Results 4,061-4,080 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I reject that innuendo and political charge. It does not stand up to scrutiny. We are prepared to move. We are prepared to sit down with Ryanair and discuss the provision of alternative hangar space in a way that is consistent with its requirements. We can sort this out if that is what people want. The idea that there is only one viable proposition is not correct.

Leaders' Questions (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: There are ways we can make this viable, such as to ensure there is vacant possession of the hangar space that is required to take on 300 people, and more, with further work taking place at Dublin Airport. That option is on the table if people are prepared to work through that issue commercially. The way one would get around the question of a particular hangar being required for whatever...

Leaders' Questions (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is what we are prepared to do and that is what we want to do. We have been prepared to do that from the time the proposal came forward-----

Leaders' Questions (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----as we have been able to pursue the Dublin Aerospace project to a successful conclusion, and in the same way that a line maintenance facility has been provided by Aer Lingus as well. Let us do the very same with this company, which would be in its interests and in the interests of the Dublin Airport Authority-----

Leaders' Questions (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----and come forward with a viable alternative, rather than having a row about something that cannot be simply resolved overnight.

Order of Business (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 10, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the agreement on social security between the Government of Ireland and the Government of Japan (back from committee); No. 11, motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Finance Act 2004 (Section 91) (Deferred Surrender to the Central Fund) Order 2010; and No....

Order of Business (Resumed). (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I would like to reply. As the Ceann Comhairle said, the facility of a personal explanation is available to a Member in the House under Standing Orders and if there were any requirement - and I believe there should not be - for political or other reasons to bring a motion to the House, that is a matter for other Members to consider. Deputy Kenny referred to standards. I believe in standards....

Order of Business (Resumed). (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----and it is accepted by the party concerned. There is an acceptance by the party concerned not in terms of how it is interpreted in this House that Deputy O'Dea acted innocently-----

Order of Business (Resumed). (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputies do not want to hear this quote because it does not suit their political purposes. That is their problem and that is the standard they go by.

Freedom of Information. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is correct. I do not subscribe to the view that there should be freedom of information in regard to the operations of NAMA for obvious reasons such as bank confidentiality and so on. To enact legislation contrary to bank confidentiality rules would ensure the agency would not work at all. Perhaps that is what the Deputy wants to happen since he does not support the operation of...

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together. The projected cost of the communications unit in 2010 is €242,269, with a direct cost to the Department of €112,220 and the balance being paid by three other Departments which have staff seconded to the unit. The projected cost for 2010 represents a reduction of 6% on the 2009 cost, 20% on the 2008 cost and 27% on the 2007...

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: As a matter of interest, I do not recall being informed of this by the communications unit, but I am satisfied the Minister is not in breach of any of those arrangements.

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I just said to the Deputy that I did not recall being informed of this matter by the communications unit on 21 December.

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Certainly, if it is a matter of standards, perhaps the Deputy will defer a little bit from some of the more obvious intimations he is making in terms of what he has to say. I have already said that I believe there has been no breach by the Minister in any of the issues that arise. He will make a personal explanation of that in the House today.

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is not relevant whether it did or not.

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, it is not because I do not believe that anything has been breached by the Minister anyway.

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes, but it is not relevant one way or the other.

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is not.

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry if I don't have the recall the Deputy would have about what he read on 21 December from whatever briefing he would get from his press office. If that is what I am expected to have, fair enough. However, the bottom line is that when this matter was brought to my attention, I spoke to the Minister about it and I am satisfied that the personal explanation he will give later this...

Departmental Expenditure. (16 Feb 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has his mind made up already.