Results 12,001-12,020 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: What I had to say over the weekend was addressed to the Irish people — everybody. I did not get involved in any party-political jousting whatever because of the seriousness of the situation we face. I therefore do not accept the Deputy's critique. The substance of the Deputy's question relates to the Exchequer returns for the end of February, and they are disappointing. It is clear that...

Leaders' Questions (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have given the returns figure — it is €5.759 billion at the end of February 2009 as opposed to €7.562 billion at the end of February 2008. There is a strategy in place which we have outlined to the European Commission, as required once we exceed the Stability and Growth Pact 3% deficit limit. We have indicated that between now and 2013 it is our intention, through a combination of...

Leaders' Questions (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Government and Minister for Finance made it clear at the publication of the end of February returns that the Government would make decisions at its meeting at the end of March and whatever legislative arrangements need to be made beyond that date can then take place. The political decisions will be taken after full consideration by Government in the next few weeks to deal with the...

Leaders' Questions (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The answer is as I have said. It is proposed that children at local level can be grouped to maintain a special class and raise the ratio to 11 pupils to one teacher, which is regarded as the best configuration. This can be worked on. We will seek to achieve this arrangement in a way which is consistent with the educational principles——

Leaders' Questions (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a question of providing a better educational environment by having interaction between children and having a larger number in the classroom instead of isolating two or three. This is regarded as a better solution than the arrangement that was developed on an ad hoc basis in the past. This is the thinking behind the proposal. This is not about finances but rather about trying to...

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 9, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Finance Act 2004 (Section 91) (Deferred Surrender to the Central Fund) Order 2009 (back from committee); No. 10, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and the Republic of Montenegro (back from committee); No 11,...

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the House believes that 1.30 p.m. tomorrow will be adequate time, I have no problem.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that a minerals Bill is due some time during the year which will consolidate existing legislation. I do not know whether it will incorporate this particular problem, but I shall have that checked.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I cannot anticipate the Government's decision as regards whatever adjustments have to be made, but I take it we will make whatever decisions are necessary, to ensure that, based on the emerging figures, we obtain a deficit at the end of the year of about 9.5%, as we outlined originally to the Commission. It is important that this be done. I cannot anticipate the decision, but in my view it...

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, if it is decided, based on what is emerging, there will have to be some revenue raising aspect to this matter it would be done through a finance(No. 2) Bill in the normal way. Second, regarding the question of the Estimates, they will be provided in the aftermath of such decisions.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I ask Deputy Gilmore to be fair in respect of all the circumstances. We got Exchequer returns today for the end of February. We have indicated that we will meet and make political decisions based on what is emerging to ensure we come in with a 9.5% deficit to the end of the year. Whatever requirements are made arising out of those decisions will be taken in the House in due course. That...

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe it has been promised but to be helpful to the Deputies, and they may know this already, as I understand it the Garda Ombudsman Commission, which has a public interest role in these matters, is investigating it on that basis consistent with the legislation we passed here. That is the position on that. There is no——

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not getting into semantics with the Deputies. I was asked about the decisions that were taken today. I can answer on the decisions taken today; I cannot answer on decisions yet to be taken. The decision taken today is that by the end of this month Government will make the necessary decisions to deal with the issue that has arisen as a result of today's figures. That is the decision...

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: No matter how helpful one is there is always a problem.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no date for the second Bill. I would make the point that we are not a designated tax haven.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Níl aon dáta agam go fóill.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: B'fhéidir. Níl a fhios agam. Níl aon dáta ar an nóta atá agam. Tá sé ar intinn againn.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Ní raibh mé críochnaithe leis an Teachta Ó Sé. Níl a fhios agam cén dáta ar a mbeidh an Bille againn. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sé tábhachtach. Tabharfaidh mé freagra don Teachta chomh luath agus is féidir liom.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Proposals on the heads of a Bill have not yet been agreed. On the second matter, a memo will be brought to the Government very shortly by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan. The first matter is not on the list but we intend to bring forward legislation before a referendum is held.

Order of Business (3 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not know. It is a matter for the Minister for Transport to decide as to whether the report will be brought before the Dáil. I do not know if it contains confidential information or is a private report. I do not know what is its status.