Results 19,241-19,260 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: -----than there were last August. The rate of increase, month on month and year on year, has been decreasing considerably and that is reflecting the stabilisation in the economy we are seeing as a result of the successful implementation of the budgetary policies being pursued. The amount of revenue we forecast for 2010 came in not only on budget but was €700 million more than expected and...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I did not hear the question but I will answer it anyway. The reason why the Dáil is sitting is because there is serious business to be done in this parliamentary term. The finance Bill and pension legislation related to the budget needs to be passed. The Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill will be taken tomorrow and will reduce the interest rate in the IMF agreement by 15 bases...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy said President Sarkozy has a view on corporation tax. He is entitled to that view; it is one that has been expressed on many occasions. I heard it at many ECOFIN Council meetings down through the years. One of my predecessors, Deputy Quinn, would have heard it a few times. Our corporation tax regime is simple and transparent, unlike the complicated system of allowances and...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: It is very hard to take a lecture on what is regarded as appropriate contact from Deputy Ó Caoláin.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I will answer the questions directly, because I reject with contempt the usual effort to make something out of nothing. On banking policy, the Deputy suggests we should not take the €5.8 billion that has been obtained. Can the Deputy suggest an alternative source for the €5.8 billion?

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I am just answering the question.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I do not know where Deputy Ó Caoláin thinks that much money is stashed away, but I do not know where a record figure of €5.8 billion could be obtained.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept the continuing rhetoric from the Opposition feeding into the negativity industry in this country about this economy. We had a gross national product last year of €160 billion and we have 1.8 million people at work. We had major investment from Intel last Friday which will secure one of the most successful plants in the world for another 20 years. This plant has already...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: -----and 20% by cuts in expenditure. I am answering the Deputy's questions. I am coming to the next question on which the Deputy wants a response. There is no relevance whatever to me having a dinner with regard to what I do in the course of my duties. If the Deputy has any suggestion or evidence to the contrary, he should not abuse the privilege of this House. Let him go outside and say...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy would know more about backroom meetings.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I will answer the question again for the Deputy. I have made it clear that there is no question of any inappropriate behaviour on my behalf in regard to my having a meal following a game of golf in the autumn. It is as simple as that.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I know that.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I do not know why------

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy will let me, I will answer his question. I do not regard the question as having any relevance. I was on a day off and was not in a position to be doing public duties.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: As I stated issues such as the general economy were raised, which is what one would expect when dealing with a macro-economist and people who are in business.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: That is what was being done. I do not have any qualms about it. I have met business people in many contexts. If it is being suggested that something untoward was afoot or that something wrong was being done, it was not. There is not a shred of evidence to suggest there was. Let us, as the Deputy would say, cut to the chase. If the Deputy is suggesting I did anything wrong, then he...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: There was nothing wrong with it. Okay?

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: I do not know if Deputy Ó Caoláin came over to invite me to go into a wedding party if I would go given the way in which he is now looking at me. I took the Deputy at face value that evening. I do not know either what was on Deputy Ó Caoláin's menu.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: On the other matter regarding Mr. Drumm, papers have been sent to the DPP. The DPP will independently assess that evidence to see what charges, if any, will be brought against what persons. I and the people of Ireland would like to see that process dealt with as quickly as possible so that the due process of law can take place and that those who may have issues to account for are brought...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jan 2011)

Brian Cowen: -----it might get him a headline-----