Results 3,381-3,400 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Overseas Visit: Overseas Visit (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I travelled to the United States as part of the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations. On St. Patrick's Day in Washington I met with President Obama in the oval office where we discussed the global economic situation, recent developments in Northern Ireland, European and international issues and Ireland-US relations. I also attended the St Patrick's Day lunch on Capitol Hill, hosted by...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Recruitment: Defence Forces Recruitment (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The 2000 White Paper on Defence and the earlier Defence Force Review Implementation Plan both identified the requirement to address the high age profile in the Defence Forces. The key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness. This requirement must be balanced with the need to retain experience and expertise, particularly at...

Written Answers — Departmental Property: Departmental Property (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The premises leased by my Department for use by the Reserve Defence Forces are outlined in the tabular statement. Rents paid for these premises are based on a number of factors including size, location and quality of the facilities and vary considerably. Information on the leases and individual rents paid in respect of these premises is commercially sensitive and therefore not available....

Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I regret to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action it is not possible to provide a response to his question at this time.

Written Answers — Overseas Missions: Overseas Missions (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: In July 2009, the Government approved Ireland's participation in the Swedish-led Nordic Battlegroup 2011. The Nordic Battlegroup 2011 will be on standby for 6 months commencing on the 1st January 2011. To date Ireland has deployed four Officers to serve in staff posts at the Force Headquarters in Enkoping, Sweden and these officers took up their duties on the 28th August 2009. The Nordic...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Conduct: Defence Forces Conduct (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I can confirm that correspondence has been received from the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. It should be noted that in the case of a serving member of the Defence Forces an action may only be investigated by the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces where a complaint regarding that action was first made under section 114 of the Defence Act...

Written Answers — Defence Forces Equipment: Defence Forces Equipment (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 to 617, inclusive, together. Tender competitions for defensive equipment for the Defence Forces are conducted by the Department of Defence in accordance with EU procurement guidelines. For procurements of defensive equipment in excess of €1 million, the European Defence Agency (EDA) Code of Conduct on Defence Procurement is observed and competitions are...

Written Answers — Health and Safety Issues: Health and Safety Issues (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: Following concerns arising in relation to work undertaken on behalf of the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government at the ISPAT site, as a purely precautionary measure, an independent investigation of any potential health issues arising at the Naval Base in Haulbowline was undertaken in 2008. A comprehensive and detailed assessment of soil, sediment and air quality was...

Written Answers — Ministerial Travel: Ministerial Travel (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: In my capacity as Minister for Defence, I did not incur any foreign travel, accommodation, related Ministerial or official costs associated with Saint Patrick's Day 2010.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: For the first time ever.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: I have the same one John Bruton had.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy should consider the Labour Services Act.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is not.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: Where did the Deputy pick that up?

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: This is slapstick stuff.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: There will be no quango.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is no John Kennedy.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is the Dan Quayle of Fine Gael.

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: Joan Burton "OTT".

Nomination of Members of the Government: Motion (Resumed) (23 Mar 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is a culture vulture over there.