Results 12,141-12,160 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Departmental Committees. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the question of what progress the McCarthy committee has been making, we wanted an independent examination of staffing levels in all parts of the public service to identify those posts and activities which are not essential. The group will consider proposals by the management of each public body to achieve the reduced payroll allocation made for this year. Those recommendations will...

Departmental Committees. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Tá thart ar 370,000 daoine ag obair sa tseirbhís phoiblí. Is é sin, go cruinn, an méid atá ann. Tá sé ar intinn ag an choiste mionscrúdú a dhéanamh ar an méid fostaithe atá sa HSE. B'fhéidir nach bhfuil gá leo go léir um an dtaca seo. B'fhéidir go mbeimid in ann na hacmhainní atá á chur ar fáil againn sa chóras slándála a úsáid ag an "front line".

Pension Provisions. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, together. A preliminary estimate shows that the total amount to be paid by personnel in my Department arising from the pension levy will be in the region of €1.083 million in 2009. This is an average of €4,431.26 per whole-time equivalent employee. All personnel in my Department will be subject to the pension-related deduction.

Pension Provisions. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have to provide the details on the Deputy's first question separately. With regard to his second question, I indicated on the day the pension levy was introduced that we were prepared to listen to proposals, but they would have to be on the basis that the €1.4 billion would still be obtained. Unfortunately, no such proposals were forthcoming. The levy is an imposition, obviously,...

Pension Provisions. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The question of the pension levy formed a major part of the €2 billion in necessary savings which were agreed within the framework of social partnership. The alternatives were to consider social welfare provisions or non-pay, non-social welfare current expenditure. We had to seek savings from non-pay, non-social welfare current expenditure of more than €300 million in addition to the...

Pension Provisions. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Government made efforts to bring forward necessary measures. For the supplementary budget, we have made it clear that we are available to take any constructive ideas from anyone, including people inside and outside this House, on how best to address the serious issues confronting us at present. None of it will be painless and none of it will be immediately popular but it is necessary...

Leaders' Questions (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree with the sentiments Deputy Kenny expressed, including the need for this House to take time tomorrow, in a structured debate by way of an agreed motion, to make clear its repugnance at this attempt by self-appointed people who claim to speak on behalf of the Irish people. They have no mandate to do so. These are dastardly deeds, cowardly acts, the wanton murders of three individuals...

Leaders' Questions (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Garda Síochána is in very close contact with the PSNI and co-operation on pursuing those responsible and seeking to prevent any further incidents remains at the highest level. The Garda Commissioner and Chief Constable are meeting next Thursday and the Chief Constable has publicly recognised the excellent co-operation between the two forces. We have been very conscious of the threat...

Leaders' Questions (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree and join with Deputy Gilmore in stating that all right-thinking people in this country and anywhere would be determined that the perpetrators of these acts would be brought to justice as quickly as possible. Therefore, the first step in the process of bringing people to justice is to ensure the fullest possible co-operation exists between our respective police authorities on the...

Leaders' Questions (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I concur with Deputy Gilmore and the sentiments he expressed regarding the legislation. There has been no indication from Garda authorities that there is any inadequacy in respect of the legislation which was introduced at the time to enhance the framework to which we were operating already. If it is relevant in these circumstances it will of course be used to the full. I join Deputies...

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 7, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development (Regional Planning Guidelines) Regulations 2009 — back from committee; No. 8, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the partnership and co-operation agreement between the European Communities and Turkmenistan — back from committee; No. 9, motion re...

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Cabinet will meet again in the morning to finalise the arrangements for the budget, including the date. It could be in early April, as I said. A finance Bill will probably be required as well.

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Any finance Bill will be brought forward in the same manner that occurs for a normal budget. It must be brought in a certain time after the announcement of the budget.

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Not unless Deputy Kenny is around.

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: That matter will have to be considered by the Minister in the normal course in respect of any Opposition amendments brought forward, or whether he can bring forward any Government amendment in time for the enactment of the Bill. It should be brought forward and enacted in a timely manner before any elections or referenda, which is the objective of the exercise.

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no mystery about it.

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I indicated last week, when the Exchequer returns were published, that we would take whatever decisions necessary this month and that we would have a budget during the first week of April. I indicated that this was our reaction to the deterioration that had occurred. The Minister for Finance will now come to the Cabinet. Budget issues will be discussed tomorrow morning, as we were dealing...

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Of course there will be a debate on the budget. There is no big issue about this. The Cabinet will meet in the morning and fix the date for the budget. I indicated that it will be the first week of April. The Minister for Finance will bring the proposal before the Cabinet in the normal way. It will be adopted by the Cabinet and notification will take place accordingly. We will obviously...

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that will be next year at the earliest.

Order of Business (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will deal with promised legislation——