Results 3,761-3,780 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, it does not arise because while the position was mentioned as a possibility for consideration were it to be of interest, no interest was indicated. As I have stated already, the question of Máire Geoghegan-Quinn's cabinet is a matter for her. I was supportive of any Member who wished to be considered or who indicated an interest but I emphasise the point that Máire Geoghegan-Quinn...

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn made the point very clearly that there was no condition precedent in regard to her appointment to the Commission subject to the approval of the Parliament. I indicated former Senator de Búrca's interest in being considered for a position in Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn's cabinet.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes, that interest was conveyed. As I said, the determination of the composition of Commissioners'cabinets is a matter for the Commissioners themselves. I cannot determine it. On the question on the European Court of Auditors, there was no question of having to speak to the nominee because there was no nominee in prospect at the time. We had not decided on a nominee. I was simply making...

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It was indicated to me that was not the case. I had no direct contact with former Senator de Búrca on these matters.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I indicated that interest was expressed by former Senator de Búrca. The nominee to the Commission was prepared to consider it and determine whether it would be possible to accommodate her, but not on the basis of any condition precedent having been set on her part. She had yet to go to the Parliament and her independence had to be accepted. It was accepted by everybody in respect of that...

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: That would have arisen on a date about which I cannot be clear after her acceptance by the Parliament for the position of Commissioner.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the question of the Greek economy, the two major points emerging from the European Council, including ECOFIN, focus on showing solidarity and recognising that every member state in the eurozone has responsibilities to discharge under the Stability and Growth Pact. The monitoring and work that will take place on the part of the Greek authorities, European Commission, European Central Bank...

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The reference to European Council meetings in the question has no relevance to foreign and general affairs meetings, which is outside the scope of these questions. The problem is that when one shows the courtesy of answering questions even if they are outside the scope of the relevant questions, it is then used as a precedent for the next set of questions by the next speaker. One cannot...

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I said, it is outside the remit of these questions, since they relate to the Council.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, I do no have to answer them. That DeputyÓ Caoláin demands I answer them, even though it is outside the remit of the country-----

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is outside the remit. Deputy Ó Caoláin does not dictate.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy does not dictate how I answer questions or what questions I answer, if they are outside the remit. It is outside the remit.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, it is outside the remit.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Of course the Deputy does not; that is his opinion.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is his opinion.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is not convenient for me. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, is in Gaza this week. He has my full confidence. He articulates the position of the Government at all times.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: We have a very good position in this regard. I welcome the fact Deputy Ó Caoláin has a position. That I do not agree with him does not mean I am less right than he is.

State Visits. (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The matter raised by Deputy Costello sets the contrast to the contention to which we listened for the previous ten minutes, that is, that the Irish Government has had a less than robust position regarding these matters. In fact, it gives a lie to that contention because clearly the Irish Government is perceived by some authorities as being more robust than others regarding these matters....

Order of Business (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Order of Business is No. 21, statements following the informal meeting of the European Council of 11 February, 2010; No. 22, Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2009 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 24, Road Traffic Bill 2009 - Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings in regard to No. 21 shall, if...

Order of Business (24 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: That Bill is due for later in this year. As I have said, the position in the Department of Defence is being filled by me for the present.