Results 7,541-7,560 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——over the next few years in regard to taxation and expenditure.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We have begun the process by introducing savings of €2 billion. We have also indicated through the McCarthy committee, which is examining all areas of public expenditure, and the Commission on Taxation——

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——that all aspects of taxation will need to be considered. We have agreed a framework with the social partners which outlines the areas we need to address.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We do not have a basis for re-engagement at the moment but we are clearly making the point that the Government must get on with governing the country. We want to see people get behind us in a national effort.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: What we have to do is to cut through the nonsense and face up to the fact that it is only through working together that we can implement the necessary measures.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We are committed to doing so and we will do so. Deputy Kenny agrees with many things in principle, yet he comes here and opposes everything in practice.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe industrial relations strife or strikes will contribute very much towards addressing the problems we have. They will contribute nothing, in fact. I recognise the right, in a democratic society, of any person to withdraw his or her labour or to protest; that is entirely within our democratic way of life. However, it does not add anything to the situation.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the question of discussions with the unions, I outlined before Christmas my preparedness to enter intense discussions during the month of January to consider a comprehensive framework for addressing the current issues, which was agreed on 28 January with the social partners. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach a consensus on the first item, which was the necessity, as I have...

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: What I have heard is agreement in principle with regard to the €2 billion but not agreement to proceed as we have outlined. I have said constantly, and I remain of the view——

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——that the partnership process has much to contribute in the context of the economic and financial crisis that confronts us. I agree with David Begg that it would be unwise to resume formal negotiations unless there is a reasonable degree of confidence that agreement on all the central elements can be found. While I remain available for dialogue with the social partners, the basis for a...

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree with Deputy Gilmore in one respect but disagree in another. I agree in respect of the belief I have stated clearly in this House, on the numerous occasions on which I was accused of prevarication and being unprepared to make the necessary decisions or of holding discussions that were going nowhere, that the best way of solving the crisis facing this country is for everyone to get...

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: All the baggage has to be left outside the door.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It has to address not only——

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have listened respectfully to what Deputies have said and I am entitled to give my answer to the House.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Excuse me Deputy McCormack, you are not involved in the conversation at the moment. I say that respectfully.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am trying to answer Deputy Gilmore because a serious point is being made. I do not want to come here and simply roll up my sleeves, as he suggested. That is not my purpose. It is a reference to a political point that was being made.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We cannot abdicate our responsibility to make decisions in a timely fashion. The criticism of those in Opposition was that we were not making decisions quickly enough. I made it clear at the outset of the discussions in January that we had to make decisions by the beginning of February and we all understood that. There was no question of people not understanding that to be the case. Pay...

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Our ability to compete in the new situation in which we find ourselves has to be addressed. These issues all form part of a comprehensive programme.

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: If we are prepared to be radical on all fronts, we can sit down and find a solution to the problem. I agree that would be in the best interest of the country but in the meantime the Government must continue to govern and to make the necessary decisions. I do not act on the basis of not seeking co-operation and agreement but because I believe these are the best means by which we can...

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is our position and, as David Begg said this morning, it is unwise to resume formal negotiations unless there is a reasonable degree of confidence that agreement on all essential elements can be found.