Results 5,621-5,640 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Earnings Statistics: Earnings Statistics (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: The quarterly Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey (EHECS) is a new quarterly survey which is being phased in to replace all other existing CSO short-term earnings inquiries. It provides more detail on the components of earnings and labour costs, including separate information on regular pay, overtime and irregular earnings. The survey was rolled out to the Industrial and Financial...

Order of Business (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand public consultation has just finished in regard to the preparation of legislation in that respect.

Order of Business (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not in a position to give that commitment to the Deputy because, as he said, it is a question of the Bill being ready. It is unlikely to be ready before the end of this year. The best thing we can do is ask the relevant Minister to communicate directly with the Deputy as to what progress or preparation is being made.

Order of Business (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Ar fheabhas.

Order of Business (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: This session.

Order of Business (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have no date at the moment for that Bill.

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I should point out to Deputy Kenny that in the quote attributed to former Deputy Jim Glennon, he regarded such portrayals of Fianna Fáil as being unjustified, as I do. As regards the specific matter the Deputy has raised on the director general of FÁS, the comments I made about Mr. Molloy at any time were and are based on my knowledge of the situation and of the person concerned. It is a...

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not see any evidence to the contrary at the moment in that regard.

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not go around challenging everyone's integrity. In fact, on the day in question, Deputy Kenny said he was not challenging anyone's integrity at the time the resignation took place. I do not want to get involved in personalising matters in that manner. The context of all this is that there was a controversy as regards travel arrangements which had been in place. It was regarded as...

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Those arrangements were agreed under the provisions of the Labour Services Act 1987 which cover the director general's remuneration and superannuation. Under this Act, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment determines the terms and conditions of employment, including superannuation, for the CEO of FÁS, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Securing a speedy departure in...

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is no difference between what I said and what the Secretary General had to say last Thursday. What was being asked by Mr. Molloy was that he would reserve his position on the basis of discussions that were taking place. There is always a risk of action. I am not saying action was threatened.

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not. I am trying to give a factual answer to Deputy Kenny. I have nothing but the interest of ensuring the truth is known about this matter and the circumstances in which we were dealing with it.

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry, Deputy-----

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I thank Deputy Shortall. The issue in regard to this situation, as far as the Government is concerned, was to effect the departure of the chief executive, and to do so in a way that was broadly in line with the guidelines that are in place-----

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes. These provide for increased superannuation for people in that situation. That is what happened. It was our judgment at that time that this was important in the interests of the organisation, its clients and the taxpayer, and because it was being stated inside and outside this House at the time that this was what should happen.

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: What I must put back to the Deputy is, first, the fact the Government had to act lawfully in this matter. Second, in regard to the conditions and terms of the person's employment, were the contract terminated there would have been an entitlement broadly in line with what was arranged.

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Excuse me. At the time of the resignation, nobody in this House impugned the person's integrity and no one said it was their purpose to do so.

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Excuse me. I am trying to make the simple point that had the contract been terminated, there were entitlements and accrued pension rights that had to be dealt with in any event.

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: Where a person's contract is not renewed for a second term, there are analogous arrangements in place. It was on that basis-----

Leaders' Questions (6 Oct 2009)

Brian Cowen: I listened. It is the Deputy's decision to interrupt when others speak.