Results 7,261-7,280 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: For the purpose of accuracy, Deputy Gilmore's first reference to the €2.5 billion to €3 billion shortfall was related to the Exchequer returns, which were to be officially announced within 15 minutes. Obviously, I provided that information to the Deputy. The shortfall was estimated by the Department of Finance regarding revenues at that point. That is what the Exchequer returns are...

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I know that.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have indicated as of the end of February what the Department of Finance estimate of the shortfall will be, that is, between €4 billion and €4.5 billion between expenditure and taxation. It is now a matter for the Government to decide based on the trends we have seen——

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy McCormack should allow me to address Deputy Gilmore. I have already answered his Leader.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I realise he is very positive at all times, constructive and highly intelligent.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The situation is that €4.5 billion is the estimate based on Department Estimates at present. The Government must make a political decision on the final figures that we believe to be prudent in the circumstances. There is no sighing about the matter, it is the truth.

Written Answers — National Security Committee: National Security Committee (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Having regard to the confidential nature of the work of the National Security Committee, it would not be appropriate to disclose information regarding the number of meetings of the Committee. The Committee is chaired by the Secretary General to the Government and comprises representatives at the highest level of the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Defence and Foreign Affairs...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: There are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the bodies under its aegis.

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The amount paid in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 and 2008 by public servants in agencies under the remit of my Department is set out in the table below. Year Body Superannuation and pension contributions paid â'¬ 2007 National Economic & Social Development Office 7,728.34 2008 National Economic & Social Development Office 9,869.94

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The amount paid by staff in my Department in superannuation and pension contributions in 2007 was €286,488.33 and in 2008 was €384,828.47.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: My Department does not currently have a professional accountant post, although such a professional qualified accountant has been employed in the past for the duration of major financial management projects such as implementation of the MIF Project. My Department does not maintain detailed records of staff qualifications, however, at least one staff member is a fully qualified accountant.

Written Answers — Departmental Advertising: Departmental Advertising (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The following details the cost of public advertising funded by my Department, and bodies and offices under the aegis, broken down between statutory and non-statutory, in 2008: Name Statutory Non-Statutory â'¬ â'¬ Department 16,437 33,752 National Forum on Europe Nil 825,349 NESDO Nil 497,002 CSO Nil 42,944 Law Reform Commission Nil 31,640 Change Management Fund Nil 43,318

Written Answers — Departmental Schemes: Departmental Schemes (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The purchasing of bicycles under the scheme must comply with the procurement regulations. The circular governing the administration of the scheme will issue shortly from the Department of Finance, once the appropriate tendering system is in place. My Department and the agencies under it will address the implementation of the scheme when the relevant circular has issued.

Legislative Programme. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. My Department currently has one item of legislation on the A list of the Government legislation programme — the Statute Law Revision Bill. This is the latest element in the statute law revision project. In preparation for the Bill, work has been completed on the analysis of local and personal Acts up to and including 1850 and...

Legislative Programme. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The need for regulatory reform is important and the issue is receiving priority in the Department of Finance. The Minister intends to bring forward proposals quickly as change is required to the legislative base on which the institutions were set up. We have outlined the changes envisaged and the Minister will bring his proposals to Government as soon as possible.

Legislative Programme. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: As soon as it is brought to Government and approved, it will be published and brought to the House as quickly as possible. The issue is being given priority in the Department. The idea is to set up a central banking commission that would incorporate Central Bank functions and the regulatory aspects of the Financial Regulator's work. The consumer affairs aspect of the Financial Regulator's...

Legislative Programme. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Since this Government came into office on 14 June 2007, 43 Bills have been enacted. Given that the previous Dáil brought forward a large amount of legislation, approximately 204 Bills, so there was not a large overhang of Bills on this Dáil. To a great extent, the legislative programme of the previous Dáil was completed. Therefore, much of the legislation coming before the House must be...

Legislative Programme. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The legislation to which Deputy Gilmore referred specifically in his question is being drafted at present and it is hoped it will be ready for the next session. It is very involved legislation and it has many aspects spanning many Departments which has added to its complexity. I do not take away from the need to deal with it as urgently as possibly. The assistant secretary of my Department...

Legislative Programme. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Níl a fhios agam an bhfuil gá le Bille chun an chéad fhóram a luaigh an Teachta a chruthú. Is cinneadh polaitaíochta, idir an Tuaisceart agus an Pharlaimint seo, atá i gceist. Ba mhaith liom an gcomhrá sin a chomhlíonadh chomh luath agus is féidir chun go mbeidh cinneadh againn agus go mbeimid in ann dul ar aghaidh leis an eagraíocht a bhí ar intinn againn i gcomhaontú 1998....

Legislative Programme. (10 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: We have a voluntary system of industrial relations in this country. Partnership has been the means by which consensus has been built up for legislation that would enhance conditions in the workplace and assist in the maintenance of orderly industrial relations that one would expect in this country, given the importance of harmony in the workplace and the wider social policy objectives set...