Results 17,741-17,760 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: Deputy Burton listens in silence when the question is asked but cannot be silent when the answer is given.
- Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: Does Deputy Burton want an answer?
- Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: Will Deputy Sheahan be able to keep control over there?
- Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: The issue raised by Deputy Gilmore is one for the semi-State companies concerned to deal with the Commission for Energy Regulation.
- Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: The affordable fuels strategy is at an advanced stage of preparation in the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. It will provide a way to deal with the issue more widely and generally. It will not be like in the past when there were income supports to free fuel schemes. It will also involve retrofitting households to help people have more energy efficient homes....
- Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: There have been increases in the fuel allowance in the past. I made the point earlier that since the last increase, home heating oil prices have reduced. The overall strategy to be integrated across the board is at an advanced stage at the moment.
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together. The renewed programme for Government envisages the following potential referenda during the lifetime of the present Dáil, subject, of course, to appropriate Oireachtas approval: to consider children's rights, based on the work of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children; to consider amending Article 41.2 of...
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: We may have a referendum. It is a matter that is receiving attention and is being dealt with on an inter-departmental basis. As the Deputy knows, it is subject to Cabinet and committee discussions but there are issues arising in regard to it that are being looked at, such as the possible unforeseen consequences of some of the wording and how that might result in legislative changes or have...
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: On the basis that the Government would run the full term to May 2012, I do not see any reason why not.
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: I do see reasons why not.
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: I cannot say when the referendum will be held because the Government is still considering the implications of the proposed wording and a lot of work is taking place on an inter-departmental basis, which is continuing. The Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs would know what is the up-to-date position. On the other issues, I understand they are the subject of...
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: The assertion made by the Deputy is incorrect. It is not correct to say that one could have expected a referendum last summer. The proposal was submitted to the Government in March or April and was the result of many years work. We have to examine the implications of the proposed wording. Ministers and Departments were asked to consider the report, which dealt with the complex nature of...
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: No, obviously the work is continuing and drafting is being considered. No issue has come to Cabinet for its consideration at this point. I will give the Deputy an update on the work that has been ongoing. The commitment to bring forward legislation for a constitutional amendment remains and the Government is determined to fulfil that commitment. We are all agreed that we want to...
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: Work is continuing on the wording. No wording has been brought to Government at this point.
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: No, I said it is being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General with the policy support being provided by office of the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs. This is a matter that the Minister of State will bring to Government in due course and we can deal with it on that basis.
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: On an examination of the proposed wording, its implications for the areas of responsibility of the various Ministers and Departments were examined. An examination will identify the range of unintended policy and resources to date. Arising from that, work will continue in the Office of the Attorney General to bring forward a writ for consideration by Government on legislation for a...
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: On examination, a range of unintended policy and resource implications were identified. The work that has arisen from that has meant the Minister with policy support is engaged with the Attorney General to see what could be provided that would deal with some of the issues being raised. When we get back whatever wording arises from that work we can consider it and take it from there.
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: I have just explained that from the Government's point of view it has identified a range of unintended policy and resource implications, some of which I outlined in my first reply.
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: I want to put on record again the Government's appreciation of the work done by the joint committee. The committee assisted greatly in ensuring political consensus on the policy objectives of the referendum. The Government has a duty to consider the implications of the proposed wording put forward by the committee and to fully understand exactly what is involved. The Government has to be...
- Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)
Brian Cowen: In a specific reply to the question raised by the Deputy, I am not aware of any proposal in gestation at present to provide for such an arrangement for those outside the country who hold citizenship to have votes in general elections or any other elections here. On the issue generally-----