Results 2,201-2,220 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Departmental Expenditure (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The secretarial assistants are included on my Department's payroll as an administrative convenience but it is not their employer. The scheme is as I have outlined it and all these matters will be kept under review. The provision of cars to former taoisigh is a security matter as far as I am concerned and, as Deputy Kenny noted, gardaí or security drivers look after that, which is as it...

Departmental Expenditure (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The contracts of employment are drawn up with the individuals concerned and are not part of the public service complement. As I explained in a previous response, they are on the payroll of my Department for administrative convenience but they are not departmental employees. The Deputy should be under no illusion, however, because I do not expect any changes in the foreseeable future.

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together. The renewed programme for Government envisages the following potential referenda during the lifetime of the current 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 (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The senior officials group has met twice on these matters and has almost completed its work. A range of implications have been identified by the Office of the Attorney General and Departments. It is incorrect to assume that the proposed wording should go straight to the people, as is, and there are no implications or there is nothing for the Government to do. The Government must check out...

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: Very much so.

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy accepts that.

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: I assure the Deputy that I am as anxious to fulfil my job in this process as he is, as a member of the committee. If it being suggested that when the committee brings forward a wording, the Government should step aside and we should get on with the referendum, that is not the process. The Government has to work out what are the implications of the referendum and what unintended consequences...

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: This is one of the issues we are dealing with and which we would like to bring forward, obviously during the course of this Dáil, but the work needs to be done. All parties were represented on the all-party committee. Is it suggested that, as the Fianna Fáil party is represented on every committee in the House, when that party comes forward with proposals the Government must accept them...

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes, but the idea was to try to find consensus. A consensus emerged that was different, if one likes, from what we had in 2007, which is why the committee was set up. What are the implications of the consensus wording that has come forward? What are the sectoral implications for education, health or any area involving children's rights? What is the nature of the interventions that are...

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: At last night's meeting I made the point that the question of financial resources should be checked because the issues that arise are quite considerable. If one were to look at what areas identified initially would require new legislation, it is not an exhaustive list. Legislation on adoption would need to be published in advance of a referendum so that there would be a detailed...

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: We are in the throes of discussions. The scope and content of what we are discussing is of far wider implication than simply what one would expect just reading the report. When one gets into it, this is an area that is becoming very complex and not easily resolved. When we become clearer as a result of the work that is ongoing, we can come back and discuss it more cogently based on a clear...

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am not playing politics like that with the issue at all.

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is if he is questioning the commitment of the Government.

Constitutional Amendments (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: If the issue was put unabridged as it is, issues would arise that would have to be dealt with. The examination is taking place currently at Government and interdepartmental level. A senior officials group is working on it and I had a discussion about it last night at a ministerial level, getting a full view of where the work is currently. I am coming to the House today to explain the scope...

Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32 (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: I will try to be of assistance in this matter. I am aware of the attention given by Deputy McGrath and other Deputies to this matter. As Minister for Health and Children I was involved in ensuring the commencement of training for heart and lung transplants for cystic fibrosis sufferers. I am aware of the situation. I believe a great deal of work has been done in relation to this matter in...

Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32 (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Tánaiste will come to the House tomorrow to explain on the Order of Business where things are at. This may be of some assistance.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. a14, motion re Saville report; No. 20, Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; No. 20a, Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2010 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; No. 21, Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in...

Order of Business (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: No one on this side of the House is slinking off anywhere. On the issue raised, health related legislation to be debated between now and the end of session provides people with an opportunity to raise the matter.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Second Stage debate on the Bill in question lasted six and a half hours. The Committee Stage debate on the Bill lasted all day last Thursday and resumed at 3 p.m. on Monday of this week. All of the issues have been articulated, addressed and discussed. The Report Stage debate will take place today to finalise the legislation. Deputies will appreciate that the Social Welfare...

Leaders' Questions. (30 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The whole purpose of the money that is allocated is to protect frontline services to the greatest extent possible. As the Deputy has said, when I was Minister for Health and Children and Minister for Finance, I was anxious to support the area of disability services and brought forward a five year plan by Government to improve and greatly extend the range of services for people with...