Results 14,461-14,480 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The people of Clonmel are aware that phase 1 of the works in their town has been extremely successful. Phases 2 and 3 will be commencing, it is hoped, in March 2010. Works in Mallow, Carrick-on-Suir and Kilkenny have also been successful and those in Fermoy are awaiting commencement.

Leaders' Questions (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The works to which I refer are ongoing and will become an increasing feature of the overall work of the OPW in the future. As matters stand, there will be a need for an investment of €50 million per annum and that is before any review takes place in respect of recent events. There will be a need to identify and prioritise. I am acutely aware that there are certain parts of the country...

Leaders' Questions (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: These are important issues for many communities and they will not be easily solved. There are some aspects of these problems to which there is no technical solution. That is a fact of life for the communities which have lived in the various affected river basins for many years. The problems to which I refer will not be solved overnight, if they are to be solved at all. On how we should go...

Leaders' Questions (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy McCormack got the job done in his area. Well done to him. I stress that this is a more medium to long-term issue. It is also a capital works issue and it must be addressed. The immediate priority is that those who are experiencing hardship must be assisted. Members of the agricultural community are also experiencing difficulties as a result of recent events. We must also continue...

Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32 (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: A motion will be taken in the House at 7 p.m.

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 43, statements on industrial action by public sector unions in relation to public sector pay; and No. 44, statements on farming and the agrifood sector. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 43 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 80 minutes today and the following arrangements shall...

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Perhaps I can be of assistance. I understand it was agreed to have statements on the farming and agrifood sector last week.

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Allow me to say a few words without interruption. I am trying to be of assistance.

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Where would we be without the Deputy?

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The only thing we can be sure of is that Deputy Connaughton will be in the same position.

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: To return to the Order of Business, we should proceed with No. 43, statements on industrial action by public sector unions. Deputy Kenny has suggested that Fine Gael would withdraw Private Members' time so we could take statements on the flooding situation. I suggest that after the statements on the industrial action we could take statements on flooding until 8.30 p.m. I believe that would...

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Whips to discuss that.

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: With respect, the proposal has come without notice. I am seeking to accommodate the views of the House, even if there is no way of satisfying Deputy Shatter. I have suggested that we should have statements on industrial action, followed immediately by statements on flooding, in lieu of Private Members' time which would not normally start until 7 p.m. If we were to proceed with this...

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree with Deputy Gilmore. It was the view of the Fine Gael Party that there should be a Private Members' debate on this subject this evening and the Government has no problem in agreeing to this. We have now received a request without prior notice which I am seeking to accommodate. I suggest we take statements on industrial action. The Whips can meet in the meantime. I suggest we...

Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: After I take the Order of Business.

Business of Dáil (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have no problem coming to this arrangement. We had planned on having a debate on flooding at 7 p.m. and it will now take place at 6.40 p.m. and will continue until 8.40 p.m., followed by questions and answers with the Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, who have responsibility for the flood relief schemes and the immediate issues arising. Fine...

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Clearing House Group, which operates under the aegis of my Department has taken, since 1987, a lead role in the development of policy in relation to the international financial services industry. The group identifies and considers issues of major concern to the long-term development of the industry. The competitiveness and international standing of the international financial services...

Written Answers — Irish Language: Irish Language (24 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: In 2008, the total expenditure from my Department's Vote on translation to Irish was €55,591 and in 2009 this figure was €46,151. In keeping with the Government's policy to minimise costs in the public sector, it is the practice in my Department to maintain and publish documentation electronically where possible and to make these publications available on the Department's website....

Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The annual report of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority will be published tomorrow and will be dealt with by the chairman then. The authority is a commercial semi-State body, financed entirely from its own resources, generated through the acquisition, development and sale of assets in the docklands. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has a general...

Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The authority's accounts are audited by external auditors, KPMG. The authority is specifically excluded, along with many other State and semi-State commercial bodies, from being audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Under existing arrangements, it is open to the joint environment committee to have the authority appear before it, and thus afford the Oireachtas the opportunity to...