Results 6,901-6,920 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will remember that. The work done at Cabinet committees is just part of the wider ministerial work, while Cabinet meetings are where the decisions are made. Cabinet committees have a role, but it is not necessary that they be structured on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Sometimes issues arise where a series of meetings is required at that level before the issue is brought to Cabinet and...

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: The question of banking issues will be brought to full Cabinet.

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: We do not have a Cabinet committee on banking.

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Cabinet deals with all economic issues, including banking, on an ongoing basis. Obviously, some meetings would take place that would not be Cabinet committee meetings, for example, between myself and the Minister for Finance or between myself, the Minister for Finance and other Ministers or people attending from the Central Bank. This depends on the issue of the day or the issue...

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: As I have stated to the Deputy, a detailed implementation plan will have to be devised by the new NAMA organisation as it takes hold and forms. It is under the aegis of the NTMA. As the Deputy is aware, the NTMA has the ability to recruit people in the context of treasury management, which has been very successful-----

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: -----without it being a huge conglomerate. The idea that one would be taking on very many staff is something that has to be considered by the NAMA in terms of what is the best and most efficient way of doing that. It will be a matter for decision by the NAMA. In the first instance, we have to establish an interim board and an interim executive and allow them the time to devise the...

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: The level required.

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: No. Let us be fair. We set out a policy decision and it is important for this country that it proceeds. We will proceed with a detailed implementation plan drawn up by, as I said, the interim board and an interim executive. It is under the aegis of the NTMA. The NTMA has been advising on this matter for some time. That is where we will go. Regarding the question as to what staff will be...

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: No. The question of the number of staff will be as required by the agency.

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: The methodology and means by which it will do that will be outlined in the implementation plan as brought forward.

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is the exact opposite. Is the NTMA a HSE mark 2?

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: Perhaps if it is under the NTMA's aegis, Deputy Gilmore will give it some fair wind.

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: The same old conspiracy theories. It never ends with the Labour Party.

Cabinet Committees. (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: Of course it will be the case that any agency set up for this or any other purpose must act with due legal authority. Therefore, whatever powers are required for it will have to be obtained in this House and elsewhere. That goes without saying. What I have been speaking about here is that in order for the work to begin and for the implementation plan to be drawn up, they must run in...

Appointment of Ministers of State (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: I wish to formally announce for the information of the Dáil that this morning I accepted the resignations of all outgoing Ministers of State. I thank them all for their work in respect of their various responsibilities and for their commitment and support. I also wish to announce for the information of the Dáil that following my acceptance of the resignations, the Government today, on my...

Order of Business (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 3, Social Welfare Bill 2009 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted not later than 10 p.m. Private Members' business shall be No. 63, motion re social welfare Christmas bonus, which also shall take place tomorrow...

Order of Business (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the timetable for legislation, it is a priority for the Government. The purpose of the legislation is to establish and govern the operation of the NAMA. We hope to introduce it in the summer session. Preparation of the legislation for the NAMA management structures and operating procedures will be initiated immediately and run in parallel. The Government will explore the...

Order of Business (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: The first matter was not a matter of political direction from me. I must check the circumstances in which it was transferred. I was not involved in the transfer to other Departments. It may have been an administrative decision. I will check the circumstances and revert to the Deputy. I have no problem answering the question in any event. Regarding the issue brought forward by the Whip, a...

Order of Business (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: No Government decision has been made with regard to either by-election. Obviously, we will consider the matter and I am aware of the timelines involved.

Order of Business (22 Apr 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Government has not yet been asked to formally consider those matters. Until such time as the Minister for Education and Science brings a proposal to Cabinet I am not in a position to anticipate a decision or its consequences.