Results 2,921-2,940 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept that in any sense whatsoever. I do not accept the assertions being made by the Deputy. On the question of the involvement of the financial sector in the preparation of legislation, yesterday the Financial Regulator, Mr. Elderfield, and the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Honohan, produced a consultation paper on various regulatory changes they now envisage in respect...

Leaders' Questions (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is the answer to that particular point.

Leaders' Questions (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is no reply I could give that would satisfy Deputy Burton on anything. That has been the experience of everyone.

Leaders' Questions (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am sure there may even be a few people in her own party that have the same feeling from time to time. However, in relation to-----

Leaders' Questions (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: In relation to the appointment of the firm referred to by Irish Nationwide, that decision was taken by the building society's operational management which it obviously stands over. I believe we should wait and see what work they do rather than deciding that they are not capable of doing it.

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. Deputies will be aware of the recent Government decision to amalgamate the three constituent bodies of the National Economic and Social Development Office by absorbing the National Economic and Social Forum, NESF, and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, NCPP, into the National Economic and Social Council, NESC....

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy's questions are detailed ones about the contents of reports, which may be better put to the line Ministers concerned. I do not have a detailed knowledge of all the reports referred to. However, I will make the general point that the purpose of the change in the consultants' contract is to ensure that the availability of consultant staff is properly monitored and that the service...

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: The NESC was the first of the bodies established back in 1973 as an advisory body to the Government on economic and social matters. Its mandate was to analyse and report on strategic issues relating to the efficient development of the economy, the achievement of social progress and the development of a strategic framework for the conduct of negotiations and agreements between Governments and...

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry; what was the Deputy's final question?

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not think so. I think there is sufficient rigour.

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: Well, I do not think so. The Deputy might think that because-----

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has a view that with five Secretaries General around the table, nobody can open his or her mouth. However, the Secretaries General bring the input of their departmental work to the table. There are other members of the NESC, independent of these, who are quite capable of putting across their own points of view. Out of that an accurate picture emerges. Without some sort of...

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will be aware from last year's supplementary budget that there has been a fair increase in income tax levels and impositions on income earners as a result of the need to close the gap between expenditure and revenue. At a time of fragile economic recovery, we are doing as much as we can to protect and maintain jobs and increase competitiveness. Over the longer term, that will...

National Economic and Social Development Office. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: These matters are beyond the remit of the questions but I will make the general point that they are being considered and ballots are being organised on the draft agreement drawn up in Croke Park. I believe it provides the best way forward and I would like everybody to share the view that industrial strife and continuing problems in that area will do nothing for job security or income...

Cabinet Committees. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 7, inclusive, together. I sit on the following Cabinet Committees: European affairs; climate change and energy security; science, technology and innovation; social inclusion, children and integration; health; Irish and the Gaeltacht; economic renewal; and transforming public services. The necessity for and the roles and working methods of Cabinet...

Cabinet Committees. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: No. On the issue raised by the Deputy regarding employment, the Cabinet committee on economic renewal would deal with all of the major issues in the economic area. Much detail is dealt with in the Cabinet, such as the detail on the banking institutions. From time to time, a related issue may arise at a Cabinet committee but, at the end of the day, Cabinet discusses the ultimate issues....

Cabinet Committees. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: I have the answered the question. There seems to be an assumption in the Deputy's question that all aspects of Cabinet have to be doled out to every committee or that the committee covers all of the role of the Cabinet. The Cabinet meets weekly and it is the place where the decisions are taken. The function of Cabinet committees arises where there are policy issues to be discussed in...

Cabinet Committees. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is no Cabinet committee on banking. There is a Cabinet that deals with banking. The Cabinet has been making many big decisions, as the Deputy said. The existence or otherwise of a committee is neither here nor there in that respect. As to this idea that one farms out all the work to all the committees and brings it back in as if one is out collecting sheep and bringing them in at...

Cabinet Committees. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will be aware a statement was issued yesterday by the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, with regard to the fuel issue and that statement outlines the Government's position which is being dealt with at Cabinet level. With regard to the housing issue, the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Finneran, has been actively engaged with local authorities on many occasions and has been recommending...

Cabinet Committees. (28 Apr 2010)

Brian Cowen: Those proposals are still being proceeded with. They have not been progressed as quickly as would have been the case in different financial circumstances. I do not have the detailed information to hand. I had the information with me on another occasion. I could update the Deputy as to the situation but a question to the Minister for Health and Children will obtain that information.