Results 13,281-13,300 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I thank Deputies Kenny and Gilmore who have indicated their willingness to speak to their respective EU colleagues at the meetings they will attend in the run-up to the European Council on Friday. It is important everyone understands the Irish position is about seeking substance and status of the language in the treaty and to provide reassurance to our people regarding certain concerns...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: First, the basis upon which engagement has taken place with colleagues is that there can be no re-ratification of the Lisbon treaty by other national parliaments. This, therefore, involves the Government obtaining clarifications and confirmation from its colleagues on what is the position in respect of the Lisbon treaty text on those important issues about which very different...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: First, I have indicated my support to President Barroso in respect of his reappointment as President of the Commission. I believe he has been an effective President of the Commission and I support his candidacy. Second, it is envisaged that the method of appointment of the Commission will be proceeded with under the Swedish Presidency. It is envisaged that the Commission will be appointed...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with Deputy Ó Caoláin's characterisation of the "No" campaign. It is not accurate to suggest that his view of events convinced everyone who voted "No". People voted "No" for many reasons. Some people were concerned about the doubts that were raised about various aspects of the treaty. It was claimed that certain things were in the treaty, but they were not in the treaty...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I intend to win the next referendum campaign.

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will all do it. That is the whole approach we are taking to this issue of national importance, which goes beyond party politics. It is vital for the future of this country, particularly in the circumstances in which we currently find ourselves. Anyone who has a cursory understanding and knowledge of our economic situation will be aware of the role the EU institutions have played over...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: That will be the approach we will adopt.

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am saying, as Taoiseach of Ireland, that it is in our national interest to ratify this treaty. If we get the assurances we are seeking - I am confident we will do so - I will put that question to the people. It is not correct for the Deputy to suggest that what will be obtained by way of a decision from the European Council will not have legal effect. It will have legal effect. The...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It does have binding legal effect.

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am setting out the international legal position, regardless of the text. If a positive decision on these matters is made by the Heads of State and Government at the forthcoming meeting of the European Council, that will constitute a legally binding text. That is what I am saying. The suggestion made by the Deputy in his opening question - that it is of no legal effect - is factually and...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will refer the Deputy to the Official Report.

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy can send me a letter confirming he said that.

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I listened attentively to what the Deputy said. Perhaps he was not listening to himself.

Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 10, motion re Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998; No. 4, Financial Services (Deposit Guarantee Scheme) Bill 2009 - Committee and Remaining Stages; and No. 24, Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad] - Report Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall...

Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with what Deputy Ó Caoláin has said. It is important for the operation of this legislation to continue. Many people with subversive intent and serious criminal intent are seeking to undermine not only the security of the State, but also the integrity of our judicial institutions and those who serve in those institutions, including witnesses and jury members. They will not...

Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The order of the House states that if the proceedings are not previously concluded they will be brought to a conclusion at 5.30 p.m. If they are previously concluded, the guillotine will not come into operation. The reason we have to insert this provision is because of the weight of business the Whip has to deal with in the remaining time available to us while at the same time, as is this...

Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the question of legislation arising out of, hopefully, what will be a successful outcome this week, we can only do that upon return from the Council meeting. The Government, at its next meeting, will examine what arrangements should be made in the event of a successful outcome.

Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance has indicated that it has priority in the Department. It is an arduous and complex piece of legislation. It is being proceeded with as quickly as possible. The question of the legislation being published before the recess begins is a target set by the Minister but if not, he has said he maybe prepared to come back to deal with it in September. It will be closer to...

Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I believe it is more likely that it will be taken on the basis of a recall of the Parliament.

Order of Business (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have no information on that, I will have to come back to the Deputy on it.