Results 7,501-7,520 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The competitiveness issue is an important one. We have indicated to the regulator the need to conduct a review, which is taking place with all parties in this sector with a view to seeing in what way we can ensure that energy prices will be more competitive than is currently the case, vis-À-vis those with whom we are trading. That must be done in the context of the existing regulatory...

Order of Business (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe any of that has been promised as yet, as far as I am aware. As regards the other matter, before the second piece of communications legislation comes before the House for consideration, there will be many opportunities for the Deputy to bring her views to the Minister's attention through parliamentary questions and otherwise.

Order of Business (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We expect that legislation to be published at the end of the week. The other legislation the Deputy asked about is being drafted and should be brought forward in the next session.

Order of Business (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Bill is currently being drafted and will probably be brought forward in the next session.

Order of Business (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It will be dealt with in the Revised Estimates volume.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together. The Government appointed Deputy Carey as Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at my Department and at the Department of Defence. Deputy Roche was appointed Minister of State at my Department and at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for European affairs. As Chief Whip, the Minister of State,...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the first issue, the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, is working with ministerial colleagues, some of whom are former Whips, in regard to the preparation of the Dáil reform programme. Work on the matter is continuing following which the Minister of State will bring the issue before Cabinet and, in due course, before the House for consideration. The Minister of State, Deputy Roche, who is...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The 2007 negotiations in which I was involved related to policy matters in regard to the formation of this Government. On the question of the costs of Government, which is a legitimate issue, my view is that we need to reduce them. One such way of doing so is through reductions in personnel. Another way of doing so would be to reduce the cost of government itself. I believe that is the...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is an issue that arises all the time.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for Government and for the Taoiseach of the day——

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——as to how Government is reformed and represented. We have this year begun the process of public service reform arising out of the comprehensive OECD report. I look forward to achieving the reorganisation of Government that will arise from this. In the meantime, we must ensure the costs of Government are reduced. I have done this by insisting on a 10% reduction in the running costs...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will recall he was a member of a coalition Government in the past. He served as Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries and was, as far as I recall, a good Minister of State——

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The people of Dún Laoghaire are forever in his debt. Deputy Gilmore will be aware that people and parties take various positions. However, what is important is that we reduce the costs of Government. The position I have taken is to ensure this happens not only in terms of payroll costs of Ministers and Ministers of State, who have taken a 10% wage cut and who are also affected by the...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have answered the question. I believe a reduction in the costs of Government is what is at issue.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: One could have fewer numbers and the Government may cost more. Is that regarded as an objective to which the Deputy would subscribe? I do not believe so. This issue is the cost, effectiveness and efficacy of Government. Proposals are put forward in the interests of reducing the costs of Government. All proposals have been considered. I have put forward the means by which we could reduce...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We are straying well beyond, but we are running a country with a GDP of in excess of €200 billion. The current and capital expenditure allocation tops €60 billion and we must ensure that there is proper political accountability for all such expenditure. The issue is what is government costing the taxpayer and how to make it as efficient and effective as possible. It is not left to any...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I reject the patronising nature of some of those comments. The fact is that we must run a Government. This is a modern country with a Government with many responsibilities at home, in Europe, abroad, within Departments and throughout various areas of policy which are being developed. We introduced the idea of cross-departmental responsibilities which have worked very well for the elderly...

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: That takes some doing taking into account the irregularities in the Deputy's quarter.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Oireachtas Commission deals with these matters and then discusses them with the Minister for Finance.

Ministerial Responsibilities. (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe the Houses of the Oireachtas are irrelevant but I do believe we need to update our procedures and reach agreement on how we can do this without anyone trying to jockey for advantage. That is always the problem.