Results 4,501-4,520 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Innovation Task Force. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will know, that announcement was in respect of a very direct change in policy by the ESB to promote sustainable energy initiatives to help build more sustainable energy projects in Ireland over a period of years. It was not suggested that 3,900 jobs would be created over night, but the company indicated it was committed. It made the commitment in terms of investment and over a...

Independent Members. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 8, inclusive, together. The agreements referred to are political agreements entered into by my predecessor as leader of the Fianna Fáil Party with individual Independent Deputies - namely, Deputies Healy-Rae and Lowry. On becoming leader of Fianna Fáil, I confirmed to the Deputies concerned that I would continue to implement those agreements. As the...

Independent Members. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I have stated previously, no changes were made to the arrangements in advance of the budget. Obviously, I meet Deputies on all sides of the House from time to time, with varying degrees of success depending on their disposition. I make the point that political agreements and arrangements are in place. I would be hesitant were the Deputy to try to second-guess how Deputy Healy-Rae wishes...

Independent Members. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: Obviously the electorates of those constituencies do not agree with the Deputy.

Independent Members. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Gilmore might find value in a meeting some time.

Independent Members. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is not as shy as he lets on. With regard to the comments of Deputies Ó Caoláin and Kenny, it is well known that agreements are in place with people who support the Government and the Government seeks to honour them in the context of available resources and priorities and programme for Government commitments. It is the same for political parties as Independent Deputies and,...

Innovation Task Force. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, and 161 together. I appointed the innovation task force on 29 June 2009 to advise the Government on its strategy for positioning Ireland as an international innovation development hub and to assist in making the smart economy a reality. The members of the innovation task force have a wide range of expertise and include individuals with...

Innovation Task Force. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: The innovation fund is part of our five-year programme. It aims to raise funds from private sector venture capital investors who also bring their expertise to the country. The role of the State will be to provide structures and incentives to best leverage private sector investment. This is why the NTMA, which is an expert in this area, is leading the process. The amount required directly...

Innovation Task Force. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: We received a detailed report recently on the area of green enterprise from the group under the chairmanship of Joe Harford, who is also a member of the innovation taskforce. That is a linkage in terms of those two exercises which is beneficial. The outcome of the recommendations by the innovation taskforce will take cognisance of that and be very much aware of the potential that has been...

Innovation Task Force. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: I reject Deputy Gilmore's suggestion that there is a delay involved. There is much very good work ongoing, and I do not accept that six months is a long time to give the task force to do that work. Quite apart from the innovation task force that was mentioned at the launch of the smart economy framework, many other initiatives were also mentioned. That framework is a comprehensive strategy...

Innovation Task Force. (19 Jan 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Foreign Affairs produced a report on to that and it was put on the website. However, as Deputy Gilmore says, there are ideas that have to be taken forward and concepts that have to be developed. A great deal of work is being done in respect of some of those mentioned at the conference and it will continue. On the innovation task force, I make the point that the next meeting...

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I was in the House during the week and I made it clear that the matter could be referred to the relevant committee for discussion.

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Whips.

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Whips will look after it.

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not. The Deputy is misrepresenting me.

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have read it.

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have read the statement of Mr. Jim Higgins, MEP on it and he is also incorrect.

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: Fine Gael has a guy playing politics with it and he is on the wrong side. That is what is wrong.

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no maladministration of the scheme. The Deputy should read the report.

Order of Business (17 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not the central finding.