Results 12,881-12,900 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Northern Ireland Issues. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: In relation to the 21st report of the Independent Monitoring Commission published on 7 May, I welcome that latest report, which clearly highlights the moral bankruptcy of the so-called dissident republican groups. These groups have no mandate from the people of Ireland, North or South, for their murderous activities. Political progress in Northern Ireland is continuing and I am confident...

Northern Ireland Issues. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Paraphrasing what the Minister for Finance had to say, he made the point-----

Northern Ireland Issues. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----that the subsequent decision of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to go in the opposite direction meant that that was something that he would be mindful of in the context of his further budget proposals.

Northern Ireland Issues. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: He did not change the VAT rates in the supplementary budget at all. In relation to the other question about prices and their variation, I am glad to see that there are some developments in the Republic in terms of food prices, etc., which are coming down as a result of increased competition. The need to drive greater transparency in relation to pricing arrangements is something on which the...

Northern Ireland Issues. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I note the question tabled by Sinn Féin in this group of questions relates to contacts with the British Prime Minister on the ongoing implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. In that respect, progress continues to be made on the devolution of policing and justice. It is an issue I have discussed with the British Prime Minister on a number of occasions in past and, indeed, during the...

Northern Ireland Issues. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: A detailed response in respect of any particular aspect of the IMC report would be best directed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, who has the front line political role in respect of the security matters and criminal issues arising. Those people have shown a degree of moral bankruptcy that is breathtaking, not only in respect of their subversive...

Northern Ireland Issues. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Any joint parliamentary forum is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil Éireann. Following discussions between the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Ceann Comhairle, two working groups were established to develop proposals for such a body, one in the Assembly chaired by the Speaker, and the other in the Oireachtas chaired by the Ceann Comhairle. The work of...

Constitutional Amendments. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 13, inclusive, together. When I last answered this question I indicated that two potential referendums are being considered for 2009, one relating to the Lisbon treaty and the other to children's rights. On the Lisbon treaty, Deputies will be aware that agreement was reached at the December European Council that, if the treaty comes into force, all...

Constitutional Amendments. (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: It would be the intention to have legislation on the referendum before the summer recess if we have a successful outcome. At this point I cannot anticipate whether the legal guarantees that are being worked on will provide us with the outcome we desire based on the December Council conclusions. However, if we get those and if they are what are required, then of course that enables us, as I...

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: First, I congratulate the Leader of the Opposition on the ingenuity of his line of attack.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Second, it is the Government's determination to lead and not to snipe, and to govern and not to pontificate, and to act and not to theorise.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, I listen to Deputy Kenny's knockabout stuff every week despite the fact that his critique of the Governments in which I was proud to serve is that it was, as far as he was concerned, not spending enough.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: On every occasion now, as we seek to correct the public finances-----

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----Deputy Kenny criticises every action that is taken to bring the public finances under control, yet he seeks to suggest that were he in Government, not alone would he be doing this amount but much more.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: The inability, of course, to identify any areas in which he would cut his spending programmes has been confirmed on a number of occasions.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: The bottom line is this.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: The bottom line is this, that after 5 June the Government will continue to take whatever steps are necessary in the interests of this country to get us back on the road to growth and prosperity.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Despite the Deputy's sniping, despite any tactic in which he wants to engage, that is what we will be doing. He will continue with his game.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Without a mandate.

Leaders' Questions (19 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with Deputy Kenny's views. That is why I do not intend taking them up. I want to give my reasons. It is important that they are put on the record. The Fine Gael plan appears to rely heavily on allowing the financial system to default on certain bonds or loans that have been issued or availed of. That has been clearly stated. In deciding whether the State can allow the...