Results 16,381-16,400 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Leaders' Questions (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: The Building Societies (Amendment) Act 2006 was not simply about the possibility of a demutualisation of one building society. It was also about ensuring the continued mutualisation of another building society, the EBS.
- Leaders' Questions (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: That is the second point. That is also correct. In fact, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government would be the line Department in the preparation of legislation in that respect. I was, as Minister for Finance, obviously ensuring-----
- Leaders' Questions (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: I am making the point about where the legislation was brought forward and my role in it. Regarding the other point, the Deputy talks about-----
- Leaders' Questions (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: -----his views, rumours, etc. I deal with the facts as they are presented to me. The issue regarding the financial supervision of financial institutions was a matter exclusively for the independent regulator and IFSRA.
- Leaders' Questions (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: Nothing had been brought to my attention that suggested the problem that has now emerged. As Deputy Gilmore has just said in his response, the scale of this is far greater than even he had anticipated, and he had a pretty dim view of it anyway regardless of who was or was not in charge of it. He had a certain view at any-----
- Leaders' Questions (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: To ascribe that foreknowledge to me in the way Deputy Gilmore has done would not be acceptable, true or factual. I have explained fully and frankly everything that I have been doing in respect of that matter and I have nothing to hide in that regard. I will also say that, when the banking inquiry is allowed to proceed and deal with all of these matters, that will seen to be the case.
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together. Monday, 12 April was an important day for the people of Northern Ireland. With the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly and the election of David Ford as Minister for Justice, for the first time in 40 years policing and justice powers are being exercised with cross-community support on behalf...
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: I strongly condemn the bomb attack on 12 April last and other dissident attacks. These are futile acts which stand in stark contrast to the positive and historic progress that has taken place in the context of the democratic institutions, with the support of all communities, taking on key powers in respect of policing justice. Unfortunately, we have seen the capacity of dissident republican...
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: Those matter might be better raised with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, particularly in the context of the level of detail sought by the Deputy. My only comment in respect of the security briefings I receive is that a determined effort is being made to monitor closely any dissident activity that is taking place and to ensure that there is full co-operation among the...
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: No, I have not engaged in any discussions on the matters to which the Deputy refers. This issue has been raised on a number of occasions and in various contexts and relates to improving the prospects of the all-Ireland economy. It is clear, however, that major issues arise as far as the British Treasury is concerned with regard to the question of differentiated tax rates within the UK...
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: There is a fair degree of co-operation in regard to public health issues and there is an all-island approach in regard to health research. There is also a greater degree of collaboration between universities in that area and in other research areas. The Hillsborough agreement provides the means by which we can provide more stability in the institutions and a greater degree of openness to...
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: The last issue raised by the Deputy is a funding matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. As he will be aware, funds have been made available in the past. The Minister indicated that this could not continue on an ongoing basis without any reference to the budgetary realities with which he must deal. The issue has been dealt with by the Department as best it can in the...
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: As I stated, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has outlined the position in relation to the funding mechanism. There is nothing I can add to that. My Department continues to have an interest in this matter. Significant progress has been made since the initial initiative was taken by my predecessor in respect of Mr. McEntee and others who have examined this matter in great...
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: I note what the Deputy has to say about these issues. I am simply reiterating the position outlined by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and I will look at it in that context.
- Northern Ireland Issues. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: There are no discussions at prime ministerial level on this issue. Discussions take place on these matters between the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Office, the Home Office and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Perhaps a question directed to those Ministers would allow for an accurate reply.
- Official Engagements. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 11, inclusive, together. I travelled to the United States on Friday, 12 March for engagements in Chicago, San Jose and Washington. There was a very strong economic dimension to my visit, including a trade mission to Silicon Valley and Washington DC involving more than 75 Irish companies and meetings with leading US companies. The over-riding priority...
- Official Engagements. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: There are no offices and so on attached to the position of cultural ambassador. The new ambassador will work closely with the Government, with Culture Ireland and with artistic bodies to develop a vision that is inclusive of the Irish diaspora throughout the world. It is about how we can promote culture on its own intrinsic merit to expand the footprint of the country worldwide, so that...
- Official Engagements. (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: Yes, I did raise the issue directly with the President and with others. The feeling in the United States is that the best prospect for a solution for the undocumented is through comprehensive immigration reform. President Obama signalled that comprehensive immigration reform remains high on his agenda. I would emphasise that while it is a difficult political issue domestically, the...
- Order of Business (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 3, Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 1, Energy (Biofuel Obligation and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 [Seanad] - Second Stage. Private Members' business shall be No. 72, motion re energy security (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. tonight, if not previously concluded.
- Order of Business (21 Apr 2010)
Brian Cowen: I referred to this issue yesterday on the Order of Business and gave a detailed response. The DPP is also considering the issue and whether it is possible to prosecute under existing legislation while we await the new legislation.