Results 12,341-12,360 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have no comment on the gentleman from the credit rating agency other than to note that his job concerns credit rating. I do not know what he knows about Irish politics or what the choices are.

Leaders' Questions (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The important point is that the Government has reacted in the face of a deteriorating financial situation——

Leaders' Questions (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——last July, in the October budget and in February. Very little support was available from all sides of the House. We continue to do this and will do so again next week. There is broad agreement in respect of economic discussions that have taken place and a recognition that a structural deficit of the order of 8% has emerged in the public finance position. Over the next five years we...

Leaders' Questions (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Budgets are prepared and deliberated upon but they are announced on budget day, not the week beforehand. I did not mention any figures when I spoke last Sunday.

Leaders' Questions (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I did not mention any figures. I was simply trying to convey to the correspondents who attended the briefing the scale of the issues we were dealing with and conveying those to the public in a way that was not technical. It was about saying we have seen a gap arise in the public finance position which means our spend and taxation levels vary between 2009, 2003 and 2004 levels. That is a...

Leaders' Questions (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Commissioner is in the business of acting on credit rating agencies with regard to conflicts of interest or anything that arises in the work they do and the forecasts they make.

Leaders' Questions (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is incorrect to say that Commissioner McCreevy is indifferent to the role they play. I am sure the opinions are given in a professional manner but I know that the credit rating agency issue has been taken up by the Commissioner. I suggest that member states, the Council and ECOFIN must step up to the plate in this matter in as much as there is a role played by the Commissioner or the...

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 15, Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); and No. 15, Broadcasting Bill 2008 — Order for Report and Report and Final Stages. Private Members' business shall be No. 52, motion re social welfare — consumer debt.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicates that the amendments relating to the Defamation Bill are at an advanced stage of preparation. He is hopeful that they can be brought before the Government, approved, published and inserted into the legislation, which can then be enacted, before the end of the summer session. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and...

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance has already indicated that the Finance Bill will be introduced in April following the Easter recess. The question of whether a social welfare Bill will be required remains one for decision. The legislation relating to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, ODCE, was brought before Cabinet earlier today by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade...

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of any legislation being in the offing in respect of this matter. A parliamentary question to the relevant Minister might elicit accurate and up-to-date information in respect of the matter.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand the legislation related to this matter was passed before Christmas.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the card is invalid it cannot be used for prescription purposes but if there are specific issues coming to the Deputy's attention on which he needs clarification, contact with the Minster's office to determine the position would be helpful.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand approximately 19,500 cards have been withdrawn voluntarily.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: A number of cards have been withdrawn.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of that. The Deputy will have to take it up——

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: In regard to criminal justice Bills, I have replied very frequently in this House on these matters. If a specific question arises today I can read them all out again. If it is the best use of our time, fair enough.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will ask the Minister to examine that but I understand the Law Reform Commission spoke about mental capacity in the context of its report and that is probably from where the title of the Bill emanates. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Moloney, and the Minister, Deputy Harney, to examine that.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no date yet, unfortunately.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: In fairness to the Deputy, that would be an indication of its urgency.