Results 4,941-4,960 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Public Service Reform. (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy made another incorrect comment.

Public Service Reform. (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: He said I was, in some way, supportive of the strike. I am not interested in anyone withdrawing their labour.

Public Service Reform. (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy made a comment which is not correct. He said that was his view and his view is incorrect. That has never been my way of conducting discussions with anyone. I know what must be obtained and what the objective is. Everyone in this House has come around to the view that the adjustment to be made is of the order of €4 billion. While the trade union movement has set out its view...

Public Service Reform. (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Gilmore's third point was with regard to the possibility of another strike. I will deal with these issues on their objective merits and not on the basis of the prospect of a strike next week or some other week. I am not interested in people going on strike. I do not believe it is the right approach. I am in discussions at present. What should the prospect of a strike convey to me...

Public Service Reform. (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am in the business of trying to find a solution. If others are contemplating other actions, that must be taken up with them. I am not responsible for their positions.

Public Service Reform. (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: My position is to engage on the basis of a substantive outcome consistent with the Government's outline of requirements for 2010 and its commitment to permanent structural change beyond that.

Public Service Reform. (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: In any relationship between an employer and employee, there are responsibilities, which the vast majority of people seek to discharge. Being employed, whether in the public or private sector, one gives one's best every day on the basis of the remuneration one receives. That is an objective of everyone who goes to work. We must make sure that we have an organisational structure which...

Public Service Reform. (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Morale levels are a function of how an organisation is operated and managed. In many organisations one finds very high morale in recessionary times. There are other organisations where it might not be so high. Morale is a function of management and staff working together to make sure morale is high. There is important work to be done. There are difficulties and issues to be resolved in...

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 9, motion re leave to introduce Supplementary Estimates [Votes 19, 20, 22, 27, 30, 31, 34, 37 and 40]; No. 10, motion re referral of Supplementary Estimates [Votes 19, 20, 22, 27, 30, 31, 34, 37 and 40] to Select Committee; No. 11, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the Agreement between the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative...

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am grateful for the co-operation of the House thus far but I understand it has been indicated to the spokespersons of the various parties that a timeline of 1 December for introducing the Bill is a major requirement. That has been the understanding all along. I am sorry to hear that continuing co-operation or agreement is not forthcoming on this occasion but we must proceed. Question,...

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The meetings resume this afternoon. Obviously, they will continue to see if agreement can be found. Everyone is aware of the timeframe. They will intensify.

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform briefed the Cabinet this week on the matter. The Department will brief victims' group tomorrow morning before publication of the report. The report will be published tomorrow afternoon and being a document of public importance, it will be made available in the normal way thereafter.

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will make arrangements for the Minister and the Department to have the report made available to the spokespersons after victims' groups have been briefed and at the time of publication.

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am aware of Deputy Jim O'Keeffe's keen interest in this matter. The area he represents has been greatly affected. The issue is that there will be a reassessment of risk by insurance companies arising out of the claims experience which will now emerge. As the Deputy knows, the Irish Insurance Federation ensures people are entitled to get quotes for insurance cover and, if not, having a...

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes. That is a good idea.

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: This Bill seeks to consolidate, in many respects, the legal position regarding the sale of alcohol. It contains some modernising amendments. It is likely to be the first half of next year before it will come to the floor of the House.

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand Mr. Kelly, MEP, spoke on radio about this this morning. Contrary to remarks made by him recently, considerable work has already been done and structures are in place to ensure that this fund, when received by Ireland, can and will be effectively and efficiently spent on retraining, upskilling——

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——and providing educational and entrepreneurial supports for almost 2,500 redundant workers in the mid-west. It has included close co-operation and consultation with the European Commission by the Government, culminating in President Barroso's announcement made in Limerick in September of Commission approval of the application. All relevant State agencies and educational institutions in...

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Perhaps the Deputy's colleague will acknowledge the involvement of everybody else along with himself in trying to make this possible.

Order of Business (25 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is a matter for the Whips.