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

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand the motions are coming back to the House on Thursday. I am not sure if there will be time to debate them. The idea of referring them to committees is to provide time for Members who want to discuss them to do so. Double taxation agreements provide an opportunity for countries such as this-----

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: We do not have large trade with these islands but they are entitled to the same benefits of trading with Ireland as any other country.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I will see what can be done in the time available to see if some briefing can be provided to assist in the discussion.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I was going to see if there was anything I could do to assist but if that is not taken as a genuine offer, then I withdraw it.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Obviously I am not in a position to assist.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry. I was trying to extend a courtesy. If it is not taken that way, that is fine.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: We must proceed in this way, difficult as it may be, because there is a range of work to be completed this week.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is certainly an obsession of the Deputy. I have indicated that we will return on Wednesday, 12 January. The programme of legislative work will be outlined by the Whip on the week we return. I am afraid I am not in a position to give the Deputy a date for the dissolution of the Dáil.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: It will not be possible to publish it before the Dáil returns, since the Dáil is coming back a week early. I am hopeful that we will have it by mid to late January.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: With the Deputy's co-operation, we will outline a work programme for the next session of the Dáil and take it from there. We are returning a week early and the finance Bill will be produced thereafter in the normal way. We will give that proper consideration and there will be other work to be conducted by the House as well. The question of when the Dáil will be dissolved is a matter for...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: When we discussed the issue of home care during Leaders' Questions and questions to the Taoiseach, I made the point that the measures to be implemented in the new year will be the national guidelines and procedures for standardised implementation of the home care package scheme and the quality guidelines for home care support services for older people, which are due for publication, as well...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes. As I said, the Cabinet acts as a collective authority, and while there has been a statement----

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes, it does. A statement was made some time ago regarding the view of the Green Party Ministers that the dissolution of the Dáil should be considered in the specified timeframe. We are, as a collective authority, working through the issues to make sure our business is done and that all legislative measures consequent on the budget are enacted to provide the necessary certainty, while at...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I cannot throw any light on a query by the Deputy regarding the Minister-----

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----but if the Deputy does not already have her number, I will give it to him.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I refer the Deputy to the budgetary measures that have been announced. There is the finance Bill, some pensions legislation and also some betting legislation. That can all be done during the course of the first session when we return. There are also the banking issues. There is important work to be done by the House in a reasonable timeframe and with proper and due consideration. Other...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand the mental capacity Bill is due for publication this session. If this is a Bill that the Deputy feels should be included in our work programme in the new year, I can certainly arrange for that. As he said, it is an important Bill and it would put the statutory framework on mental capacity on a modern footing. Much good work has been done in the disability sector in recent...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Work is ongoing on this matter. There has been a collaboration with the voluntary sector and consultation with the statutory sector to bring forward guidelines. The first point of call is to issue these guidelines, to publish them early in the new year and to put in place a regime that will see their implementation. They will be brought to the attention of everyone, including local...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: In the vast majority of cases we are discussing HSE-provided services. A total of 55,000 home helps are run by the HSE. Where home care packages have been adverted to there is also an involvement by the HSE in terms of procurement issues etc. I contend that in the vast majority of these cases the level of complaint thus far is such that given the range of activities and the fact that...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Bill mentioned by the Deputy is being worked on as a priority. I do not have a date for it, but certainly the vetting Bill is a priority.