Results 5,861-5,880 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputies opposite are not prepared to reciprocate, I will not answer the questions. What would be the point?

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny asked me if the Government would axe the school building programme. We have no intention of axing the programme. We have a school building programme that is-----

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: Here we go again.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: The record will show what Deputy Kenny asked.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: To say a few words.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny raised a number of questions about the programme for Government. He asked about specific issues and the status of policies in the programme. He sought a commitment that we were not going to axe school-building next year. There is a rule in the House that specific questions are referred to the relevant line Ministers. However, I have no problem in dealing with the questions to...

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: They are but Deputy Enright will acknowledge that there has been considerable progress in that area in recent years.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: From memory that might cover some of the questions Deputy Kenny raised.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: As regards Deputy Gilmore's questions, first, the review of the programme for Government will be formally undertaken when the Dáil rises. It will be based on prior consultation that has taken place within the parties themselves to progress the review of the programme over the course of the autumn. When the Dáil resumes for the next session, as envisaged in late September or early October,...

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: The decision to review the programme for Government was made at a Cabinet meeting in recent weeks. As far back as March, I indicated that the changed economic circumstances were such that priorities had to be reset. I also made the point that all programmes for Government contain a paragraph which confirms that the delivery of these programme commitments are subject to stable public...

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: The working method to be decided by the parties will emerge, based on the political discussions that will take place between now and the autumn. We will come forward with a reviewed programme before the return of the Dáil in late September. The method to be adopted is a matter for the parties concerned, and we will proceed on a pragmatic basis. We intend to maintain majority support for...

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I remind the Deputy that when we came into office the rate about which he spoke was equivalent to €93 per week. We increased it. I never suggest social welfare rates provide a great standard of living for people who are dependent on them and that is why we must be very careful about how we proceed and protect the most vulnerable in our society to the greatest extent we possibly can in the...

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: We must confront the people with this. These are the difficult choices. Whoever has the privilege of having a seal of office in this democracy will have to face the same choices and issues.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am all for having a rational debate but if we are not going to have one and if some people are immune from having to face these realities, put forward a proposition-----

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----and make commitments left, right and centre before they sit down and work out how we will get through this difficulty, I do not believe, nor do I think many of the people believe, there is any reality to that.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: We must set out challenges and debate these issues in the coming months. Let us do so on the basis that we are trying to come forward with an outcome which gets us through this. The current financial position would not be accepted by anybody taking up the responsibilities we hold. If that is the case, the clear implication is that one cannot maintain this level of spend on the basis of the...

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has his view but his view has the luxury of Opposition.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: He can suggest that everything can be kept ticking along, we will find some way through, we will sort it out somehow and €25 billion will be found somewhere next year and another €25 billion the following one.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I know the Deputy has.