Results 14,781-14,800 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

European Council Meetings. (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: That begs the question of the importance of public representatives not supporting those who would seek to delay the necessary infrastructure from being put in place. This takes place up and down the country in communities. Public representatives look at the parochial picture and see an opportunity to give succour to the argument that we should not have overhead pylons throughout the country...

European Council Meetings. (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree we need to deal speedily with all of the various issues around putting major infrastructure in place in this country. As the Deputy is aware, we have the strategic infrastructure legislation but, as I said, the planning issues are under existing planning arrangements and we are where we are. However, we must examine all of this area and try to pull it together to a far greater...

European Council Meetings. (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter raised by the Deputy regarding the question of employment, it is true that unemployment has risen within the European Union to a rate of 10%. Unfortunately, we expect to see unemployment peak, hopefully, during the course of the coming year as we seek to emerge from recession. We are seeing a fragile recovery at present and the stimulus packages remain in place, both at...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Government had to consider how we could have a sustainable social welfare system going forward against the fact that the revenues coming into the Exchequer are at the same level that they were six years ago in 2003. In the meantime, when resources allowed, there were, rightly, significant increases way beyond the cost of living increases for social welfare recipients. The Government is...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: In the pre-budget outlook, the Government had to take a position on social welfare spending reductions, a spend of over €22 billion against just €32 billion coming into the coffers. That is not a sustainable position. The rate of savings identified meant all areas of expenditure had to be examined, including social welfare. The Government sought to carefully consider the matter and...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is easy for the Leader of the Opposition to suggest alternative ways to find this, that and the other.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is the Government's responsibility to-----

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I listened to the Deputy's party leader in silence.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is easy for the Leader of the Opposition to suggest continually that there are easier ways of finding money. The €4 billion that we recalled simply stabilises the deficit. We still have an Exchequer borrowing requirement this year of €18.8 billion.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: We still have to reduce our indebtedness over time. We must recognise and confront that reality in the best way we possibly can. While acknowledging one is open to criticism when one touches a social welfare rate at any time, the best prospect of maintaining the levels of support the Government built up over the years must be sought. The value of what is being provided for people is €10...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: These are the facts.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: They are of course difficult facts. No one is suggesting it is easy. It is not easy for any Government. I am sure it was not easy for the Government of which the Deputy was a member which gave only €1.50 per week extra to pensioners. I am sure that was a difficult decision and that that Government was not in a position to give any more.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: We debated the issue at which time I am sure the Government was criticised for its decision. The fact is we are in a new economic situation. We are in a situation where we have to deal with the issues.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not a sustainable position to suggest that we can have a €22 billion social welfare bill next year and have receipts coming into the Exchequer of €32 billion and then look after public service pay issues, programmes, capital programmes and everything else.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not a sustainable position. Therefore, the reduction in social welfare that had to be contemplated and acted upon by Government,-----

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----reluctant though we were, was necessary. It was necessary and done in the best possible way.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I confirm that the respite care grant of €1,700 per annum was not affected nor was the half rate carer's allowance, which is an innovation introduced some years ago.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I accept that this is not an easy position for any Government to be in. The decision was necessary.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It was part of the overall €4 billion requirement.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is simply part of a budgetary process that will have to continue in coming years so that we can get this country back to solvency-----