Results 13,421-13,440 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the question about the non-ratification of the treaty, the European treaties will be then based on the Treaty of Nice and previous treaties. It is an important issue for the Union because the Commission must be appointed. The tenure of the Commission expires in November and the basis on which it is to be appointed is a fundamental issue. Is it to be appointed under the...

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I believe there are two sides to this debate, maybe even three, but let us have a debate on the facts. If people have a view of the world that is different from mine, in this democracy they are entitled to articulate that view and seek support for it. However, let us at least have enough respect for our people to say what is not in the treaty and not talk about what is not in it.

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: What I am saying is, and I said this before the intervention of Deputy Ó Caoláin in my primary remarks in response to the many questions he asked, I do not believe everything is right about the European Union, but I do believe that on any objective analysis of the pros and cons of membership, we would need a very heavy weight on that side of the scales to get within even reaching distance...

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the point made about the protocol, the protocol comes into effect when it is ratified by the states. That is why it is called a protocol. That is proof as to why it has full legal status. It requires ratification. One condition precedent was laid down by colleagues when I went to them after the rejection of the Lisbon treaty and explained as best I could, on the basis of what I saw,...

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Let me answer that. The Lisbon treaty represented a consensus many years in the making, in which we were centrally involved during our Presidency. Great honour was brought to this country from the work we did at that time. When we rejected the Lisbon treaty we went back to our counterparts and explained the reasons for its defeat. Our colleagues said they would seek to accommodate our...

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I thank Deputy Gilmore, as I thanked Deputy Kenny in respect of the grouping to which he is affiliated, for the work and clear exposition of the Irish position that they gave to colleagues, in terms of the value and worth of the guarantees we sought and the need to provide legal clarity and certainty on those in the interests of avoiding a re-run of issues in this debate. The Council...

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Absolutely. I enjoyed it too.

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: In legal terms, that is true and I would not suggest otherwise. However, I am stating clearly that the idea that we make decisions that do not have political consequences or effects is the most politically naive view I have heard in this House, even from a person as experienced as the Deputy. There is no question-----

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Far be it from me to ever try to put words in the Deputy's mouth. I am not sure they would come out the same way as I put them in, in fairness to him.

European Council Meetings. (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: One of the reasons I secured a protocol was to make sure we would not be having an argument about all this. The point I am making to the Deputy is an important one. Our colleagues in the European Union want Ireland as part of the Union - they want us in and they want us to be part of a consensus. We helped to build the consensus. The Irish people rejected the Lisbon treaty and it is...

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. b10, motion re Ministerial Rota for Parliamentary Questions; No. 23, Statements on European Council, Brussels; No. 10, Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009 [Votes 1 to 41] (back from committee); No. 24, Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 - Order for Report and Report and Final Stages; and No. 25, Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill 2009 - Order for...

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The purpose of the committee system is to enable a detailed examination of all these issues away from the plenary proceedings of the House, during which legislation and other issues are dealt with and major debates take place. The use of the committee system has enabled all of these votes to be scrutinised. Parties can hold a view on procedures and processes and revert to plenary session to...

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Ó Caoláin does not realise how devastating that is.

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: A recent judgment in the High Court presents difficulties in relation to the operation of an assisted admissions service for seriously ill psychiatric patients and a legislative solution is required to ensure the continued operation of that service. For that reason, an urgent amendment must be brought forward in the context of this Bill.

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to amend sections 13 and 27 of the Mental Health Act 2001 to provide that a clinical director can arrange for a person to be removed or returned to an approved centre by members of staff of the approved centre or by authorised persons. The amendment will provide that the registered proprietor may enter into a contract for the purpose of arranging externally assisted...

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Of a total of 2,004 involuntary admissions in 2008, some 604 were assisted. This is an important matter which needs to be put on a proper statutory footing.

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy should give himself a break. He is having a serious rush of adrenalin. He should calm down.

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The legislation on the National Asset Management Agency will be brought forward. Obviously, all these issues will be dealt with in the legislation.

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Chief Whip will be happy to assist his colleagues in ordering the House's business for the remaining two weeks. It is expected that the Dáil will rise on 10 July.

Order of Business (24 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The housing Bill is being taken before the Dáil rises and these matters can be dealt with. There is a contraction in the amount of time available to debate these issues but it is necessary that the Bill be enacted.