Results 11,901-11,920 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It has to address not only——

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have listened respectfully to what Deputies have said and I am entitled to give my answer to the House.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Excuse me Deputy McCormack, you are not involved in the conversation at the moment. I say that respectfully.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am trying to answer Deputy Gilmore because a serious point is being made. I do not want to come here and simply roll up my sleeves, as he suggested. That is not my purpose. It is a reference to a political point that was being made.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We cannot abdicate our responsibility to make decisions in a timely fashion. The criticism of those in Opposition was that we were not making decisions quickly enough. I made it clear at the outset of the discussions in January that we had to make decisions by the beginning of February and we all understood that. There was no question of people not understanding that to be the case. Pay...

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Our ability to compete in the new situation in which we find ourselves has to be addressed. These issues all form part of a comprehensive programme.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: If we are prepared to be radical on all fronts, we can sit down and find a solution to the problem. I agree that would be in the best interest of the country but in the meantime the Government must continue to govern and to make the necessary decisions. I do not act on the basis of not seeking co-operation and agreement but because I believe these are the best means by which we can...

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is our position and, as David Begg said this morning, it is unwise to resume formal negotiations unless there is a reasonable degree of confidence that agreement on all essential elements can be found.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will remain available for dialogue. I am not opposed to social partnership but it must address all the issues and not just some of them.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together. The Government appointed Deputy Carey as Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at my Department and at the Department of Defence. Deputy Roche was appointed Minister of State at my Department and at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for European affairs. As Chief Whip, the Minister of State,...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the first issue, the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, is working with ministerial colleagues, some of whom are former Whips, in regard to the preparation of the Dáil reform programme. Work on the matter is continuing following which the Minister of State will bring the issue before Cabinet and, in due course, before the House for consideration. The Minister of State, Deputy Roche, who is...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The 2007 negotiations in which I was involved related to policy matters in regard to the formation of this Government. On the question of the costs of Government, which is a legitimate issue, my view is that we need to reduce them. One such way of doing so is through reductions in personnel. Another way of doing so would be to reduce the cost of government itself. I believe that is the...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is an issue that arises all the time.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for Government and for the Taoiseach of the day——

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——as to how Government is reformed and represented. We have this year begun the process of public service reform arising out of the comprehensive OECD report. I look forward to achieving the reorganisation of Government that will arise from this. In the meantime, we must ensure the costs of Government are reduced. I have done this by insisting on a 10% reduction in the running costs...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will recall he was a member of a coalition Government in the past. He served as Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and was, as far as I recall, a good Minister of State——

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The people of Dún Laoghaire are forever in his debt. Deputy Gilmore will be aware that people and parties take various positions. However, what is important is that we reduce the costs of Government. The position I have taken is to ensure this happens not only in terms of payroll costs of Ministers and Ministers of State, who have taken a 10% wage cut and who are also affected by the...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have answered the question. I believe a reduction in the costs of Government is what is at issue.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: One could have fewer numbers and the Government may cost more. Is that regarded as an objective to which the Deputy would subscribe? I do not believe so. This issue is the cost, effectiveness and efficacy of Government. Proposals are put forward in the interests of reducing the costs of Government. All proposals have been considered. I have put forward the means by which we could reduce...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We are straying well beyond, but we are running a country with a GDP of in excess of €200 billion. The current and capital expenditure allocation tops €60 billion and we must ensure that there is proper political accountability for all such expenditure. The issue is what is government costing the taxpayer and how to make it as efficient and effective as possible. It is not left to any...