Results 5,921-5,940 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Programmes for Government: Programmes for Government (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is the Government's intention to review all sections of the programme for government. The Government will pursue this work throughout the summer recess. The programme for government makes clear that its delivery is based on a growth rate of 4.5%. It was negotiated prior to the worst global economic downturn since the 1930s. Our review is about ensuring the programme for government...

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am always guided by the Chair. As regards the referendum Bill, The Minister for Foreign Affairs has already spoken to colleagues and spokespersons in the House, indicating that it will be published this week. The Government intends to take it next week. Enacting the legislation will provide us with the opportunity to proceed to the next step of announcing the date. As I have said, it is...

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will appreciate that the Government has a job to do in this respect. I do not anticipate any Government discussion as to how we wish to proceed regarding its recommendations before the report is presented. The group's function is to make recommendations, as has been agreed, and it is a matter for the Government to decide whether to accept recommendations. In the first instance,...

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I cannot verify its accuracy one way or the other. My understanding, however, is that it is not likely to be in July; it could well be delayed somewhat. We do not have any control over that. We will of course deal with it as soon as it becomes available to the Government, but there are matters concerning the finalisation of the report to which I am not privy. As soon as the Government...

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The sale of alcohol Bill will be published later this year. I will have to get back to the Deputy on the secondary legislation.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have to revert to the Deputy on that.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Minister of State has undertaken a visit to Vietnam to discuss this matter with ministry officials over there, as well as with the relevant Minster. There was nothing prearranged about this visit and it is as a result of his intention to do everything that he can to expedite this matter. Meeting these officials face to face is an indication of the sincerity of his intentions. However,...

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that legislation on the improvement of the supervisory and regulatory arrangements of financial institutions will be taken in the autumn.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is intended that Second Stage of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2009 will be taken on Friday, with remaining Stages to be taken next week. I understand the enforcement of court orders (amendment) Bill 2009 will be with the Seanad on Friday and will revert to this House next week.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I can only convey to the Deputy the information that has been provided to me on these issues.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Order of Business allows people to ask about the progress of legislation. I understand the Whips have been informed of the intention of our own Whip to order the business this week and possibly next week as well. The Whip only deals with other Whips and does not deal with everybody else, so that is a matter for internal communication.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will not have that legislation before this session concludes. It is hoped to have it before the end of the year.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have already stated to the House that the purpose of the special group appointed last December to review the scope for reducing or eliminating spending programmes and to look at the recommendations for reducing public service numbers was to help us to return to a sustainable public finance position. That must be considered by the Government in the first instance. I cannot anticipate what...

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have just explained to the Deputy that I cannot give any commitment about publishing a report until it is received and considered by the Government. When the Government receives the report, it will decide in what way it will deal with it. It was commissioned to assist in ensuring that the Government, facing into a very difficult situation, gets a full and comprehensive review of all...

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the question on the Commission on Taxation, that report is due in the autumn. It is a timely report and one which will be given consideration by Government as well——

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——and published in that instance because it is an important policy-related area——

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The report on public service numbers is an issue for Government to consider in the first instance.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will revert back to the Deputy. I do not know.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: All smoking seriously damages one's health. No brands are exempt.

Order of Business (30 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will revert back to both Deputies.