Results 13,041-13,060 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Everyone in this House is appalled in equal measure by the terrible litany of crimes and abuse which is so clearly set out in this report. It is very important the House finds a way of showing a unity of purpose in acknowledging the contents and implications of the Ryan report. For that reason, it is a matter for the Whips to decide the format. I am not precluding it or setting out any...

Leaders' Questions (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: First, on how this could have happened, it is undoubtedly true that this represents a systems failure of huge magnitude over many decades. It is important to recognise that while much of what happened took place many decades ago, it in no way takes from the fact that there was a systems failure, as well as a failure to ensure that where wrongdoing occurred, it was corrected and redressed. In...

Leaders' Questions (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: In fairness, the Committee of Public Accounts looked into this matter in some detail and correspondence between party leaders also took place at the time in terms of fair and reasonable questions being put and the Taoiseach of the day responding to clarify the Government position. I make the point that it is a feature of governmental power and of Government to be in a position to settle or...

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 8, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the International Tropical Timber Agreement 2006 (back from committee); No. 9, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Council regulation on the establishment of an evaluation mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis; No. 10, motion re...

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is important to proceed with the enactment of this long-awaited and much-discussed legislation. The Chief Whip is anxious to proceed in this manner. I will be sorry if it does not receive the support of the Opposition. A vote may be required. We need to proceed in the manner that is envisaged in the Order of Business I have announced. Regarding the other matter raised by Deputy Ó...

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: We have to await the outcome of the June Council meeting before the Government can indicate its preparedness to hold a referendum.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Let us take it step by step rather than being presumptuous. The agreement of 26 member states is required.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: We can discuss those issues on our return from the Council meeting. The Minister intends to have the NAMA legislation published by late June or early July. He was simply saying what options he may consider if necessary. The legislation is being prepared as a matter of priority.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister was indicating that all options are being kept open but we have to prepare the legislation in the first instance.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I cannot provide a date or time regarding when the Mahon tribunal expects to be able to furnish a report to the House, as requested. As Deputy Gilmore knows, this matter is being dealt with by the tribunal and one can only hope the report will be provided as soon as possible. On the second matter raised by the Deputy, the Bill is a Private Members' Bill, which I am sure can be taken in...

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand the first Bill requested by the Deputy is due to be published this session. With regard to the second Bill, which, in addition to the first, is under the aegis of the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Barry Andrews, there are still some issues to be resolved before it is finalised.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: Indications have been already given as to the progress made on that legislation. I hope to bring it forward soon; that is the intention of the Government.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have to make inquiries on the matter.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no date for that legislation.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have to ask the Minister for Education and Science about that matter and revert to the Deputy.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the indemnity, there is no need to go beyond what the Committee of Public Accounts has already forensically dealt with. This was gone into in detail at the time and nothing further has arisen since then. With regard to criminal records that may have arisen due to the detention of children in these institutions, all these matters can be considered in the context of the report,...

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: They continue to be used for the purposes for which they have been used and are available to the State for use as educational or health institutions.

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I was simply pointing out that the indemnity agreement placed legal responsibility on the religious orders to come up with a contribution. The agreement has the impact of making that a legal obligation. The alternative, in the context of apportioning liability, would have been to fight each case separately with the religious institutions concerned. The question arose as to the best way of...

Order of Business (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have provided this information for the benefit of the House.

Written Answers — Cabinet Committee Meetings: Cabinet Committee Meetings (26 May 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security recently met on 29 April last. The next meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security has not been scheduled but is likely to take place before the Summer with further meetings as required during the remainder of 2009.