Results 5,361-5,380 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Excuse me, I was very serious about it.

Leaders' Questions (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the framework that has been set up since February, we came back in June and put forward proposals on those issues. We have doubled activation during the course of this year despite the financial difficulties, and made efforts on the pensions framework, which we intend to publish before the end of the year. In a very difficult situation where there is very little room to...

Leaders' Questions (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: A contribution has to be made on all sides to achieve it. That is what I am seeking to do. Any suggestion that I am seeking out confrontation or taking encouragement from people who seek confrontation could only be made by people who do not know me. Since my first Ministry, as Minister for Labour, I have sought progress by way of agreement. I also know it is ultimately the responsibility...

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 10, motion re ministerial rota for parliamentary questions, and No. 1, Public Transport Regulation Bill 2009 [Seanad] - Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 10 shall be decided without debate. Private Members' business shall be No. 70, motion re mortgage arrears.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: We do not intend to guillotine the Second Stage debate, certainly not today.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: No.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I welcome the fact that the Lisbon treaty was signed in the Czech Republic by President Klaus. The ratification instrument was signed in Prague at 3 p.m. today. This clears the way for the treaty to enter into force in the near future, which is excellent news both for Ireland and the European Union. I welcome the fact that the court made its decision and that we have the signature of the...

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Stagg need have no fear of that, although his daughter was welcoming at her door recently in my constituency.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have not spoken to the Minister for Finance about that matter. I am not sure of the veracity of Deputy Gilmore's understanding and whether that is the case.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: That does not mean there will not be any. They have been approved by the Cabinet and will be provided as soon as possible based on that approval. I will inquire about the exact situation.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister concerned has been very much seized of this issue and various organisations have been bringing to our attention the need to clarify the position as quickly as possible in the interests of the many couples and families that are awaiting the completion of adoptions or who are interested in pursuing the process of adoption. Priority questions are due to be taken on this matter...

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Bill is due to be introduced next year. We have taken steps in the interim under which commissions of inquiry can be regarded as an alternative to full-blown tribunals of inquiry and can assist in avoiding the cost ramifications experienced in recent decades in respect of the latter. In a way, the Oireachtas has acted to ensure that, pending the introduction of the Bill to which the...

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have the matter investigated for the Deputy.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have it investigated for all the Deputies in Kildare.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Swedish Presidency indicated it would not be drawn on that matter until the Czech constitutional court made its decision and the Czech President signed the treaty. It will now be a matter for the Swedish Presidency to decide how to proceed.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes, and it is a matter for the Swedish Presidency to decide how to proceed.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am glad the Deputy is taking an interest in rural communities.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: After all that was-----

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am very impressed with Deputy Gilmore's party colleague.

Order of Business (3 Nov 2009)

Brian Cowen: Monuments are extremely important. It takes a long time to bring forth legislation. It will be introduced next year.