Results 15,561-15,580 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Departmental Records. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, as I have said I only have information for my Department. Some 805 files were transferred and five were withheld. I have given the details as to why they were withheld. I have indicated in a previous reply that a short to medium-term solution was being provided by the OPW to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism by way of way of Irish Land Commission records being...

Departmental Records. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: We have found a more sustainable means of maintaining the population on our island communities now, thankfully, and it is as a result of some excellent work by the present incumbent and others who may take credit for it in the intervening period.

Departmental Records. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I would not go that far. I do not think he would claim such profligacy.

Departmental Records. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: He has been more of an enabler in this area than an active participant. The Deputy should note there will be Department of Defence questions tomorrow.

Regulatory Reform. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together. The OECD report Regulatory Reform in Ireland contains a wide range of recommendations. Progress on their implementation has been reported many times in the House since the report's publication, including in the context of the follow-up to the Government's White Paper on regulation Regulating Better. Individual Ministers are responsible...

Regulatory Reform. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: There have been a number. As I said in my reply, there are specific questions to be asked about specific Departments. Questions on the effectiveness of certain regulatory arrangements would be best addressed to the Ministers concerned. On the matter raised by Deputy Kenny, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is leading the project and has measured administrative burdens in...

Regulatory Reform. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Again, the specific sectoral issues that arise should be addressed to the Minister concerned. Thankfully, prices came down last year and all the statistical data confirm that. Whether that can be totally accounted for by the abolition of the groceries order is a moot point but it is a fact that food prices have come down. With regard to the issue of "Hello" money, I understand the National...

Regulatory Reform. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will be aware that, having acknowledged that €4 billion in savings was required in the last budget, a series of proposals was put forward by a body established by the Minister for Finance, which included that recommendation. It was not taken up on this occasion by the Government. Obviously, there are further adjustments to be made in future budgets and I cannot anticipate the...

Regulatory Reform. (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I recently heard an interview with the new IFA president who commended the Tánaiste for the work she was doing in this area and acknowledged this was an issue which had to be continued to be pursued with the multiples. The whole question of a fair price being provided and Irish producers having fair access to the shelves of Irish supermarkets is a very important priority for the Minister...

Termination of Ministerial Appointment: Announcement by Taoiseach (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I wish to announce for the information of the Dáil that on 18 February 2010 the President, on my advice, accepted the resignation of Deputy Willie O'Dea as a member of the Government. Pursuant to section 4(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1946, I have assigned the Department of Defence to myself with the effect from 18 February 2010.

Leaders' Questions (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is agreed by everyone with knowledge of the area, at home and abroad, that the question of the establishment of NAMA is an essential part of any recovery strategy for this country. We await EU state aid agreement on that and we expect it in the coming weeks. Regarding the question of how we maintain jobs in this economy, we have made it clear through the budgetary strategy that we will...

Leaders' Questions (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: On a number of occasions the Minister for Finance has brought forward the strategy we are adopting with regard to Anglo Irish Bank, which is now nationalised, and Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks. Over the coming weeks the comprehensive strategy will be brought to the House for a decision. It will be based on the continuing effort by him to improve and strengthen the banking system...

Leaders' Questions (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Will we have to endure two more years of the rhetorical nonsense Deputy Gilmore goes on with and that passes for political comment?

Leaders' Questions (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: This country has a Government that has displayed the capacity to take whatever decisions are necessary to restore international credibility to our public finances, which is clearly not present in the Opposition. This is a Government determined to pursue a policy that will bring recovery, that will see growth returning to the economy and can only do so on the basis of the strategy outlined...

Leaders' Questions (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The reality is that Deputy Gilmore is involved in populist policies that do not provide a solution to the serious problems we face. Deputy Gilmore would not have provided any guarantee to the banking system and we would have had a meltdown.

Leaders' Questions (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The number of jobs lost as a result would have been in the tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands. Let us cut through the nonsense. As Deputy Gilmore goes around the country suggesting he has a solution to problems by not reducing spending and claiming he will tax those with all the money and ensuring that those who are out of work will get back to work, he has no indication of how he...

Leaders' Questions (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----which is to get this country out of trouble far more quickly than would otherwise be the case.

Order of Business (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 8, Finance Bill 2010 - Financial Resolutions; No. 9, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of an initiative for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the rights to interpretation and to translation in criminal proceedings; No. 10, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a proposal that section 17A...

Order of Business (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I refer to the statement and continue with that position. I do not believe there is a time limit in respect of which the motion must be brought before the House. The matter is one for Government.

Order of Business (23 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: With respect to the Ceann Comhairle and, recognising his ruling on these matters - I do not wish to create a precedent - the Minister has set out this matter by way of statement. Legal and other advice is required. The report is with the Minister and will come to Government for consideration and following the taking of decisions arising out of any recommendations will be published in due...