Results 15,441-15,460 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not know who the last effort was intended to impress but the termination of a licence for the sole purpose of giving a hangar to Ryanair does not constitute operational development reasons. Even if it did, one would still be required to give two years notice. They are the terms of the licence.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: If, in that event-----

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: If, in that event, there was a definition for operational development reasons-----

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----which these present circumstances do not constitute, but even if there were, as contemplated by the agreement, we would be required to compensate Aer Lingus. We would also be required to give it facilities similar to what we were asking it to leave.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is what one does. Deputy's Kenny's philosophy is that one does not mess with the Government.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Government cannot mess with contracts that have a legal validity.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Government is not above the law. The point I am trying to make to Deputy Kenny is that one cannot simply walk out to Dublin Airport, tear up a licence agreement, tell the existing tenant to leave in order to facilitate this particular requirement, as if it is the only viable option available. It is not the only viable option available.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: We want to protect jobs. We want to provide that facility. There are two hangars in existence at the moment, similar to what has been sufficient in Prestwick to bring 200 jobs there to deal with that issue, so where is the rationale and logic behind Deputy Kenny's position that says go out and tear up agreements-----

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----and make sure that this can happen? It can happen without tearing up any agreements.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Excuse me Deputy.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I outlined to Deputy Kenny the issues that relate to this request.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I have made that point. In this matter or any other matter I will act, and have always acted, properly, appropriately and in every way I can to bring forward a positive outcome.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny cannot suggest, as he is trying to do, that all of that can be set aside. It cannot be set aside, no more than it could be set aside if Mr. O'Leary was the incumbent and the roles were reversed.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Let us be clear, in Prestwick, Scotland a 6,000 m2 hangar is being constructed to provide for 200 heavy maintenance jobs. Hangar three, which is of similar size at 5,000 m2 is available. Hangar four, which is 8,000 m2 is also available.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: If those two do not fit the bill, another hangar can be built to the appropriate specifications. We are prepared to do whatever is required.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: But we are not in a position, nor would Deputy Kenny be in a position were he in power, to sign off on agreements-----

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----and not be prepared to take the consequences, legal and financial, that would come with that.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It can be done.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not know what the question was but I will do the best I can to answer.

Leaders' Questions (17 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Government and its predecessors over the past 12 years have created more jobs in this country than any other.