Results 13,841-13,860 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: With regard to NAMA, I point out to Deputy Kenny once again that the means by which we deal with the problem of credit availability in the Irish economy is by ensuring that banks get access to funds either through their deposits or through access to wholesale money markets. What the NAMA legislation achieves is to identify the level of distressed assets. Without identifying that level of...

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not correct to say that there is not support for this proposal. In fact, the NTMA has been able to obtain long-term bond issues, which confirms there is greater confidence from international money markets-----

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----as a result of the announcement and decision to implement the NAMA legislation.

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Those are the facts about the matter. The availability of credit is very much determined by the amount of credit that can be obtained by the system. The NAMA legislation will provide the means by which that will happen through the issuing of bonds and the ECB providing money at the rates that are currently being discussed.

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Those are the facts about NAMA-----

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: It provides us with the means by which we can increase credit in the system. That is the situation.

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the announcement by the Ceann Comhairle of his decision to resign, I respect that decision. I respect the fact that it is being done in the interests of this House and the Office of Ceann Comhairle. In light of that decision it is less than seemly to haggle over the arrangements for his early resignation. It is not unreasonable that the Ceann Comhairle should have the...

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I was talking about the EU Commissioner.

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: To return to the point Deputy Gilmore has again made, I did not suggest that the Commissioner would be appointed as a representative of the Government. The Commissioner will be a representative of the country. With respect, the suggestion that if the person to emerge were a member of my party or the Government or a supporter of the Government, it would in some way disqualify him or her or...

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not. This is an important point. I indicated to the Deputy yesterday and again today, in a spirit of generosity, that if there were prospective candidates who should receive the consideration of the Government in respect of the issue, I am open to hear from the Deputy on the matter. That is a fair and honest assessment of the situation and one that is consistent with what I stated...

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is certainly hard to recall when one is in government, which is fair enough as it is not required. However, in an effort-----

Leaders' Questions (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will remember that the Labour Party, which was in government at that time - the Deputy was in a different party at that time - was agreeable to that appointment. It is hard to catch up with where everyone was at the time. Things improve as we go along. I have given a fair indication to the Deputy that if he has an interest in this matter and if he forwards names of prospective...

Codes of Conduct. (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The code of conduct for officeholders, published by the Standards in Public Office Commission, sets out among other things a framework for acceptance of hospitality. Briefly, the code provides that officeholders should not accept offers of hospitality where to do so would, or might appear to, place them under an obligation. The code also...

Codes of Conduct. (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the matter the Deputy raised, I understand that Bill has gone through all Stages in the Seanad. As for when it will be debated, it will be a matter for the Whips to make arrangements in due course.

Codes of Conduct. (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am answering the question. It is a matter for the Whips to deal with.

Codes of Conduct. (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The position is that it is a matter for the Whips and the Minister for Finance as to when it will be taken. Regarding the whole question of thresholds and limits, the threshold of €650 had not been increased since 1995. The idea was to make sure that it would be dealt with in a way that did not involve the commission in the valuation of every gift that would be obtained. On the question...

Codes of Conduct. (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Bill does not do that. Legislation is already in place which deals with gifts to Ministers in the performance of their duties. That is covered. This relates to the question of people who, when they are not in the public performance of their duties, receive gifts from friends or associated people. It covers a much wider and different situation than the public performance of duties....

Codes of Conduct. (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The issue has been dealt with through the Houses of the Oireachtas and has not been proceeded with. When it will be taken is a matter for the Whips and the Minister for Finance. The issue of what thresholds would apply now is matter for decision on Committee Stage. The idea behind it was that there was a gap in the situation regarding people who provide gifts who were friends of an...

Codes of Conduct. (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: When Deputy Gilmore raised his first matter, he expressed his disappointment at the failure of the Minister for Finance to approve a proposal that had been made. I remind him that the Minister has expressed his views on whether the proposal meets the transparency requirements he considers necessary in this case. The suggestion being made - that the Minister's failure to approve the proposal...

Codes of Conduct. (7 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will leave it at that. Although it was suggested that the Minister was blocking an improvement, the truth is that he wanted to advance it beyond what has been suggested. That is the first point. Given that the Minister's position was not being reflected in full, it is only fair to speak in his defence. The second point relates to the question of ministerial expenses. As I have said,...