Results 15,301-15,320 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am aware of that.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the other matter, as I have said the programme for Government made no commitment to introduce a constitutional amendment to overturn, modify or change the Abbeylara decision. In the course of the discussion we have been having on the question, which was a related question that Deputy Allen asked, I gave my personal views on the matter as to what is my disposition. It would require...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I would make this point about perhaps not just the Committee of Public Accounts or other committees, but committees of the House. The effectiveness of committees in respect of acting within their remit, whatever it may be now or in the future, is greatly helped by the avoidance of political partisanship on those committees. If there were confidence among everyone in the House that when...

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: A whole range of issues.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, that is not the point I am making.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, I am not making that point. I am talking about people engaging in partisan political behaviour on committees, which greatly militates against their effectiveness.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I have been in the House long enough to recall that it was in the absence of partisanship, particularly on those major committees we are talking about, in the past that people worked very well. They did a good public service but were able to do so without the political point scoring that goes on.

Constitutional Referenda. (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I already answered that question earlier. It is being prepared and proceeded with. As people are aware, it is a complex area, but regardless of its complexity I accept it is important legislation and it is being pursued as quickly as possible. I refer to the earlier question on the Oireachtas committees. There are things to be done and matters to be investigated by people other than those...

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Order of Business today shall be No. 4, Finance Bill 2010 - Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted not later than 10 p.m. The resumed Second Stage of No. 4 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 10 p.m. Private Members'...

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I have put the Order of Business to the House to be accepted. The Deputy has indicated he wants to raise issues. During Second Stage of the Finance Bill, he will have plenty of opportunity to raise them or any other matters. The Whips are to meet this evening to order business later this week or the following week. I cannot be any more helpful than that.

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is aware that there are procedures quite apart from the Order of Business to allow for that to happen, including private notice questions. Question, "That the proposal that the House sit later than 8.30 p.m. be agreed to," put and declared carried.

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: We were aware of it before that.

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand the spokespersons have scheduled arrangements for Committee Stage and we are to proceed along those lines. We are proceeding with Second Stage tonight and calling it to a halt. There will be plenty of opportunity for Members to contribute to the various Stages of this Bill during its enactment, as is always the case during the consideration of the Finance Bill. For that...

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Government statements are never signed.

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The last guy I knew who signed statements was called P. O'Neill. He is not in action at the moment.

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It simply outlines what the programme for Government provides for, that we are involved in a consultative process through a strategic environmental assessment, that we have an international review report which makes some important recommendations and that we are examining resource management in how it can play into general waste management policy. It also outlines how we are committed to...

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The lost at sea report is being considered by both Houses of the Oireachtas. This consideration should be completed by next week after the Seanad has discussed it and its recommendations.

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: That was a humorous comment, was it not.

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: That kind of spontaneity is almost unique.

Order of Business (10 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: There are singeing and burning quips going on here. I hope someone gets a line out of it.