Results 18,041-18,060 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Decentralisation Programme (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: A review of the next phase of the decentralisation programme will possibly indicate the use or otherwise of some of those sites. The issue, in terms of the current phase, including acquisitions such as the Deputy has mentioned, is to the effect that total expenditure on the property aspect of the programme up to December 2009 was €338 million. Those costs were offset by savings achieved...

Decentralisation Programme (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: A question on the details in regard to individual sites should be directed to the Department of Finance. There is a review to take place next year in regard to the many sites in respect of which a decision has been deferred, which sites may well include those referred to by the Deputy. In that context, decisions will be made in regard to what arrangements will be put in place for the...

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: Given recent events, one would have expected some measure of responsibility from the Leader of the Opposition, who aspires to the office of the Taoiseach-----

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----not to characterise the country's prospects as he just did. Data from the October tax returns will be available today at 4.30 p.m. which will confirm our tax take and budgetary plans are on track and expenditure is under control. The urgency to bring forward a four-year economic plan and a budget that will front-load the necessary adjustments of €15 billion is in the national...

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: It would be fine if, in the present, we could perhaps have some leadership from the Opposition. In terms of our excess expenditure over income at the end of October, the reduction in the Exchequer requirement is €14.4 billion. It was €22.7 billion for the same period last year. Through its policies therefore the Government is in the process of closing the gap that needs to be closed...

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: As a result of the budgetary policies we are implementing this year, which were strenuously opposed by Deputy Kenny and his party last year, we are seeing our revenues coming in on profile. So far from the Deputy's continual depiction of this economy as not being in a position to recover, the stabilisation we are seeing at the moment-----

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy does far more harm in public than anything he can do in private.

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: I listened in silence to the Deputy's meanderings.

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: This Government is pursuing the policies that are necessary to deal with the issues of the day, including how the country will recover. That is what is happening and it has been strenuously opposed by the Deputy's party at all times.

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: His continual depiction of this economy as being incapable of recovery or not in fact being stabilised, is a mantra that does nothing to give confidence at home or abroad. I ask the Deputy to reflect on some of what he said in his first intervention here, which does nothing to help this country at this time either.

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy knows, there was already a wider incentivised scheme for early retirement which was taken up by some. However, it was clearly not as successful as the scheme that is now being suggested. The latter scheme is arising at a time when the Government is seeking to protect front line services to the greatest possible extent. Therefore we have an obligation to reduce the cost of...

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: The terms outlined yesterday require the applications to be made by 17 November, as has been said, and for people to leave the service on 31 December in order that the moneys provided in this financial year can be disbursed on that basis. Of course this is a challenging issue for management and employee representatives to deliver but it must be done in the context of the availability of...

Leaders' Questions (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy is aware, the fact is there were delays in these matters regarding inspection and directors of community care adjudicating on certain matters. A whole range of people has been involved in the adjudication of eligibility for medical cards. It is indisputable that centralisation has helped to bring about a situation whereby fewer people are required for the administration of the...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 7, motion re appointment of members to Standing Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills; No. 8, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the report by the Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2009 (back from committee); and No.15, Value-Added Tax Consolidation Bill 2010 - Order for Second Stage and Second...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: I agree that we have great sympathy for our colleague, the Minister, Deputy Micheál Martin, Mary and the family. They have our prayers, support and solidarity. I also agree the incident yesterday as it affected the Minister for Health and Children was unfortunate, but I am glad to say she was at her desk very shortly afterwards making decisions and getting on with her job, leaving the...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, I refer to the statement made by the Chief Whip on the occasion of the debate in the House to the effect that writs will be moved in the first quarter of next year.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: We have not given consideration to anything beyond that.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: Rumours of Deputy Rabbitte's demise are greatly exaggerated. There has been no change to the Government decision to have the budget on 7 December. Regarding the children's referendum, I cannot give a date for when the work currently being undertaken by the Minister of State and the Government will be completed. We are pursuing this matter. I expect that whatever emerges from the...

Order of Business (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware that the Bill is on the list.

Order of Business (2 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand the first matter may be incorporated in the immigration Bill.