Results 4,961-4,980 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: The annual report of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority will be published tomorrow and will be dealt with by the chairman then. The authority is a commercial semi-State body, financed entirely from its own resources, generated through the acquisition, development and sale of assets in the docklands. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has a general...
- Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: The authority's accounts are audited by external auditors, KPMG. The authority is specifically excluded, along with many other State and semi-State commercial bodies, from being audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Under existing arrangements, it is open to the joint environment committee to have the authority appear before it, and thus afford the Oireachtas the opportunity to...
- Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: First, the response of the Government and all of the agencies is a continuing one. As I said yesterday, the needs emerge and change as circumstances change, and we are still in the midst of a weather pattern which is causing flooding and rainfall, with all the attendant problems in terms of the overflow from our river systems and how that is affecting many people up and down the country. I...
- Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: First, the Government contacted our permanent representative in Brussels yesterday, arising out of our Cabinet meeting yesterday, to inquire as to what assistance is available from the EU in respect of various solidarity funds and other emergency funding that arises when floods occur and where serious problems arise. That matter is in hand and is being proceeded with in the normal and...
- Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: It is being done.
- Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: It has been done.
- Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: It is being done. We must deal with the independent review as we tackle our priorities, which relates to the conversation we have had up to now. What lessons are to be learned and what issues arise for the future are matters that can and should be looked at? There has been much discussion about what happened at Iniscarra. My understanding is that if the water came over the top of the dam,...
- Written Answers — Departmental Agencies: Departmental Agencies (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: The Clearing House Group, which operates under the aegis of my Department has taken, since 1987, a lead role in the development of policy in relation to the international financial services industry. The group identifies and considers issues of major concern to the long-term development of the industry. The competitiveness and international standing of the international financial services...
- Written Answers — Irish Language: Irish Language (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: In 2008, the total expenditure from my Department's Vote on translation to Irish was â¬55,591 and in 2009 this figure was â¬46,151. In keeping with the Government's policy to minimise costs in the public sector, it is the practice in my Department to maintain and publish documentation electronically where possible and to make these publications available on the Department's website....
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: Perhaps I can be of assistance. I understand it was agreed to have statements on the farming and agrifood sector last week.
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: Allow me to say a few words without interruption. I am trying to be of assistance.
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: Where would we be without the Deputy?
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: The only thing we can be sure of is that Deputy Connaughton will be in the same position.
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: To return to the Order of Business, we should proceed with No. 43, statements on industrial action by public sector unions. Deputy Kenny has suggested that Fine Gael would withdraw Private Members' time so we could take statements on the flooding situation. I suggest that after the statements on the industrial action we could take statements on flooding until 8.30 p.m. I believe that would...
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Whips to discuss that.
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: With respect, the proposal has come without notice. I am seeking to accommodate the views of the House, even if there is no way of satisfying Deputy Shatter. I have suggested that we should have statements on industrial action, followed immediately by statements on flooding, in lieu of Private Members' time which would not normally start until 7 p.m. If we were to proceed with this...
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: I agree with Deputy Gilmore. It was the view of the Fine Gael Party that there should be a Private Members' debate on this subject this evening and the Government has no problem in agreeing to this. We have now received a request without prior notice which I am seeking to accommodate. I suggest we take statements on industrial action. The Whips can meet in the meantime. I suggest we...
- Order of Business (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: After I take the Order of Business.
- Business of Dáil (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: I have no problem coming to this arrangement. We had planned on having a debate on flooding at 7 p.m. and it will now take place at 6.40 p.m. and will continue until 8.40 p.m., followed by questions and answers with the Minister, Deputy Mary Hanafin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, who have responsibility for the flood relief schemes and the immediate issues arising. Fine...
- Leaders' Questions (24 Nov 2009)
Brian Cowen: I agree that in recent days we have seen weather conditions which have wreaked devastation and caused problems in many places. The flooding is causing many problems in certain areas and continues to be monitored. The insurance policies people have on their homes and businesses will take effect. With regard to those in exceptional need or experiencing hardship as a result of what has...