Results 6,141-6,160 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not kicking it to touch. What I am not doing is going straight to the Deputy's position. I am ensuring that we will proceed with these matters in an appropriate way-----

Leaders' Questions (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Excuse me. A speech was made yesterday and I have not had the opportunity yet to read it. I do not make up policy on the basis of not having read what a person has to say.

Leaders' Questions (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have indicated my general disposition on these matters. I have welcomed much of what has been said, and I have said that the Government will consider this matter and proceed. I am sorry if we do not make it up on the hoof overnight.

Ministerial Travel. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. Air Corps aircraft are only used by Ministers where I consider it appropriate. This has always been the case during my time as Taoiseach and the position has not changed. Procedurally, requests for use of the service are made by Ministers' private secretaries to my office and are dealt with, in the first instance, by the staff of my...

Ministerial Travel. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have to come back to Deputy Gilmore with that information, I do not have it to hand. The service is used sparingly, as required. I outlined the procedure in my primary reply. I have had to say "No" on occasion.

Ministerial Travel. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: These are matters that must be dealt with by the Minister for Defence. I do not have information that goes beyond the remit of the original question. One must be mindful of the costs involved in conducting Government business and that is done. It is not possible for any Government in modern times to do its business without the availability of its own craft. The idea that we should be...

Ministerial Travel. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe they were used specifically for that purpose. If a person was on official business that Sunday-----

Ministerial Travel. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am not suggesting it was but if Deputy Ring will listen to what I say he might have an understanding of my point of view. If people are on official business in the morning and the helicopter is returning to base and someone wants to be dropped off at a match I do not see that as outrageous. If people are using the helicopter for official business and it is going back to base people can be...

Ministerial Travel. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have not suggested it is official business. Helicopters are only used when Ministers are on official business but a person may be dropped off as the helicopter is returning to base.

Ministerial Travel. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is available for official business and we all have a view to use it to the minimum requirement. There are times when it is essential to doing business. That applies to all Ministers and all of us seek to utilise these facilities bearing in mind the taxpayer and the need to do one's job.

Freedom of Information Requests. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, together. My Department received two freedom of information, FOI, requests in March 2009, 31 in the first four months of this year and 37 between the start of the year and the end of May. In response to the second part of Deputy Gilmore's question, I have included below a table showing the numbers of FOI requests received in my Department...

Freedom of Information Requests. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: In my then capacity I did not believe them excessive, nor do I believe them to be excessive now.

Freedom of Information Requests. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: The greatest extension we have ever seen of freedom of information took place during my time at the Department of Finance in terms of the number of agencies and organisations now subject to its requirements. We are in a position to consider many recommendations favourably but I do not agree with the commissioner on the question of fees.

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 11, inclusive, together. I attended the Eastern Partnership summit in Prague on 7 May. The summit marked the formal launch of the European neighbourhood policy, Eastern Partnership, by the heads of state and government of the EU member states and the six partner countries. Under the initiative, the EU will develop relationships, including trade, with...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Independent of Commissioner Spidla's views, which we welcome, we are involved in trying to work with social partners in devising a scheme helpful to viable but vulnerable businesses. We shall see how that can be developed and discussion is ongoing. We are trying to make some progress in the area. With regard to increased training places, we are providing an increased allocation of funding...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: Concerning the members of Government who were in favour of the last referendum, there are internal party rules that must be adhered to for a party's position to be established. That is a matter that must be respected and understood. I appreciate the support of the Green Party's Government colleagues in our efforts on a range of European issues, including this particular matter. The issue of...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I thank Deputies Kenny and Gilmore who have indicated their willingness to speak to their respective EU colleagues at the meetings they will attend in the run-up to the European Council on Friday. It is important everyone understands the Irish position is about seeking substance and status of the language in the treaty and to provide reassurance to our people regarding certain concerns...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: First, the basis upon which engagement has taken place with colleagues is that there can be no re-ratification of the Lisbon treaty by other national parliaments. This, therefore, involves the Government obtaining clarifications and confirmation from its colleagues on what is the position in respect of the Lisbon treaty text on those important issues about which very different...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: First, I have indicated my support to President Barroso in respect of his reappointment as President of the Commission. I believe he has been an effective President of the Commission and I support his candidacy. Second, it is envisaged that the method of appointment of the Commission will be proceeded with under the Swedish Presidency. It is envisaged that the Commission will be appointed...

Official Engagements. (17 Jun 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with Deputy Ó Caoláin's characterisation of the "No" campaign. It is not accurate to suggest that his view of events convinced everyone who voted "No". People voted "No" for many reasons. Some people were concerned about the doubts that were raised about various aspects of the treaty. It was claimed that certain things were in the treaty, but they were not in the treaty...