.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance will listen to the debate to see if there will be Government amendments on Committee and Report Stages. There may be drafting amendments in the normal course of events. It was indicated, contrary to what the Deputy said, that legislative changes were required in respect of all the elements announced in the €2 billion package, including the early childhood...

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will mention the Deputy's suggestion on the first matter to the Ministers for Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The report issued by Grant Thornton earlier indicates some companies are not complying with the code and this will be carefully examined to see what policy response is needed to help bolster business and public confidence, which is an important consideration at this...

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Legislation is not required. It is a commercial arrangement with a facility being provided by the banks concerned to the industry and the public generally in respect of assisting in the accessing of finance for important work such as energy efficiency and so on, which can make business more competitive, maintain jobs and contain and cut costs. The fund does not require a statutory basis....

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The electricity (transfer of transmission assets) Bill will be later this year.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The National Pensions Reserve Fund (amendment) Bill should be published later this week. The financial services (deposit guarantee scheme) Bill will be later this session and the social welfare Bill will be later this year.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is impossible to indicate at this stage when that legislation will be introduced. I understand there is a consultation process in place. As the Deputy knows, the electricity industry is a regulated industry.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Commission for Energy Regulation dictates prices. I have indicated, as has the Minister, that an interaction is going on to see in what way, consistent with the regulatory regime, we can reduce prices as an assistance to business at this time. I believe that as a result of that work any possible changes that may be envisaged can be brought forward more quickly than would otherwise be...

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will do it. The Deputy need not worry.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will do it, unlike the Labour Party.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will do it, unlike the Labour Party.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has raised a legislative issue, which will be dealt with by the Minister for Finance during the course of the debate.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: No, I did not say that. I said he would explain what is in that Bill today.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I believe the Whips will be meeting this evening. If this issue is a priority for Members, it can be discussed in that context.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: She is taking initiatives.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Everything that can possibly be done is being done in that area.