Results 2,301-2,320 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Church-State Dialogue (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. Since the process was inaugurated in February 2007 by my predecessor, general and bilateral meetings have taken place with most of the participants. I am very pleased with the progress to date and I look forward to further meetings with the dialogue partners. I met the Church of Ireland archbishops in 2009 as part of the process...

Church-State Dialogue (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The dialogue that is taking place with the churches is broad and can relate to broad economic issues or issues of mutual concern as to how society is developing. Dialogue with the churches is a good opportunity for both sides to hear the various perspectives and policy priorities in which they are involved. There is no end point to such a dialogue and it should continue. I do not see it as...

Church-State Dialogue (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: As for the issue regarding the question of the congregations, the Government set out its position and they obviously brought forward the assets they had available to them for offer. As I stated, the valuation was €348.51 million, in addition to the original contribution of €128 million under the 2002 indemnity agreement. In our view, we need to engage with them on a further...

Church-State Dialogue (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, obviously the question of restitution has been dealt with. The very purpose of the redress board arrangements, established through the legislation we passed, was to provide for restitution and remove the process from a legalistic, adversarial court environment. The standards of proof that would be required in a court system were not required by the redress board. That...

Written Answers — Departmental Offices: Departmental Offices (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: Neither my Department nor the agencies under its aegis, have Government or commercially run canteens, cafes or restaurants on their premises. Consequently, the issue of serving food locally sourced does not arise.

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The information sought is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: No bonuses have been award to staff under the aegis of my Department over the past three years.

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The information sought is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Departmental Correspondence: Departmental Correspondence (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: My Department has procedures in place to ensure that all correspondence received, including representations made by members of the Oireachtas on behalf of members of the public, is dealt with appropriately. My Department's Customer Charter contains a commitment that all written correspondence will be acknowledged within three working days of receipt, or within one working day of receipt in...

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: The arrangements are being made to have the order of the High Court in the Foy case laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is intended that this will be done before the summer recess. Regarding the Minister for Social Protection, he has established an interdepartmental group to advise him on the legislation required to comply with the ruling of the High Court in the Foy case. That...

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: Obviously, the Minister is hoping to be in a position to bring it to Government for the purpose of its publication. As the Deputy knows, there is a commitment in the programme for Government on this matter, but we are waiting for it to be brought to Government by the relevant Department.

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: He is working on the Bill, since he is the line Minister involved, just as other Ministers do in respect of their own legislation.

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: Similar to Deputy Rabbitte, I am sure she speaks for herself.

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: Neither has Deputy Rabbitte. I am-----

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is hoped that we will get Second Stage of that Bill completed before we rise.

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand the heads of the Bill are almost completed, but they have not been brought to the Government yet.

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the first question, it is hoped that Bill would be published this session.

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is the hope of the Department. On the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Ireland was in the first group of countries to sign, subject to ratification. It is the Government's intention to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure that all necessary requirements under that convention...

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not think it would be this session. It will probably be next session.

Order of Business. (22 Jun 2010)

Brian Cowen: No. That is just the Deputy's conspiratorial mind working overtime.