Results 5,081-5,100 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

National Security Committee. (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not a member of the national security committee. It comprises senior officials of various Departments and agencies. It meets periodically and the members are in touch on an ongoing basis. Its role relates primarily to classic security issues, particularly those associated with international terrorism. It does not have any formal role in emergency planning. Co-ordination in this...

National Security Committee. (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I would not be given a briefing by the committee but by its chairman, who is also Secretary General of my Department. That would consist of an ongoing appraisal, where relevant, of issues as they arise. I am not briefed very regularly but there is ongoing contact at official level on these issues.

National Security Committee. (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It would have been some time ago but I would also have had formal briefings from senior gardaí and Army personnel since then on issues generally, including issues relevant to the committee.

National Security Committee. (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is an issue for the Minister in the relevant Department. Any views we have on this would be conveyed in this way. I do not wish to say much more on the national security committee than what I said in my primary reply given the nature of its work. It liaises with relevant parties, it is an informal group and it keeps in regular contact. Issues such as international terrorism or a...

National Security Committee. (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The question relates to the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which continually monitor developments, the prospect of developments and policy issues that arise in neighbouring jurisdictions in so far as they affect us. These matters are brought to their attention in the manner I outlined.

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 1, Courts and Court Officers Bill 2009 - amendments from the Seanad and No. 2, Adoption Bill 2009 [Seanad] - Second Stage. Private Members' business shall be No. 76, motion re human trafficking (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. tonight, if not previously concluded.

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: We are all aware of this issue. Many of us individually and in other capacities are aware of many parents and prospective parents who are anxious to proceed with adoption, provide a loving and caring environment for children and offer the gift of love and affection to them. Many of us are keenly aware of this issue. Second Stage of the Adoption Bill allows for a discussion to take place in...

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Bill makes provision to accommodate this issue. We need to discuss the matter on Second Stage and come forward with a detailed discussion on Committee Stage. There is unanimity in the House in terms of seeking to achieve the objective of both providing standards that follow best practice and at the same time trying to deal with the interim position of many couples, in so far as we can....

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I join with Deputies Gilmore and Kenny in expressing my sincere sympathy to the families of those who unfortunately died last night in a terrible traffic accident between Milltown and Ballindine. I wish a speedy recovery to those who are critically injured in the hope that the death toll will not increase. We convey our sincere sympathy to everyone on this particularly tragic situation. On...

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have answered any questions that were asked. Any assisting documentation I have is for the purpose of assisting to answer questions.

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy is-----

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy is entitled to the information, I will give it to him. There is no problem. If he is entitled to it, I will give it to him.

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is fine, if he is entitled to it he can have it. I do not have any problem with that at all.

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I also wish to answer the other question Deputy Gilmore asked me on next Tuesday's day of protest. We all have a responsibility in this matter. The day of protest has been called by the unions concerned. I would rather it was not happening. We are continuing to discuss issues with the public service unions, but the decisions we will be taking will be on 9 December. This day of protest on...

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the first piece of legislation the Deputy is inquiring about, we hope it will be published after Christmas, if not before. Second, I do not have a date for the publication of the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill. That is detailed legislation. Third, on the question the Deputy raised about prescription charges, all options are being examined. We are in the...

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: First, I understand the Whips have been discussing the issue of when a debate on Aer Lingus can be arranged. That is a matter for the Whips to decide as soon as time can be made available. That is the position. It is a matter of trying to schedule a debate in the House on these issues. Second, I do not know what the financial position in Aer Lingus would be if it did not have access to...

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is important to point out that there are good reasons for trying to attract private capital into operations such as that as well. It is not simply a one way street in terms of the argument. Third, I am not sure what the Deputy from Dublin North is speaking about. Locum doctors are obtained from across the world to come here and be employed and it does not seem to cause a problem for...

Order of Business (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not getting into an argument with the Deputy. I am making the point that that principle was agreed by everybody at the time.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: As Deputy Kenny stated, this matter was debated yesterday. Obviously, we will assess constructive proposals from any party in the House in respect of these matters. I do not wish to dismiss or guarantee the Deputy that Fine Gael's proposal will feature in the taxation proposals from the Minister for Finance who will make the decisions in this regard, bring them before Cabinet following...

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: This Government is committed not simply to a book-keeping exercise, as the Deputy suggests, but to making sure the economy returns to growth as quickly as possible. Part of this is a correction in the public finances. With regard to taxation policy, this Government has always been committed to ensuring that we maximise the prospects for employment and allowing people to retain the greatest...