Results 5,201-5,220 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not a question of long-fingering. Recently, I made the point that one must consider constitutional change with great care. In recent times there has been a trend in our politics to change the Constitution every time we have a problem. From my study of it in the past and my knowledge of it in the present, the Constitution is a document of which we can all be very proud....

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It will be brought forward by the Minister concerned. Being a programme commitment, it has to proceed, the policy must be devised and arrangements made. However, the programme for Government sets out what we believe is the best way forward. This issue can be discussed through various committees of the House and everyone in the House will have many opportunities to put forward their views...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the question of a possible constitutional amendment on children, given that two distinct views emerged in the joint committee's report - on constitutional amendment and legislative options - and that the committee has not been able to reconcile these views and accordingly is unable to make an agreed recommendation, the Government must examine the divergent standpoints emanating from the...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The HSE has accepted HIQA's recommendations and will have to proceed on them. In regard to the matter not being addressed previously, the fact that we have in place independent authorities provides greater public confidence that such matters are being assessed objectively. There is an independent oversight mechanism in place to help those who are engaging in services to work with front line...

Constitutional Amendments. (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: That places a responsibility on all Members to avoid a natural tendency towards the politicking and partisanship which undermine the prospects for our committee system of providing the sort of democratic accountability which I agree might be more transparent to those who send us here. People need to go beyond party loyalty to work on committee matters in an objective and fair way. This...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 28, Statements on European Council, Brussels; No. 29, Labour Services (Amendment) Bill 2009 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 27, Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad] - Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the proceedings on No. 28 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Will the calculations include interruptions? On the question of people who find themselves in mortgage arrears, the matter is under the aegis of the Financial Regulator and the codes involved arise in that body. Primary legislation in that respect is not needed since the codes arise out of arrangements made in terms of how mortgage lenders are required to behave in respect of this matter,...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The information I provided to the House last week is the up to date position, that is, the Bill is due to be brought forward early next year. While there is a deliberative process taking place, Members have available to them various other means, including Question Time and the committee system to which Deputy Gilmore referred, by which information and updates can be provided as to the stage...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Taxation matters are an issue for the Minister for Finance and I do not wish to go into detail on them for the purposes of the Order of Business. In regard to the social welfare Bill, Deputy Ó Snodaigh yesterday raised the issue of whether it would be an omnibus Bill or a series of Bills. The social welfare Bill to which we refer in the context of the budget arises from necessary...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand legislation is due next year. The Deputy raises issues which need to be addressed in the context of that Bill.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: On customers of sub-prime companies, we have asked the authorities to seek to extend the arrangements to those people as well. I do not believe they should be exempt from a code of conduct in this regard and I understand that is what is intended. I explained that the code of conduct arises out of legislation on the Financial Regulator and IFSRA. The whole purpose of codes of conduct, based...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: There may be relatively few but we have to make that distinction, in fairness to those who are making the effort.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I hold no brief for such people. I am making the point that, as I understand it, it is being sought that the code of conduct be extended to everybody in this area. It is important that people are treated with the same degree of respect and dignity no matter who they are dealing with and that is something which the Financial Regulator has a responsibility to achieve and is seeking to achieve.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Both pieces of legislation are due next year. It will probably be the middle of next year.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy was informed as late as last night that the approach to be taken is that we will sit down with people engaged in this area.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I cannot add to last night's discussion.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not a problem, it is a fact.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Are people who got a reply last night coming in today to ask what is the story?

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Let me answer the Deputy.

Order of Business (11 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The answer is as the Deputy received it last night. Consideration will be given as soon as there are further discussions with the people in that industry in order to come up with a practical legislative response that makes sense and meets the objectives of the operation.