Results 5,121-5,140 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance outlined the position regarding this matter which came into the public domain during the past 24 hours before he was in a position to consider the appointment and report to the Government today. The Government reiterated its position of 11 March when it noted the content of the first report of the covered institutions' remuneration oversight committee which looked at...

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is important for Deputy Kenny to realise that the whole purpose of the Government is to ensure that we have effective management structures. The board of the bank has brought forward the name. It is unfortunate that Deputy Kenny is engaging in a very strong personal attack. This is not a matter that I wish to deal with in that way.

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is not a matter that I wish to deal with-----

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is not a matter that I wish to deal with in this way, as has been suggested by Deputy Kenny.

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The situation is that the Government has made clear the arrangements in respect of our position regarding the filling of a position of a CEO in line with the decisions that we communicated in March. That is the position. The board brought forward the name of the person it felt to be the person best qualified, given all of the choices that it had based on those who were available to do so,...

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Talks are continuing with the public sector unions regarding the whole question of public sector pay and the contribution it can make to the budgetary requirements we will face in the coming weeks ahead of 9 December. We are also in the process of indicating to them our view of where we believe the necessary efficiencies and changes have to take place in order to reform our public services...

Leaders' Questions (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Those are precisely the sort of sentiments that I expressed over the weekend. I agree that it is a difficult situation for any trade union representative where what is in prospect is a reduction in the overall pay bill rather than an increase being negotiated. However, I emphasise, and remind the Deputy, that I am engaging with the public sector unions to see what policy options they claim...

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 28, statements re Pre-Budget Outlook. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted not later than 10 p.m.; and (2) the proceedings on No. 28 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 10 p.m. tonight and the following arrangements...

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe there is precedent for requirement that the nomination of a proposed Commissioner by Government for consideration by the European Parliament would be brought for approval before the House. I am not aware that such is a requirement. Everyone will be aware of the merits of the candidate concerned. Obviously, there were other prospective candidates who would equally be able to...

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Obviously other considerations come into play as regards that. As I have said, there are many people who could have completed this task. Deputies raised the portfolio question, but that is a matter exclusively for the President of the Commission. He has made it clear that portfolios are not assigned to countries, but to individuals. The matter is required to go before the European...

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The proposed nominee remains a member of the European Court of Auditors until such time as she takes up a different position, so no vacancy arises there. We should await that process.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The climate change legislation is expected next year and consultations are taking place. There is no date for the fisheries (amendment) Bill.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Hopefully, the first week in December.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is still on Committee Stage and amendments are currently being worked on.

Order of Business (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: This matter can be discussed by the Whips. I agree with Deputies Seán Power and Sherlock that an opportunity could be found by the Whips for a debate on this issue.

Twenty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2009: First Stage (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: No.

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I would not agree with the characterisation the Deputy puts on Denmark's chairmanship of this process. It has given a huge amount of time, effort and commitment to this area. Obviously any global deal requires all parties to the proposed treaty to meet the necessary responsibilities.

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: In recent times, only very optimistic people thought a treaty would be signed at Copenhagen. What is possible - the Danish chairmanship remains very committed to it - is obtaining a political framework to enable the detailed legal work to ensue after a global deal is achieved, hopefully at Copenhagen. It does not do that prospect any justice to suggest that in some way the Danes, in...

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: May I reply?

Order of Business (Resumed) (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Neither do I agree with what the Deputy said about the Minister, Deputy Gormley, who has been keeping closely abreast of this issue on an ongoing basis for obvious reasons, both in terms of his ministerial capacity and his interest in this area over many years. As regards our nominee for the position of Irish European Commissioner-designate, it is open to the House to examine what...