Results 14,221-14,240 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the conclusions, the European Council endorsed the global figure of €100 billion in international financing per year by 2020 and committed to paying a fair share of that. It is very conditional and it remains to be seen what emerges from other regions of the world and other powers as to what they will do in regard to their contribution to this international public financing...

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, given the nature of the discussions, they are pending an assessment by the Swedish Prime Minister as to what the overall situation might be. These are bilateral and confidential discussions. I can confirm that my position in regard to the Presidency is my public position which I outlined to the Deputy . In regard to the High Representative position, it remains to be...

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I just heard on my way down to the House this morning that the Swedish Presidency announced it would hold a European Council meeting tomorrow week. I expect that both positions will be filled at that meeting. From speaking to colleagues at the Berlin function on Monday evening, I have the impression that a decision will be taken sooner rather than later on both positions. This is my...

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with Deputy Ó Caoláin's analysis. During the course of the Lisbon treaty referendum campaign we had this discussion about what are the institutional arrangements and - something Deputy Ó Caoláin disagrees with - what is the democratic validity of democratically elected leaders of governments meeting for the purpose of adopting common policies, co-decision-making powers...

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The criteria for the job are simple and they include whether one has the confidence of one's colleagues to run the show.

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not that complicated in that respect. I take the point that it is an important position and it must be carefully considered. It is being considered and we are at the early stages of the discussion on who will emerge. That is politics; it is not an exact science but that is the way it is.

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I did not say that.

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is about the office.

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: We are not discussing the Presidency of Ireland at the moment; we are discussing the Presidency of the European Council. The former Taoiseach, Mr. Bruton, put his name forward and I can extoll the merits of the man. I have known him as a parliamentarian since I entered the House in 1984. He has been a committed European.

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy's comments were about John Bruton.

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Let me answer the question and explain the criterion in terms of my support for Mr. Bruton's availability, should it be required or should it be possible for that to happen. I have indicated it. His record and commitment to the European Union has been consistent, passionate and committed. On European matters there is much with which I would agree and perhaps very little with which I would...

EU Council Meetings. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: My reply made the point that the Council discussed the financial and economic situation. We can examine this issue in more detail during the upcoming statements on the European Council. ECOFIN is engaged in regulatory change and reform of financial services. At the December meeting there will be an important discussion arising from decisions taken at ECOFIN by the Council to consider the...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to answer Questions Nos. 4 to 9, inclusive, together. It is clear at this stage that no further referendum is planned for 2009. As regards referendums after that, the renewed programme for Government envisages a number of potential referendums during the lifetime of the Dáil, subject to appropriate Oireachtas approval, to consider children's rights based on the work of the Joint...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: These are matters for consideration by Government. They will be considered during the remainder of the term of Government. When, how and in what way they will be taken is a matter for further discussion and debate. Regarding children's rights, work is ongoing and includes one report on soft information, which is being considered by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, as I stated in my primary reply my Department is not primarily responsible for the consideration of some of these issues. Deputies take the opportunity of Question Time to Ministers to delve into greater detail on specific issues such as this and I understand the urgency on the soft information issue, but it is complex and data protection issues arise, although I do not...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not a question of long-fingering. Recently, I made the point that one must consider constitutional change with great care. In recent times there has been a trend in our politics to change the Constitution every time we have a problem. From my study of it in the past and my knowledge of it in the present, the Constitution is a document of which we can all be very proud....

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It will be brought forward by the Minister concerned. Being a programme commitment, it has to proceed, the policy must be devised and arrangements made. However, the programme for Government sets out what we believe is the best way forward. This issue can be discussed through various committees of the House and everyone in the House will have many opportunities to put forward their views...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the question of a possible constitutional amendment on children, given that two distinct views emerged in the joint committee's report - on constitutional amendment and legislative options - and that the committee has not been able to reconcile these views and accordingly is unable to make an agreed recommendation, the Government must examine the divergent standpoints emanating from the...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The HSE has accepted HIQA's recommendations and will have to proceed on them. In regard to the matter not being addressed previously, the fact that we have in place independent authorities provides greater public confidence that such matters are being assessed objectively. There is an independent oversight mechanism in place to help those who are engaging in services to work with front line...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: That places a responsibility on all Members to avoid a natural tendency towards the politicking and partisanship which undermine the prospects for our committee system of providing the sort of democratic accountability which I agree might be more transparent to those who send us here. People need to go beyond party loyalty to work on committee matters in an objective and fair way. This...