Results 4,301-4,320 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: Any industrial action that is taken is regrettable and I believe it does not achieve objectives. We have to do everything possible to minimise the impact of any industrial action that is taken. What form it takes and whether there is action is a matter for individual unions to consider. We need to reflect on whether objectives would be achieved through this means, the extent to which we...
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: As I have said, the Government considered the situation last December and, unfortunately, was obliged to take some necessary decisions on cuts in expenditure that included pay levels. We have no desire to go down that route again if we can have engagement on the other issues. There are still savings to be found and efficiencies that have been identified. There are ways forward that improve...
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: We must make clear, in a way that is consistent with the public finance position as well, where we stand. I made the point on 9 December when we discussed these aspects in detail that there was no certainty in regard to 2011 and beyond regarding reductions in the public service pay bill. Unfortunately we did not reach a successful conclusion on that matter. There are issues surrounding...
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: I do not have the detail for an exact reply to the second part of the Deputy's statement. It will have to be obtained from the Department of Finance and the Public Service, which have it. I can get it for him. As I said to the Deputy - I think last week - in regard to this matter, the reasoning for it was outlined publicly by the Minister for Finance. He and I have outlined to other...
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: The number involved in the grades mentioned with regard to the change in pay arrangements is close to 600.
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: That is the figure involved in those and other related grades.
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: I do not have-----
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: Sorry?
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: I know how highly the Deputy regards accuracy in these matters. I want to give him the exact amount because he is not a man prone to exaggeration himself.
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: Industrial relations machinery is available and it would be far better for many people if there was a centralised pay agreement in place. I am sure there are ongoing talks and contacts between employers and unions in the private sector considering whether that is possible. There has been no outcome yet. As the employer on the public sector pay side, we are not in a position to look at...
- Social Partnership. (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: I firmly believe that. We must try to find a way in which we can engage again on a constructive basis. That is not necessarily easy to achieve and there must be a great deal of reflection on it. It is the best way forward in due course and I would rather it be done with a view to the agenda that has been already identified as a means of making sure we can get better and winning outcomes...
- Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance outlined the position on this matter in the House last week when he took the Order of Business. It is important to note that the question of funding for the cost of finance into our banking system is a matter that is of clear concern to the Government. It has been following policies that have ensured that the cost of money and terms used by the Government or...
- Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: The levels of mortgage interest rates at any given time reflect a broad range of factors, including ECB base rates, deposit rates, market funding costs, the competitive environment and an institution's overall funding. I do not know what level of retail outlets the Deputy wishes to see closed to make up some of the cost savings he claims he can make in banking services in this country....
- Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: The Minister for Education and Science will continue to work through the Higher Education Authority to see in what way he can monitor demand and identify opportunities to maximise the use of existing and available resources in responding to growing demand. The number of on-line applications for 2010 is 71,232. This means the current ratio of applicants to places is 1.6:1 rather than the...
- Leaders' Questions (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: The higher education sector recognises and shares a commitment to the need to maximise available resources. This year's recurrent and capital spend on higher education is more than â¬2 billion. I am simply making the point that the number of applications made at this point does not necessarily reflect the number of people who will be seeking places. However, I acknowledge the Deputy's...
- Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: The Order of Business today shall be as follows: No. 12 - motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Ãireann of the terms of an agreement between Ireland and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on participation in the multilateral carbon credit fund; No. 13 - motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Ãireann of the terms...
- Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: Maidir leis an coimisinéir, an rún atá os ár gcomhair ná go molann Dáil Ãireann an tUasal Seán à Cuirreáin lena hathcheapadh ag an Uachtarán mar Coimisinéir Teanga. Sin cinneadh an Uachtaráin. Tá an rún ag dul go dtà an comhchoiste i dtús báire in aon chor agus tá dÃospóireacht ar siúl ar straitéis 20 bliain don teanga sa chomhchoiste agus tá siad ag dul go Gaillimh...
- Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: Yes, that is the normal procedure.
- Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: The nursing home issue is one that could be discussed in the first instance by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. It is a matter of finding the best way to proceed with that issue. The question of a debate in the House on the role of the Defence Forces and peacekeeping is a matter for the Whips to arrange in due course. It is best to allow the process of engagement in...
- Order of Business (2 Feb 2010)
Brian Cowen: I do not agree with the rather dismissive and puerile view that some Deputies have taken on this matter. It is a matter of concern to us all how we can assist families who may encounter difficulties in the present economic circumstances regarding the repayment of mortgages on their homes. There are references to that in the renewed programme for Government, which were rightly adverted to by...