Results 4,641-4,660 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----reluctant though we were, was necessary. It was necessary and done in the best possible way.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I confirm that the respite care grant of €1,700 per annum was not affected nor was the half rate carer's allowance, which is an innovation introduced some years ago.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I accept that this is not an easy position for any Government to be in. The decision was necessary.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It was part of the overall €4 billion requirement.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is simply part of a budgetary process that will have to continue in coming years so that we can get this country back to solvency-----

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----and to do so in a way that is as fair as possible to everyone.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: The most unfair and callous thing one could do would be to suggest that a no change policy could be sustained into the future. That is not possible. It is better to be frank and candid about all areas of expenditure.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have in front of me the tables in regard to the impact of the cuts. Obviously, there will be a 5% reduction up to a certain level in respect of the people to whom the Deputy refers. The situation is as set out in the Schedule to the Bill. The Minister for Finance will outline the provisions in detail on Second Stage and during Committee Stage. The categories of employees to whom...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It will be 5%.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: We are back to the polemics again. I was asked a specific question during Leaders' Questions in regard to which one would not have information unless one had a table. I stated there will be a 5% cut.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy wants to outline the actual amounts for me then we can work out the figure.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: No, it is not.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: No, the Deputy is playing word games and trying to suggest to the media that the Government is indifferent in terms of the impact of the cuts. We are well aware of the impact. It is 5% up to a certain level and then moves on to 7.5% and beyond. We have the tables. In respect of this budget, I make the point that taking 2009 and 2010 together, what is termed progressivity, people paying...

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: One must look at the tax increases in April and the expenditure cuts now. That has been part of the budgetary strategy to make the adjustment.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: What amuses me in this House-----

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----is the Opposition saying, "Yes, of course, it should be €4 billion" and "Yes, we will be responsible and we will make sure that we come forward with the expenditure cuts" and when it comes to the crunch saying, "No, not that way" and "Think up some other way."

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: All we are hearing is the populist notions that there is some simple way of this country getting out of trouble.

Leaders' Questions (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is not. It requires the Government to have a bit of gumption and determination to do it and that is what we are prepared to do.

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 11, motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the reports by the Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2007 and 2008; No. 12, motion re Orders of Reference of Committee; No. 5, Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Bill 2009 - Order for Second Stage and...

Order of Business (15 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: This Bill, like the social welfare Bill last week, is being brought forward because of the need for the Government to implement the measures as announced in the budget so that they are in law and ready for the beginning of the next financial year, on 1 January. They will have full-year effect. The purpose of the Bill proposed to be taken today, Financial Emergency Measures in the Public...