Results 11,821-11,840 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Work is continuing. It was discussed again at Cabinet a couple of weeks ago. I assure the Deputy that work is continuing on the issue. It is very difficult, unfortunately. It is not a simple area. However, that does not take away from the fact that we need to introduce legislation as soon as possible. There is more work involved.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Legislation is not required in that area. If Deputy Costello wishes to show his concern he might support the €2 billion of efficiencies we are bringing forward to help bring our public finances into order and I look forward to his support.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputies opposite gave alternatives that do not add up, unfortunately. As usual they do not add up.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am glad that Deputy Costello is concerned about that matter and I hope he can convince his party colleagues to recognise that putting the public finances in order is a prerequisite to providing stability and growth in this country again.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: They will require a lot of difficult decisions and there is no legislative instrument that can be devised — perhaps what the Deputy would call the anti-doghouse Bill — to keep us out of the doghouse if the doghouse it is.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The current situation is very serious——

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——and it requires a Government like this one to make some decisions even if they do not meet with immediate popular support.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We also know that the Labour Party consistently opposed each and every effort we made——

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: No, they were never proven right.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: When one sits on the fence long enough, one will finally fall on one side and it is usually the right hand side and not the left hand side.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will move on from that little bit of banter. Deputy Costello asked about the report. Excerpts from the report relating to Anglo Irish Bank is what is being suggested by the Minister.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry, it is not possible to provide the full report as it contains commercial information about customer issues and data.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The relevant parts of the report consistent with recognising those data protection issues will have to be considered and it is in that context and in an effort to be helpful the Minister is providing it.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Minister is talking about issuing it this week, this weekend, I believe. That is my understanding. A telephone call to the Department of Finance would help.

Order of Business (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware that the Minister has any such intention. I will have to check with his office.

Written Answers — Cabinet Committees: Cabinet Committees (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security met six times during 2008, most recently on 5 November 2008. The date of the next Committee meeting has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to meet before the end of April, with further meetings as required during the remainder of 2009.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: My Department has not signed any contracts for capital spend in 2008. The five highest value contracts for current spend in 2008 are detailed as follows: Company Value (Nett of VAT) Nature of Work € The Economist Intelligence Unit 337,500 Consultancy — independent Review of the Economic Regulatory Environment; Ipsos MORI 57,700 Consultancy — Survey of Civil Service customers;...

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There are no regulators or regulatory bodies under the control of my Department.

National Archives. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together. The evaluation of files for release to the national archives is carried out by designated officials in my Department. It is normal, as files are processed for release each year, that some are certified by the appropriate officials for retention on the grounds set forth in the Act. Under section 8(6) of the National Archives Act...

National Archives. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: A case would have to be made as to why the limit should be reduced. The idea behind the National Archives Act is to assist historians by releasing State papers from 30 years ago every year and giving them valuable insights into Governments' analyses at the time. Those studying and examining those historical events find the State papers a valuable research resource. Freedom of information...