Results 11,841-11,860 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

National Archives. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is not a matter to which the Government is giving active consideration. However, 30 years ago, in light of the second oil crisis, the problem of our dependence on fossil fuels and the fact that the question of climate change had not yet arisen, it was a valid subject for examination. At present, energy independence is not only a fashionable but also an important topic of discussion and...

National Archives. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The questions tabled by Deputies relate specifically to the files, if any, that were withheld, the detail of what was provided and the reason behind any material not being provided under the National Archive Act 1986. If there is a wider policy issue regarding the efficacy of having these rules in place in the first instance, perhaps parliamentary questions to that effect might elicit a more...

National Archives. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Some of the points the Deputy raises are not related to the questions which are specific to the release of papers this year under the 30 year rule. Regarding the part of the Deputy's contribution on involvement by me or my office in decisions, which is relevant and on which I can reply, the evaluation of files for release to the National Archives is carried out by designated officials in my...

National Archives. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is nothing in the information supplied to me to indicate that anything relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings was withheld in this tranche of material. The Deputy would have to put down a specific question for me to be able to answer with accuracy on issues relating to that important matter. As I said earlier, to my recollection I did not have any involvement, good, bad or...

National Archives. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have any information among the files available to me for the purpose of responding to these four questions.

National Archives. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: To be as helpful as I can, I do not recall receiving any representations from Department officials to the effect that there was a particular problem there at the moment.

Departmental Agencies. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 8, inclusive, together. The information sought by the Deputies concerning appointments made by me or my predecessor to State boards and agencies under the aegis of my Department since June 2002 is set out in the following tables. The relevant bodies are the National Statistics Board, the Law Reform Commission, the National Economic and Social Development...

Departmental Agencies. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have supplementary information on that matter based on the questions which have been tabled. Committees have the right and entitlement to invite people before them to discuss a range of policy questions not only in respect of the particular competencies they bring to the operation of State boards but also in terms of the policies that are being implemented, which are presumably...

Departmental Agencies. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: As the Ceann Comhairle stated, this State board is not under my aegis. I am sure the requisite announcement and communication of decisions taken will be done by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan. I understand this is an interim authority pending the enactment of legislation providing for the broadcasting authority of Ireland, which represents a...

Departmental Agencies. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will be aware these are matters that are under investigation. In the interests of the principle of accountability not being breached, it is important those given the authority to act independently, as provided for under Acts of the Oireachtas, are able to do their job in respect of any issue referred to them. That is what is happening in regard to the specific case mentioned by...

Departmental Agencies. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is beyond the remit of the questions asked.

Departmental Agencies. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The question of reforms that will take place in respect of regulatory matters, financial and otherwise, but especially financial, in the present circumstances, is something that has been accorded the highest priority by the Minister for Finance. He would intend to bring proposals to Government very shortly regarding that matter. It would be his intention in respect of any vacancies that...

Departmental Agencies. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: As I have said, there are many people who act on State boards, some in the singular and some in the plural who have shown and displayed not only a strong commitment to public service, but a strong competence and professionalism and have brought these particular attributes to the fore in respect of their involvement in State boards throughout the years. Among the requirements for appointment...

Departmental Agencies. (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Appointments to some State boards require prior Government approval. The practice initiated when Deputy Gilmore's party took office in 1992, requiring matters to be brought to the attention of party leaders before State board appointments were decided, continues. As the Deputy knows, every State board does not require prior formal Government approval. The specific matter he raises would...

Leaders' Questions (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: As the House is aware from news reports, this morning the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation was involved in an investigative operation in Anglo Irish Bank under the direction of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. Any such investigation is a matter for the Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement; the Government does not intervene in such investigations....

Leaders' Questions (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: In respect of the financial crisis, in recent months the Government outlined a strategy based on the need to supply a guarantee in respect of the banking system, such was the imminent threat upon it last September. This did not meet with unanimous approval in the House. However, it met with some approval and the Deputy's party supported that aspect of our strategy. We then proceeded to...

Leaders' Questions (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The bottom line is that we are seeking to pursue this matter in the best way possible and in the national interest for the purpose of trying to restore financial stability to the system as soon as possible. As I stated, this is an ongoing challenge. On the economic issue, the Government has proceeded through its budgets and through raising more than €2 billion from taxation in 2009....

Leaders' Questions (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is a matter for the Opposition parties to determine and decide upon in their own democratic way. Furthermore, in respect of meeting the continuing challenge that faces the country in establishing and maintaining stability in our financial system and the real economic challenge that faces the country in the months and years ahead, it is important to continue to try to do this in a way...

Leaders' Questions (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will make a general point and then answer the specific questions raised. As everyone knows, a thorough investigation is taking place in Anglo Irish Bank and certain matters which have come to the attention of the authorities are being investigated. People will be aware, therefore, that the meeting referred to in The Sunday Tribune article did not take place until 22 January 2009, that is,...

Leaders' Questions (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I take the point that has been made. These transactions, as I said, took place at the end of September last year. The meeting referred to in the article in The Sunday Tribune did not take place until 22 January 2009. I am simply making the point that the Department of Finance official concerned had not been briefed on any discussion that may have taken place with the Financial Regulator on...