Results 12,181-12,200 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——the budget itself. We would welcome any possibility for debate or discussion in the House between now and then in a structured way that would assist the Opposition if it so wishes to contribute to an integrated packet of measures that will be necessary——

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——in terms of the fiscal and budgetary situations. The Government reserves its right and duty to make the decisions.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the Opposition has views it wishes to express or if the spokespersons want to interact with the Minister for Finance in a way that is consistent with this approach, we have no problem doing it.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The best way to proceed is to have a pre-budget debate that will enable the Minister for Finance to come into the House and explain the range of possibilities available.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The one thing we can all say is that the decisions that must be taken will be difficult. There are no easy options here. In fact, we have seen a deterioration taking place as the year has progressed, which has mirrored what is happening in the international economy. Whatever about people's ideas on reforms of budgetary processes for the future, a supplementary budget must be brought into...

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: For the purpose of accuracy, Deputy Gilmore's first reference to the €2.5 billion to €3 billion shortfall was related to the Exchequer returns, which were to be officially announced within 15 minutes. Obviously, I provided that information to the Deputy. The shortfall was estimated by the Department of Finance regarding revenues at that point. That is what the Exchequer returns are...

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I know that.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have indicated as of the end of February what the Department of Finance estimate of the shortfall will be, that is, between €4 billion and €4.5 billion between expenditure and taxation. It is now a matter for the Government to decide based on the trends we have seen——

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy McCormack should allow me to address Deputy Gilmore. I have already answered his Leader.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I realise he is very positive at all times, constructive and highly intelligent.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The situation is that €4.5 billion is the estimate based on Department Estimates at present. The Government must make a political decision on the final figures that we believe to be prudent in the circumstances. There is no sighing about the matter, it is the truth.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Hold on one moment. The process has begun and the Government must make the decisions. I am providing the estimates emerging from the Department of Finance as of this time. It is a matter for the Government to make a final decision on the matter. We are in a budgetary process which is not complete, which has recently begun, and which is supplementary to the process in which we engaged last...

Departmental Expenditure. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. My Department will effect the 8% reduction in professional fees for services provided or funded by the Department. Preparations are in hand on the final arrangements to give effect to this decision and the details will be announced in due course. It is not possible to estimate the expected savings at this stage. As a result of...

Departmental Expenditure. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the engagement of consultancy services, as I have indicated, we have significantly reduced consultancy services in recent times. The reduction is considerably more than 8% and may be more than 50%. Some time ago, I answered a question on that specific point to that effect. On the Deputy's specific question on professional fees, the reduction will include professional fees incurred in the...

Departmental Expenditure. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: A Revised Estimate will not be presented before the supplementary budget which will take precedence. A Department of Finance circular on the implementation of the 8% reduction in professional fees has been issued to all bodies and programmes in the Department's Vote. The Department is reviewing contracts in place for professional services to revise fees downwards by 8% from 1 March 2009 for...

Departmental Expenditure. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Caitheadh €275,000 ar seirbhísí comhairleachta an bhliain seo caite. Tá an figiúr níos ísle — €118,000 — i mbliana de bharr cinneadh an Rialtais. The figure is, therefore, €118,000 rather than €275,000. Tá laghdú de 57% i gceist ón Meastachán a fhoilsíodh i 2008. A small number of possible consultancy requirements for 2009 have been identified to date. I am...

Departmental Expenditure. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Baineann na ceisteanna seo le rudaí atá faoi chúram Roinn an Taoisigh. Níl figiúirí ginearálta agam.

Departmental Expenditure. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Cén figiúrí arís?

Departmental Expenditure. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is important to mention the context. We are talking about a total spend by Government, throughout all Departments and agencies, of €55 billion. Consultants are required for particular areas of expertise, perhaps for very complex projects and so on. Consultants are employed from time to time to protect the taxpayer's interests. If the figure of €90 million mentioned by the Deputy is...

Departmental Expenditure. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: As the Ceann Comhairle says, it is outside the remit of the questions. As the Deputy knows, we need to recognise the constitutional position and not say or do or indicate anything that would in any way interfere with the independence in the role and functions of those important public servants in the Judiciary who serve us well. I do not wish to say anything more about it, but I am trying...