Results 15,221-15,240 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (3 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I cannot comment on rumours. However, the Deputy will see on publication of the Bill that rural Ireland has been well protected.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (3 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: There are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the State bodies under its aegis and accordingly the information sought regarding rental or purchase of properties for the purpose of decentralisation does not apply.

Written Answers — Appointments to State Boards: Appointments to State Boards (3 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The information requested by the Deputy will require a considerable amount of time and resources to compile. I have requested my officials to supply a response directly to you as soon as possible.

Northern Ireland: Statements (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I welcome this opportunity to speak on the peace process in Northern Ireland. The ongoing support of all Members of this House for building and maintaining peace in the North has been invaluable, and remains a strong cornerstone of the continued progress towards lasting peace and reconciliation. As we are all aware, the agreement announced in Hillsborough on 5 February represented the...

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Nothing relating to these matters was concealed. The IMF supports the establishment of NAMA. As regards the issues arising from information contained on the Department of Finance website, a specific paragraph relates to the fact that NAMA will result in a significant increase in bank lending in Ireland. This is on the basis of our encouraging the adoption of a NAMA-type initiative even if...

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny has again misquoted the situation. Professor Honohan in his statement stated that the overall thrust and macro-economic policy and the pace and scale of budgetary adjustments appeared to him about right as a basis for building a sustained recovery. He also stated that interest rates on Government bonds are much lower than they were only a few months ago because of the degree to...

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny continues to misrepresent the situation. The Deputy is suggesting the Government is writing a €54 billion cheque but it is not.

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: We are presenting to the Central Bank bonds which will be backed by assets on the basis of the reduced value NAMA will pay for them. The first losses will be taken by the banks and creditors. No matter how many times the Deputy says it, I will still keep saying what the true situation is. As regards the question of how we deal with providing sufficient credit to the economy, it is by taking...

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Unless we operationalise NAMA and arrange for those assets to be transferred, the Deputy's argument is a circular one because we will never get out of the trouble we are in unless we proceed as we have set out.

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand that Bank of Scotland (Ireland) is to make the announcement this evening. I regret the fact that those workers will lose their jobs. I understand that redundancy terms will be offered. It is part of a bank restructuring worldwide, with institutions pulling back from markets which are not profitable for them. I am pleased that a substantial part of the business of Bank of...

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I just explained to the Deputy, it has the potential to create many thousands of jobs.

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The IDA is leading that project and is working with the digital hub. IDA personnel are working on that matter and when it emerges, if they can bring forward a proposal for consideration by the board, it will of course obtain budgetary support though the IDA's grant in aid and all the other facilities we have available to assist enterprise supports. We are providing over €200 million this...

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy does not want to hear anything because his view is-----

Leaders' Questions (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has a typical approach which says that it has protected 5,000 jobs so where are the 5,000 jobs. Work must take place for that to happen. IDA Ireland, which is far more qualified than the Deputy in bringing forward foreign direct investment to the country, is actively pursuing that project. Those on the other side of the House were sceptical about other major projects introduced...

Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 12, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a proposal that section 17A of the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 shall continue in force for the period ending on 8 March 2011; and No. 4, Finance Bill 2010 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit...

Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The programme for Government stated that this election will be held during 2010. The Minister has indicated his hope that he would like to have it in the middle of June. At the moment that depends on the passage of the legislation and the work being done on it. The commitment in the programme for Government is that it will take place this year and we intend honouring that commitment. The...

Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I shall ask the Minister what are his plans in that regard. The heads of the Bill have been approved today.

Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is aware that the Attorney General's advice is for Government only. That is always the case. As regards the actual matter in question, I shall ask the Minister to contact the Deputies and inform them of the up to date position.

Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not know what further stimulus package the Deputy can have in mind, given that we have a deficit of 10.75%. There is a capital budget of €6.5 billion, as I have repeatedly explained, for this year, which will support many tens of thousands of jobs. Indeed, €1.2 billion is being provided for maintaining and protecting existing jobs and providing training for those who are,...

Order of Business (9 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The health information Bill will be introduced in the middle of this year, I understand, and the electricity transmission of assets Bill will be later in the year.