Results 3,161-3,180 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

EU Summits. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept that the EU is unmindful of the need for social cohesion. As part of the fundamental objectives of the union there is a cohesion policy to provide for a socially inclusive society and one which is economically dynamic and which can provide standards of living, jobs and a quality of life for the European Union. We must do this in the context of a very competitive world...

EU Summits. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I explained to the Deputy, this issue was raised by our delegation and others. This was a work-in-progress discussion the Heads of State and Government were having and it was agreed by everybody that further work was needed in this area. The fact it was highlighted and such work will now take place is an indication that there was not a dismissive attitude being taken to this target no...

EU Summits. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: There was no request from Greece for funds before the Council. This meeting was a follow-up on the February Council statement which said it would provide support for Greece. That was to satisfy the markets from which Greece is trying to obtain funds. Greece wishes to handle this matter itself as a sovereign state and it is taking tough measures to do that. There was no request before the...

EU Summits. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: First, Greece has not requested such an outcome. Should that eventuality occur, the European Central Bank and the European Commission would work out what conditionality they regard as appropriate and necessary which would then be put to the Council. Tables have been set out outlining the nature of our contribution. It would not be a question of each member state deciding what conditions it...

EU Summits. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: In the aftermath of the strategy being adopted at EU level, national programmes are devised thereafter. We are in the process of discussing the European strategy and the national programme will be devised in the aftermath of decisions adopted by Europe. The general thrust of the strategy proposed, considering the importance of research, development and innovation, is in line with the...

EU Summits. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: Taking the last point first, the economic and social strategy of the EU does not get into the detail of overseas development aid commitments, even though the European Union is the largest contributor of overseas development aid in the world. I do not envisage that point being incorporated into the strategy. That is not to say it is not an important issue but it is not part of the parameters...

Departmental Groups. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 10, inclusive, together. In answering these questions I am interpreting "working groups" as groups which are working towards completion of particular projects or tasks rather than groups which meet on a continuous or ongoing basis to provide strategic direction. As part of the transforming public services agenda, a working group, chaired by my...

Departmental Groups. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: In respect of particular projects, it would meet reasonably regularly. The level of work involved would dictate how regular it meets. I do not have with me the dates in respect of the meetings of that working group but I can obtain them for the Deputy.

Departmental Groups. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I outlined in my reply to Deputy Gilmore, I have interpreted "working groups" as groups working towards the completion of projects or tasks rather than to groups which meet on a continuous or ongoing basis to provide strategic direction which, for example, would include the senior officials group on social inclusion. If the Deputy tables a specific question in that regard, I will be able...

Departmental Groups. (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes, it is.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Order of Business today is, No. 8, motion re membership of committees; No. 9, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Defamation Act 2009 (Press Council) Order 2010; No. 21, statements on European Council, Brussels; No. 22, Merchant Shipping Bill 2009 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in...

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: What was the Deputy's second question?

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Minister of State, Deputy Andrews, will meet senior officials after Easter to discuss what sort of recommendations can be made to Government in respect of the first matter. I do not accept the continuing argument made by the Deputy about the relative merits of his proposal because it has been proven, on a fairly consistent basis by reputable people, that his banking policy...

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, the Fine Gael proposal was confirmed by a person who once sat in that seat as costing four times more.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: He said it again this morning. I do not know to what the Deputy is listening.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is the truth.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am reciprocating the Deputy's smile.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: That had not crossed my mind.

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, I understand the Whips will meet. One of the great things about trying to be generous with time here is that people always have further suggestions which go beyond what was originally proposed, but that is the nature of the game. The idea was that tomorrow would provide an opportunity for others to make statements in the House through the statements format, at the end...

Order of Business (31 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The matter has been referred to the constituent unions for their consideration and they should be given the time and space to do that. Obviously, on the basis of its ratification, it will become an agreement which will be operative. It is open to the House in due course for the Whips to arrange for a debate. We need to enable the Whips to discuss it, while being mindful of the fact that...