Results 4,681-4,700 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Financial Resolution No.5: General (Resumed). Debate resumed on the following motion: (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is difficult.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: With the entry into force of the Lisbon treaty on 1 December last, both Houses of the Oireachtas must be in a position to exercise their new responsibilities under the treaty, as outlined in the European Union Act 2009. While the Act sets out the role of the Houses, it is a matter for them to agree internal arrangements and rules for the exercise of that new role. To this end, the Joint...

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: In the past, we have taken the Stages of social welfare Bills on consecutive days. The Government wants to proceed and the country expects us to get on with implementing the decisions we have taken. We have the full support of the House this week, next week and every other week because it is what we have to do to ensure that we get the country back to recovery quickly.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: To clarify, the Minister for Finance was asked a question last night in respect of the position on future recapitalisations. As in the past, the Government will be obliged to consider any proposal that emerges in due course. We have already made it clear that in the context of any future recapitalisation-----

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: Does the Deputy want to hear my answer?

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: Perhaps the Deputy and the Minister should have a chat about the matter.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am amazed by the Deputy's incapacity to listen to the answer to the question posed by his colleague. As I was saying, future recapitalisations will be considered as required. The Minister has already outlined the policy of the Government in respect of these matters, namely, that an ordinary shareholding will be taken by it in the event of any future recapitalisations.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: As this is an important issue, I wish to comment. We noted the statements by the CEO of Aer Lingus last week in respect of the company's transformation plan. As the Deputies will be aware, the National Implementation Body has invited the management and unions at the company to avail of the services of the Labour Relations Commission with a view to agreeing the cost savings necessary to...

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: The amendment to the Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act will be taken in the first half of next year. We do not yet have a date for the sea fisheries and maritime jurisdiction (amendment) Bill. The electricity (transfer of transmission assets) Bill will be taken next year.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am here to report on progress of the Bill. I cannot discuss what goes on at Cabinet meetings.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Bill is expected next year.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It depends how many volts he can take.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: The whole purpose of the committee system is to enable Deputies, though membership of the committees, to focus in greater detail than would be possible in plenary session of the Dáil on issues that arise.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: Directives require national implementation and it is a matter for each Government to decide in what way and how it will implement these directives.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not allowed to answer. There is no point.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not allowed to answer. Every time I stand up I am interrupted. It is a racket. I am not doing it anymore.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: It will be more than one day.

Order of Business (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: We had a discussion earlier on the Order of Business about the need for a debate in this House in the new year examining the procedures that arise from the joint report. We have just unanimously approved the technical motion for this a few minutes ago. That is where we can have the debate.

Financial Resolution No.5: General (Resumed). Debate resumed on the following motion: (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: In anticipation of having to leave to attend a meeting of the European Council I may not be able to do all Leaders the courtesy of listening to their speeches because of the length of time we had to give to the Order of Business. I apologise in advance.

Financial Resolution No.5: General (Resumed). Debate resumed on the following motion: (10 Dec 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will of course but I wanted to make that clear in case anyone misunderstood my reason for leaving.