Results 5,161-5,180 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Departmental Expenditure. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not think that one could measure everything against the communications unit and suggest that it is the benchmark for all Government activity. That would be absurd. There are four staff members in the unit. It is not a major part of the operation. There are two executive officers, one staff officer and a clerical officer. There are also two vacancies I have not filled. I am aware of...

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6 together. There are currently seven special advisers in my Department. Under the direction of my programme manager, who is my principal special adviser, the primary function of the special advisers is to monitor, facilitate and help secure the achievement of Government objectives and to ensure effective co-ordination in the implementation of the...

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: How much was it earlier?

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: There are no bonuses in relation to these payments. They are appointed at a certain salary scale depending on their responsibilities. I did not make any arrangements for increases. These increases presumably arise as a result of people moving into other increments. In other words, whatever rules apply also apply to them. As regards the recruitment embargo, these people take up the job in...

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Although the Deputy mentioned the cost and stated one could build another school for this or that, the fact is that advisers add value to the work of an Administration. They assist in making sure policies are being implemented and they comprise a very small part of the overall Government operation.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Making a pejorative remark about it is to suggest that this is a valueless exercise; it is not. It is the second time the Deputy suggested that it is valueless.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is the Deputy's view. He is entitled to his view on it and can play the populist game. There is no problem with that. The fact is that these people are-----

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is on both sides of the fence, as usual. He referred to how important it was to have advisers when his party was in power but now that he is in opposition and I am in Government, he suggests there should be none at all. That is the true position and there is nothing more to it.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: If he can get a line in a tabloid newspaper that gives him a big figure-----

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----the Deputy will be delighted with himself. He will get another big picture in the paper.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy knows what the game is.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Let us deal with the issue seriously.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: In respect of the work of the Department of Health and Children, I indicated to the Deputy that I act as chairman of the Cabinet sub-committee on health. I have an interest in health.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: As Taoiseach and as co-ordinator of Government activity, I deal with health matters. It is a very important area of activity.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The value added in this regard is well worthwhile.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The role is assigned to my Department in regard to health matters; that is correct. It is paid for from my Department and the work in question continues and is necessary. The total budget for the Department of Health and Children is €14 billion. If the Minister wishes-----

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The work is necessary and the adviser is assigned to my Department. In addition to the Minister for Health and Children, I am involved in health matters and I chair the Cabinet sub-committee on health, which meets very regularly.

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Sorry?

Ministerial Staff. (17 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I did not. The Deputy does not know what I was referring to. I was not referring to what the Deputy is suggesting I was referring to.