Results 5,481-5,500 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

EU Summits. (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy raised the position of other countries, particularly the Czech Republic. Following our decisive referendum result on the Lisbon treaty, we are keen to see it enter into force as soon as possible. I appreciate this position is shared by the majority of Members of the Oireachtas. In that context I welcome the signature of the Polish instrument of ratification by President Kaczynski...

EU Summits. (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: As stated earlier in respect of the situation that is developing in the Czech Republic, the European Union is leaving it to the Presidency to ascertain the position and obtain the clarity that is necessary. Member states will then be consulted on and with discuss how that situation will be tackled. This is preferable to different Heads of Government acting as if they were President of the...

EU Summits. (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Given the stone ended up in Deputy Kenny's shoes, it is no wonder that David did not slay Goliath this time. The Deputy's stonethrowing was misdirected. To take the serious point that has been raised by the Deputy, the economic situation and macroregional strategies will form part of the agenda, as indicated thus far, on 29 and 30 October. This matter has been at the heart of the...

EU Summits. (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept Deputy Ó Caoláin's opportunistic efforts to use the fact that there have been job losses in Dell in that region as a means of giving vent to his anti-EU rhetoric.

EU Summits. (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am answering the question. I answered it at length in my initial response because I do not accept the simplistic portrayal of Deputy Ó Caoláin, which is easy to put across. Redundant workers welcomed the European globalisation fund initiative and said it would be of assistance to them in finding retraining opportunities and seeking other opportunities as they seek to positively move...

EU Summits. (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Those guidelines are the same that apply here when we get approval.

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 21, Courts and Court Officers Bill 2009 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; No. 5, Labour Services (Amendment) Bill 2009 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, No. 20, National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009 - Second Stage (resumed) to be taken at 5 p.m. today and the order shall resume thereafter. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in...

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The programme has been adopted by both parties formally and has the support of the Government and those who support the Government. There will be many opportunities for economic debates in the coming weeks and months. Various aspects of the issues can be considered. We have an important series of legislative arrangements in the coming weeks as a matter of priority.

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: We have had 27 hours of debate on Second Stage of this important legislation and another two hours of debate will take place today. We need to move on to Committee Stage to deal with the detail of the Bill and it is only fair and right that we do so. It is important to point out that, while people discuss the legislation and have their views on it, it is far more expensive to contemplate...

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Foreign Affairs normally meets Irish groups in New York and Washington, and goes to the hill to meet people to discuss issues of interest to us. However, it was not possible for him to go in September because of the Lisbon treaty referendum campaign. He has taken the opportunity to do so this week. I am sure that he will meet some of the immigration reform groups because...

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes. The chairman of the Moriarty tribunal has not given me a date for the presentation of his report. Work is ongoing and the report is being finalised. I cannot give a date but will check up on it. It is a matter for the Whips to decide if the interim report of the task force can be fitted in for discussion at some point in our debates. The Minister and the Tánaiste are taking up...

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Heads of the Bill are expected later this year. The intention is to meet whatever timelines are envisaged. The parties in government have approved the legislative programme for Government. There will be plenty of opportunities for debate on the issues arising from the programme in Question Time and in economic debates. In the weeks immediately ahead the Government is anxious to proceed...

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Questions about particular policy areas are best addressed to the line Ministers. The Government is committed to providing the maximum resources possible to the Garda in the current circumstances. There have been many successes in targeting anti-social behaviour and protecting people in their homes. There have also been some serious incidents which have unfortunately resulted in deaths....

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Again, these are policy queries and best addressed to the line Ministers concerned. Without notice I certainly would not have all the detail. Obviously, seeking to assist people who suffer from cystic fibrosis must be a continuing effort by those charged with the responsibility for providing services. There have been-----

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept there has been a total failure.

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no point in replying.

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no promised legislation in this area. It is possible for the committee system to bring any people charged with public bodies to come to the House and be cross-examined on a range of issues. That is ongoing. Where there are issues of policy, obviously a Minister is responsible. In operational matters, agencies are established by this House and given that statutory responsibility....

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Again, I make the point that the cost to our financial system of not dealing with this issue is far greater. To suggest we are not making arrangements to ensure that the interests of the taxpayer are being protected in this matter is a gross distortion of the situation. Second, regarding the actual arrangements, it is anticipated that Committee Stage will be taken in the weeks beginning 21...

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is envisaged to begin Committee Stage in the week beginning 21 October.

Order of Business (14 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Whip will talk to the Deputy about that.