Results 4,621-4,640 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: For the purposes of clarity - I know this is not in order on the Order of Business - the Department of Social and Family Affairs published full details on budget day of how the social welfare changes will affect all different groups. A further paper on the welfare changes will be published in the coming days. The Department of Finance usually publishes an assessment of the budget on how the...

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: We expect it next year.

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: He comes on 25 December.

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is hoped it will come before the House next year.

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister of State, Deputy Andrews, has outlined that it is an issue of priority for him and he wishes to proceed with it as quickly as possible. There have been recent reports on child abuse which are a priority for him.

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do know if that is a serious comment. They are on the A list and are due for publication before the beginning of the next session. I understand they will be published then.

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: They have, yes.

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have to come back to the Deputy.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Government had to consider how we could have a sustainable social welfare system going forward against the fact that the revenues coming into the Exchequer are at the same level that they were six years ago in 2003. In the meantime, when resources allowed, there were, rightly, significant increases way beyond the cost of living increases for social welfare recipients. The Government is...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: In the pre-budget outlook, the Government had to take a position on social welfare spending reductions, a spend of over €22 billion against just €32 billion coming into the coffers. That is not a sustainable position. The rate of savings identified meant all areas of expenditure had to be examined, including social welfare. The Government sought to carefully consider the matter and...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is easy for the Leader of the Opposition to suggest alternative ways to find this, that and the other.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is the Government's responsibility to-----

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I listened to the Deputy's party leader in silence.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is easy for the Leader of the Opposition to suggest continually that there are easier ways of finding money. The €4 billion that we recalled simply stabilises the deficit. We still have an Exchequer borrowing requirement this year of €18.8 billion.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: We still have to reduce our indebtedness over time. We must recognise and confront that reality in the best way we possibly can. While acknowledging one is open to criticism when one touches a social welfare rate at any time, the best prospect of maintaining the levels of support the Government built up over the years must be sought. The value of what is being provided for people is €10...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: These are the facts.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: They are of course difficult facts. No one is suggesting it is easy. It is not easy for any Government. I am sure it was not easy for the Government of which the Deputy was a member which gave only €1.50 per week extra to pensioners. I am sure that was a difficult decision and that that Government was not in a position to give any more.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: We debated the issue at which time I am sure the Government was criticised for its decision. The fact is we are in a new economic situation. We are in a situation where we have to deal with the issues.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not a sustainable position to suggest that we can have a €22 billion social welfare bill next year and have receipts coming into the Exchequer of €32 billion and then look after public service pay issues, programmes, capital programmes and everything else.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not a sustainable position. Therefore, the reduction in social welfare that had to be contemplated and acted upon by Government,-----