Results 18,001-18,020 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I have explained to the Deputy that the basis upon which that decision has been taken is a result of the assessment by the Government based on advice from the Department of Finance and its consultations with international organisations, as well as views from the Central Bank, etc. The level of adjustment required is based on an average growth rate of 2.75% of GDP as a realistic figure upon...

Leaders' Questions (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The €15 billion figure is a forecast, like every other forecast. If we perform better than 2.75% annual growth, the level of uplift we must take with regard to cutting expenditure and raising taxes will not be as great. We believe one must take a prudential view, acceptable based on forecasts that others make of prospects for world and European growth in the coming years. Based on all...

Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No.14 - statements on macro-economic and fiscal outlook. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the sittings of the Dáil today and tomorrow: Oral Questions shall not be taken; matters may not be raised under the provisions of Standing Orders 21(3) and 32; Private Members' business shall...

Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: If any Independent Deputy wants to speak on the debate, if he or she speaks to the Whip, arrangements will be made. It is important that people can speak if they want to.

Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The position of the Chief Whip outlined on the day is the position. In regard to the operation of the tribunal, the matter of appointments of people to it is a matter for it.

Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: On that matter, the appointment of a tribunal request to have someone appointed for the purpose of cross-examining that witness would of course be obtained from the Taoiseach's office and that was granted. However, the actual decision as to who is appointed by that tribunal is a matter for the tribunal.

Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am not involved in that.

Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The legal costs Bill will be next year.

Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The legal costs Bill is next year.

Order of Business (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I ask the Deputy to advise me of the Bills he has in mind.

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: As the people of Ireland look to this House today they do so with understandable concern. Our people are concerned about their future, about the prospects for their children, about the well-being of their neighbours and of the country as a whole. They are looking to this House with hope and with expectation. They hope the political leaders of this country have the capacity to steer us...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes. It should be here. It is on the way. I fully acknowledge the contribution that has been already made by individual public servants across the system as a whole. There has been a significant reduction of 11,000 in the number of staff in the public service. Staff have seen significant income reductions. Staff numbers will fall further over the coming years, as the cost of the public...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is why policies and actions to create and sustain jobs are of paramount importance. It is reflected in the loss of national competitiveness in recent years. That is why we will introduce proposals for further reducing costs and improving competitiveness across the economy. It is reflected in the extent of the repairs that are required to our badly damaged financial institutions. That...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I apologise. The script is on the way. The Irish workforce has adapted to the international economic crisis and the very changed circumstances at home. In many cases, work practices have changed, working hours have been altered, pay rates have been reduced, especially premium earnings of various kinds. Employers and workers have got together at local level to agree how to adapt and to...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Democratic government is, in essence, about choices.

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: With hindsight, we can see that the sustained boom period of the Celtic tiger misled us all into believing we could avoid difficult choices. We now know differently. As a consequence, the choices we now face are, unfortunately, very stark. It is essential at this time of severe economic difficulty that our people understand the choices facing the country, the decisions being taken by the...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is also important and appropriate that the Government can show to this House and Irish people that it is listening to all points of view and considering all policy options. Some have expressed the view that we can reduce the severity of the fiscal consolidation by extending the 2014 deadline. While the Government understands this view, it is simply not grounded in the reality of the...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I truly believe that the present difficulties, daunting as they appear-----

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I truly believe that the present difficulties, daunting as they appear, represent an opportunity to rejuvenate our institutions, to refocus our energy and to inspire the people.

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is a realistic prospect of achieving, within a reasonable time, not merely budgetary balance and economic security but an Ireland worthy of the sacrifices our people are currently being called upon to make.