Results 7,561-7,580 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (25 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We will remain available for dialogue. I am not opposed to social partnership but it must address all the issues and not just some of them.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There are no Departmental remuneration arrangements within my Department which are currently in excess of a benchmarking recommendation or a recommendation from the Review Body on Higher Remuneration. This also pertains to the bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There are no designated economist positions in my Department.

Written Answers — Departmental Programmes: Departmental Programmes (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: My Department is considering the detailed arrangements that will be required to implement the cycle to work scheme provided for under Section 7 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 2008. My Department is currently in discussions with the Government Supplies Agency on how the proposed scheme might be put into operation and the correct procurement procedures put in place.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is a clear need to improve the position of the public finances as a matter of urgency. The proposed pension related levy is necessary to help restore balance. It is the first of a series of measures that will have to be taken in our effort to ensure our economic survival and ability to compete. There is no doubt that it represents an imposition but the public service pay and pensions...

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that could be taken next week.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Later this week.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The second matter is a matter for the Whips. In respect of the first piece of legislation to which the Deputy referred, I do not believe it is possible to indicate a date at this point.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I cannot indicate a date.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that matter is on Report Stage, an advanced Stage of enactment in the House. If there are amendments which the Deputy wishes to put down and if she wishes to pursue a point, I am sure that opportunity can be afforded on that occasion.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The third Bill is due later this year. The Bill to deal with the better regulation agenda is also perhaps due later this year although the party opposite has criticised us for too much regulation not too little.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Fine Gael view has been that regulation has been far too heavy.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Varadkar's spokesperson has spoken.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Some people have a facility to upset everyone in the House equally no matter what side of the House they are on, which is a very good characteristic.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I hope more of the Opposition Deputies develop it, by the way.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: In respect of the first Bill it is due in the next session.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will have to come back to the Deputy to answer that question. The real issue is to make sure that we maintain the benefits up to the years we are talking about at the moment before extending it.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I think the Deputy is referring to the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The commitment was in respect of the IMO issue.

Order of Business (24 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We were prepared to look into that matter in good faith to see if there was a way around that but it was not extended to others.