Results 5,881-5,900 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: We are talking in the dark in that I do not believe the Deputy's proposals are the means by which we can maintain jobs to the greatest extent possible while at the same time restore order to our public finances. That is my view; the Deputy has a different one. The people have spoken and this House reflects that.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have replied.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I set out for the House the information provided to me for the live register figures which were to be published at 11 o'clock. Normally, that figure is not given out until it is officially announced. I have no problem, however, in giving it at 10.30 a.m. if asked. The seasonally adjusted arrangement is a well known-----

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not making any distinction. Any extra person going on the live register is a bad day.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a bad day for Ireland.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy McCormack should stop playing word games. I am not suggesting matters are great when the unemployment rate is at 418,000.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: As far as I am concerned, the figure is way too high. There is no argument about that. I am simply making the point that in June, as everyone knows, many people come on to the live register. A large proportion of the increase at this time is associated with seasonal factors in the education sector.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not taking comfort in any of these figures, one way or the other. I have given the overall figure, and the increase since the previous month is clear. The seasonally adjusted figure, as will be outlined by the CSO, relates to the fact that June has a particular characteristic attached to it of which everyone is aware

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not getting into word games with the Deputy.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is far too many in any event. If it were 40,000 or 100,000 fewer I would not take any comfort from it. There is no argument in it.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have told the Deputy the figure.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: Regarding Deputy Higgins's question-----

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kehoe has a problem.

Programmes for Government. (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is a parliament, not a kindergarten.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: The figures are due out at 11 o'clock. When seasonal factors are taken into account, the live register for June is estimated at 413,500, a month on month increase of 11,400, up 2.8% since May 2009. It is the slowest rate of increase since January. Obviously it is still clear that the unemployment situation continues to be affected as we implement the three necessary aspects of recovery -...

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the public capital programme, it is our intention to spend about 5% of GNP, one of the largest ratios in the developed world for capital spending as a proportion of total goods and services being provided in the State in any given year. The €7.3 billion represents the equivalent of 5% of GNP, one of the highest ratios in the world. It is important that we continue that programme over...

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: As I said, I take no pleasure from the fact that unemployment is rising in our country at any time. People have asked what the trends are and I am telling them what they have been from January to May. I am stating that as a fact.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: One takes no pleasure whatever in anyone's losing his or her job, but it is important to point out the trend. It is clear from the strategies outlined and the models that have been projected for Ireland's economy based on the current world situation that unemployment will continue to rise, unfortunately, before things get better. We must do everything we can in terms of short-term measures...

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2009)

Brian Cowen: In answer to the Deputy's question, we will continue to take whatever structural and short-term measures are necessary to alleviate the situation.