Results 13,121-13,140 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that the first Bill mentioned by Deputy Shatter is being worked on by the Minister and officials. However, I am not sure to what extent it is being worked on or when it will be finalised and published.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have a timeframe. On the Monageer report, it was not a question of the Government being involved in censoring of information, but a question of legal issues which arose. Deputies Andrews and Harney are taking advice from the Attorney General on these with regard to what mechanism can be found to provide the information. Both Deputies have indicated their willingness to try and...

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand some aspects of that issue have been incorporated into a planning Bill that will go to the Seanad shortly.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the separate issue, I understand the Minister has corresponded with Deputy Barrett, as Chairman of the committee, and has indicated his availability to discuss ideas and proposals. That should be taken up as soon as possible.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am sure he will be available as soon as possible.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: That legislation is before the Seanad. When it is completed there it will come before this House.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It was prioritised. That is why it is in the Seanad so soon after its publication. When it is taken in this House is a matter for the Whips.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a very slow burner.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is a number of pieces of planning legislation. A planning Bill is before the Seanad and the heads of other Bills have yet to be approved by the Government.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: A number of Bills from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform are on the A list. Four or five of them have been published. Those will take immediate priority.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: My understanding is that the Government wishes to proceed in a sectoral way regarding whistleblowing legislation rather than with the comprehensive, omnibus Bill, which was, as the Deputy stated, given a Second Reading in the House.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The legislation is before the Seanad today.

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the timescale, given what we said, we will obviously give priority to this issue which, as the Deputy is aware, is highly complex. The Bill is being drafted as a matter of priority in the Department of Finance. The optimum position would be for it to be available and approved by Government and published and considered for enactment by the House before the Dáil rises. If that is not...

Order of Business (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Adoption Bill is awaiting Second Stage in the Dáil. The civil partnership Bill is also due in this session.

Leaders' Questions (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny will be aware that under the Constitution my mandate is the one I received from this House 12 months ago. It is a great privilege to have it. I will use it, with the authority of that office and those with whom I am in Government, to continue with policies which we believe are, and which are becoming accepted across Europe as being, the policies necessary for this country. The...

Leaders' Questions (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: What they are fed up with-----

Leaders' Questions (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the clear messages I received, of course we seek to listen to the concerns of the people within the changed economic circumstances we must confront-----

Leaders' Questions (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----but by the same token we will get on with the job because that job needs to be done and we will do it.

Leaders' Questions (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I reject the contentions made by the Deputy, obviously. First, my apologies, as I should have in my opening remarks welcomed and congratulated Deputies Maureen O'Sullivan and George Lee on this, their first day in the House. It is an occasion from many years ago I recall for myself. It is a great day for them and their families and I wish them well. I congratulate them on their success and...

Leaders' Questions (9 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The courage of this Government will continue to be about putting the country first, even if it has had - and it has had - short-term political implications for the level of party support in both the European and local authority elections. The courage of this party, working with our Green Party colleagues and with the support of our Independents, will be about making-----