Results 3,341-3,360 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: Of course there is disappointment that the ambitions of many to deliver an accord at the last summit were not met. It was clear before we got to Copenhagen that there would not be a consensus on a legally binding accord, but the effort was made to get agreement on broad principles that would be converted into legal text and subsequently ratified. It became clear, unfortunately, that major...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: In terms of the conduct of aspects of our foreign policy, particularly in this area, Ireland's voice in the world is far greater amplified by adopting common positions with European Union partners. The idea that Ireland can engage in an individual initiative, outside the parameters of the European Union position of seeking to grow a consensus toward an outcome that meets the needs of the...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is not correct that electricity prices here are among the highest in Europe. As a result of reductions in the course of the last year, electricity prices are now below the European average. Work is ongoing in this regard in order to improve the competitiveness of Irish industry. We have made certain changes that sought to ameliorate the problem, particularly for business users, in order...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: Developing a network and investment for such developments are huge strategic issues for Ireland. At local level there have been very visible instances of people from the Deputy's own party backing those who suggest that we should defer it, or go underground for miles at huge cost. If the Deputy is for the network, then he should be consistent about it. I am for a network and for doing it...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: These are the facts and I am showing leadership. I have clearly stated my position.

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: If that is the case, then why is it being deferred? Why are we not making as much progress as we would like to make? The Deputy claims we are years behind. Objections have been raised in the north west, in the mid-east, and in the Border areas. There have been calls for development, jobs, this and that, but when it comes to putting in the infrastructure, politicians have another tale to...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I did not interrupt the Deputy when he asked questions and made many comments. He suggested that nothing is being done, but I am explaining to him how the Government is trying to promote this investment. Things are being said and done on the ground that are at variance with the Deputy's strong commitment to get this done as quickly as possible. Some of these things are being said by people...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I agree with the Deputy that there is a requirement to assist those undeveloped countries to the greatest possible extent, both in terms of additionality and technological transfer. There has to be a just outcome to this matter. As the Deputy said, there are small communities, islands and countries in the undeveloped bloc whose very existence is under threat, given all the available...

International Agreements. (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has raised a fair point. I will take the matter up with the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that we are letting the UN know that we want it to be involved in this area. It is not a question of coming up with a deal that does not have the necessary transparency we would like to see, so that in signing up to something these developing countries would know exactly what they...

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 6, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a Council Decision on the conclusion of the agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway on the application of certain provisions of the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters of 29 May 2000; No. 7, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a Council...

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: An independent review is being conducted by Maurice Hayes, a person held in high regard, and the terms of reference have been set for him. I have every confidence in his integrity. When the report is issued it will be discussed in the House.

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: No. The terms of reference have been set and the chairman of the review group appointed. His independence and integrity are not to be questioned by me and I do not think they can be questioned by anyone else.

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is the situation.

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: When the final report is issued it will be discussed here. In the meantime, the important thing - in line with best practice - is to complete the clinical audit so that people will know exactly what their situations are. That is being conducted at the moment.

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is the Deputy's opinion.

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is no legislation promised. My great regret in this matter is that the Passport Office has in the past been an excellent example of the provision of a good public service. An industrial relations issue has arisen and the only way it can be resolved is to see the action stopped. The impact this is having on the public is absolutely disproportionate to the issues being raised. A forum...

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is an ongoing process in place.

Order of Business (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: It began on my invitation and was agreed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Government as employers. All the unions, including the one which the Deputy has said has suggested protective strike notice, is involved in that process. Best industrial practice means there cannot be an escalation of disputes when there is an ongoing discussion for the purpose of trying to find a way...

Ministerial Appointments: Announcement by Taoiseach (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: Before proceeding to Leaders' Questions, I wish to bring an announcement to the attention of the House regarding ministerial and Minister of State appointments. I wish to announce for the information of the Dáil that having informed the President that Dáil Éireann had approved my nomination of Deputy Pat Carey and Deputy Tony Killeen to be Members of the Government, the Presidential...

Leaders' Questions (24 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The issues the Deputy raises do not come up for sanction from Government.