Results 5,381-5,400 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Departmental Bodies: Departmental Bodies (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: None of the State agencies or organisations under the remit of my Department are members of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: As regards the commissionership issue, I refer to the June European Council's conclusions. In fact, direction has to be given by the Council for that process to begin, and that will probably be considered at the next meeting of the Council, at the end of this month. Obviously I am au fait with any developments taking place there. On the road traffic legislation, the Minister has been...

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: To what did the first question relate?

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: As I understand it, that is due this session. The publication of legislation has been promised for this session. As has been the convention of this House, while we want to ensure that everyone participates in any effort we are making to show the wider public that we are all of the one mind in terms of our preparedness to reduce people's remuneration, it is important that we respect the...

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: If it is a given, let it be acknowledged as a given.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy knows, decisions or initiatives have been taken by the Chief Justice in that regard, which are ongoing.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the workings of the House during the remainder of this week and next week, it will be concentrating on the very important legislation on the asset management agency, which needs to be enacted as a matter of urgency. While respecting that it has been referred technically to the select committee in terms of the voting arrangements, the full opportunity is being given to everyone in...

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that draft heads of the judicial council Bill have been prepared. Consultation is taking place seeking the views of the Judiciary in this matter. It is at that point at the moment. We await its views so that we can progress the legislation as quickly as possible. Obviously, I do not expect that it would be available for consideration by this House before next year.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: So does the Deputy.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The question of when the Bill is returned from the Seanad is not something I can predict at present. However, I will ask my colleagues to see in what way it can be expedited.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is welcome. My apologies for not replying to Deputy Gilmore earlier in regard to the pre-budget outlook, which was an oversight on my part. I would expect we will have a debate on that upon our return after 3 November.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: To take the last point, the question of the publication of the pre-budget outlook is an opportunity for a wider economic debate in the House which could of course include those, like the Deputy, who have a particular expertise and interest in the agricultural industry.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Whips to consider. It was intended, as the Deputy knows, to proceed this week but that has been overtaken by events. Of course, the use of our committee system for these specialised debates is not excluded either. The sale of alcohol Bill will be early next year. In the aftermath of the budget, whatever social welfare changes are envisaged will have to be enacted...

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I would say it will be after Christmas.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, I do not believe any date is envisaged for either of the Bills the Deputy suggests. I will have to come back to him specifically in that regard.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that it is hoped Second Stage of the Adoption Bill would be taken some time in November. On the second matter, I would have to revert to the Deputy on whether any significance can be attached to the omission of words that were previously in the Bill. We do not have a date for that Bill. I will check the position and revert to the Deputy by correspondence.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not know. The Minister of State visited Vietnam recently. I am sure, if a senior political figure from that country is to visit here, it is unlikely that this matter would not be taken up.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will understand I have some other preoccupations at present.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I would never be dismissive in that way.

Order of Business (21 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is being worked on.