Results 12,601-12,620 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 9, Social Welfare Bill 2009 - with financial resolutions Nos. 1 and 2 to be moved together and decided without debate by one question which shall be put from the Chair; No. 10, Social Welfare Bill 2009 - motion to instruct the committee, the proceedings on which, if not previously concluded, to be brought to a conclusion after 65 minutes and the following...
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: Workers are being affected by the winding down of pensions and pensions rights in insolvent companies. It is to try to assist workers in that circumstance, which could be happening as we speak, that this legislation has been brought forward. It has not been cobbled together over a weekend - in fact, it has been worked on for some time. We hoped to have it at the time of the publication of...
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: -----rather than to their disadvantage.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: This issue brings some improvement to the position of workers who find themselves in an ongoing difficulty for which we need to enact legislation as quickly as possible. It was intended to have it ready on publication of the Social Welfare Bill but that was not possible. It has been brought forward for a Committee Stage amendment now. I accept that this is a complex area. It does not...
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: The reality is that were we in a situation where pension funds were not in the difficulties they are, and we know the real issues of the crisis that has hit the pension industry generally-----
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: It would make a difference if anything happened in the interim. If anything were to happen, although I am not on notice of any specific issue, these are matters of importance which affect pension rights and the conditions upon which-----
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I have explained the policy reason, which is that it improves the lot of those workers who could find themselves in such a situation.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I am sorry but we do know it. That is the reason we have introduced it. I have sought to introduce these changes to assist workers who find themselves in such a precarious position. That is why we are putting it forward.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: The consolidation Bill is on a different timeline from the original Bill, No. 31. Consolidation, by definition, simply involves bringing together the existing legislative base, whereas the other Bill breaks some new ground. The latter legislation is due in late 2009 and presumably the consolidation Bill, which will be introduced in 2010, can take account of the new legislation and...
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: On the question of the evolution of relevant information for the public regarding the swine flu scare, a meeting of the interdepartmental committee on public health and emergency planning, which is chaired by the Department of Health and Children, has been taking place today with the office of emergency planning in attendance. The intention is to ensure that those qualified in this area...
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I understand that when the Chairman, on behalf of the committee, forwarded the legislative proposal in question in December, it was acknowledged and an indication was given by the Minister at the time that, in line with the committee's thinking, there was a need for a consultative process to be undertaken. I understand Sustainable Energy Ireland and other stakeholders are being consulted by...
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I am sure as soon as that is conducted we can talk to the Minister about it.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I understand the environment (miscellaneous provisions) Bill is due before the House this session. There is no date for the previous Bill mentioned by the Deputy. His opening remarks on it concerned a baseline study to establish what work was required to create a centre of excellence in that location and in seven others. Previously, there were no centres of excellence in 41 different...
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: We cannot have it every way.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I understand the second Bill is due to come before the House at the end of the year.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I do not know if they are mentioned in the national monuments (amendment) Bill but I never regard a seasonal guide as a national monument.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: By definition.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I will have to revert to the Deputy on the question of below cost selling.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: I would not agree. The heads of the first Bill are being prepared but are not ready yet. The George J. Mitchell scholarship will be dealt with later this year. The Student Support Bill is awaiting Committee Stage. I will check up on the current position and ask to be contacted in this regard.
- Order of Business (28 Apr 2009)
Brian Cowen: Who?