Results 14,121-14,140 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----there is a gap which must be closed.

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: In attempting to close the gap, it is necessary to consider all areas of expenditure. The size of the problem is such that the idea that we can exclude 35% of the current spend from consideration is unacceptable. There are those who say that the social welfare budget should not be touched, while another constituency is stating that the €19 billion in public service pay and pensions should...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: No. I am simply making the point that in that context and in this year alone, purchasing power was approximately 8.5%.

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: When we bring forward our budget and when those opposite frame their alternatives, we must all consider what is the sustainable way forward. In light of the fact that up to the end of October the total revenue accruing was €26 billion while the social welfare bill alone stands at €21 billion, are the Deputies opposite suggesting that it will be possible to maintain all payments into next...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is not possible and the Deputies opposite are aware of that fact.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. Total expenditure by my Department since the establishment of the tribunal in September 1997 to 31 October 2009 is €37.72 million.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The figure I gave in the primary reply is the cost of the tribunal up to 31 October 2009. What the final figure will be we will not know until the tribunal has completed its work. I am informed by the sole member that a part-heard witness requires to be recalled and that there is a possibility of a limited amount of further testimony, none of long duration. As regards the timescale for...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Obviously, I cannot say what the final figure will be. However, taking account of what the sole member has said and given the tribunal is coming to an end, whether the final figure will be €38 million or €39 million remains to be seen. Payment to legal counsel has continued on the basis of hearings that had to be undertaken again. The Deputy will be aware some witnesses were recalled...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have that specific information to hand but I will obtain it for the Deputy. The Deputy will be aware that overall allocations are divided between various subheads and should they be exceeded the funding must be made up elsewhere within the Department's overall allocation. On the Deputy's point in regard to the Comptroller and Auditor General's report, the report was discussed...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have previously answered this question in some detail. The Comptroller and Auditor General did not refer in this report to the payment as an over-payment. The letter contained a typographical error and included a figure of €2,500 rather than €2,250, which was the fee per day in the past. I have dealt with this matter in some detail in response to previous parliamentary questions. ...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of any such attempt. Obviously, I understand that in the preparation of the report, aspects of it that will affect parties will be brought to their attention and they will have an opportunity to respond. This is part of ensuring that natural justice is done to everyone in terms of possible outcomes. However, I am not aware of any detail of that. I am aware of the general...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has raised a number of points. Following the July 2004 decision, the Government asked that the relevant tribunals would specify a date by which they expected to finish public sittings. Having given a reasonable estimate of that time, they were to be told that beyond those dates a reduced rate of fee would come into play. In the case of the Moriarty tribunal, as events unfolded...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have replied to the Deputy regarding a possible further public hearing in respect of a part-heard witness who requires to be recalled. There is a possibility of a limited amount of further testimony but none of very long duration, according to the information I have. I have explained to the Deputy in respect of the main thrust of his earlier question regarding the possibility of loss of...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the sole member to decide how the work that is being undertaken regarding the preparation of reports in respect of all these matters will be proceeded with. As a matter of principle, I do not have a problem one way or the other.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I remind the Deputy that I was brought down there for a module myself but I am confident my good name will remain intact despite that waste of time.

Commemorative Events. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Tá sé de rún agam Ceisteanna Uimh. 4 agus 5 a fhreagairt le chéile. Bhí baint ag mo Roinnse mar is gnách leis an gcomóradh bliantúil ar Éirí Amach 1916 ag Ard Oifig an Phoist an 12 Aibreán agus leis an Lá Comórtha Náisiúnta ag Ospidéal Ríoga Chill Mhaighneann an 12 Iúil. Chomh maith leis sin, tá leithroinnt de €170,000 tríd an gCiste Tionscnamh Comórtha déanta ag mo...

Commemorative Events. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Tá obair ar siúil sa choiste sin agus tá an tAire in aice liom anseo ina Chathaoirleach ar an choiste. Beidh cruinniú i rith na seachtaine seo chun an dul chun cinn atá déanta aige a chur os comhair na baill eile sa choiste agus beidh siad in ann sin a phlé. Beidh cruinniú againn i rith na seachtaine. Beidh an Teachta in ann na hábhair is cúram dó a chur os comhair an Aire agus...

Commemorative Events. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not disagree with some of that sentiment. Commemorations are of most value when they are placed in the modern world in which we live with relevance and that we can learn from them rather than just commemorating the past alone. It is also important that we do not deny them. It is a matter for perspective and balance and we must recognise the authentic separatist tradition they represent.

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I join Deputy Kenny in paying tribute to Joe Doyle who was a true gentleman in Irish politics. On behalf of my party and the Government, I extend my sincere condolences to Joe's wife, Peggy, and to his children, David, Michael and Róisín. I would also like to extend sympathy to Deputy Kenny and the Fine Gael Party on the loss of a former distinguished colleague. Joe Doyle was a man of...

Order of Business. (4 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. a11, National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009 – Financial Resolution; and No. 24, National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted not later than 10.30 p.m.; No. a11 shall be...