Results 15,281-15,300 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: As Deputy O'Sullivan will be aware, the people of Limerick might want to have their say on the matter.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I hope the Deputy is returned when the opportunity arises. As regards when the referenda will take place, preparation and enactment of enabling legislation followed by a referendum are matters to be considered when the issue has been thought through.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The electoral commission has not yet been established. As the Deputy said, the renewed programme for Government proposes an electoral commission which will propose reforms to the electoral system, including outlining a new electoral system for Seanad Éireann. Such proposals could give rise to a constitutional amendment. They may or may not, depending on the outcome of that work and the...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: No decision has been taken at this point to have a referendum in 2010. That is the position.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Does the Deputy want it filled with a referendum?

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Absolutely. Meeting the Deputy every day is always a pleasure not to be missed. The electoral commission has not yet been established. As the Deputy said, the renewed programme for Government proposes an electoral commission which will propose reforms to the electoral system, including outlining a new electoral system for Seanad Éireann. Such proposals could give rise to a constitutional...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I will let the Deputy know if we are having one or not.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: October.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It was a red-letter day for the Deputy.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Soon.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I will let the Deputy know when we make our minds up.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am glad to see Deputy Gilmore in such great form today. For the record, I have outlined three areas where a referendum could have been considered. As I have already said, we are taking the legislative route on two of the interim reports we have on children's rights. We will have a third report next week, which I am told by a member of the committee has a unanimous view regarding a...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: As regards inquiries and tribunals, we have set up by statute a commission of inquiry model, which provides for a more cost-effective and timely examination of matters of urgent public interest. It has proven to be a far better way than the 1924 Act. In a number of cases in recent years, it has shown itself to be a good and effective way of dealing with matters, while allowing the...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The point is that the question of evidence is a matter for the courts. We have a very good separation of powers principle, whereby the Judiciary and our courts system determine guilt or innocence in respect of any potential criminal liability that people wish to ascribe. In the Abbeylara case, the Supreme Court judgment was quite clear in this matter regarding the ability to make adverse...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: One cannot change the Constitution to forget about people's rights just to make a comment in a Dáil committee.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is perhaps where we have a different approach. I do not subscribe to the view that because a difficulty arose, one should provide for a constitutional amendment to get over that difficulty and allow the Deputy to proceed as he wants, given the fact that the Supreme Court has outlined quite clearly that there are serious constitutional issues involved. One would hope every individual in...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am making a very important point.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has just given some good examples of the benefits of a written constitution over an unwritten constitution. I prefaced my reply to Deputy Allen who has a strong interest in this area, by saying that we need a balanced and reflective debate. I am not in any way shy nor am I to be unpersuaded about how we can move from where we are at the moment as a result of the Abbeylara...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I have said the Minister of State is proceeding with that work as quickly as possible. It is a priority.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is entitled to criticise if he wishes. I am here to give him the information in Question Time as to what is the position and what is the disposition of the Minister of State.