Results 7,661-7,680 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Departmental Expenditure. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am reviewing the situation to try and centralise the work. The unit does important work. The Government must be able to deal with the output of the multiple media that exist now, which produce a greater output than even five years ago. We must have an interface with the media to do that job. This unit is part of that interface and it provides services in that regard to the Government....

Departmental Expenditure. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree because I have not yet reached that conclusion. I have indicated the work being undertaken by the unit and the ways and means by which we can get the work done more effectively. I have sought a tender, which is being considered, and we will take it from there.

Departmental Expenditure. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I indicated the salary level in my reply. The total cost is approximately €294,000, but approximately €45,000, on average, is borne by three other Departments with staff seconded to the unit. In previous responses I indicated the number of employees in the unit, namely, two executive officers, one staff officer, a clerical officer and there are two vacancies.

Departmental Expenditure. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: As I indicated in my reply, they provide a function across Departments as well as to the Department of the Taoiseach. The idea is to try and improve communications arrangements for the many demands on Departments on an ongoing basis.

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 6, inclusive, together. An Agreed Programme for Government 2007-2012 is, as its title suggests, a programme of priorities to be delivered over a five-year period. Progress in delivering the programme is kept under review. The Department of the Taoiseach website published, on 24 September 2008, statements regarding the progress made by Departments in...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: We have sought to identify labour intensive projects and we have re-oriented some work being done in this respect, including increasing allocations for schools. A broad estimate of the total number employed through the capital investment programme is 100,000. With regard to local authorities and the question of how one can provide alternatives to receipt of unemployment benefit, Ministers...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I understand that we are making arrangements to lessen the time which those made redundant must wait to avail of back to education schemes. With regard to apprentices, arrangements are being made by the Tánaiste in her Department to ensure those in the process of completing their apprenticeships and who may become unemployed as a result of the downturn can continue with programmes in...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputies should have gone to Mullingar for a cup of coffee.

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I assure the Deputy we intend to complete our tenure if at all possible. The programme for Government is also predicated on balanced public finances and clearly, the crisis with which we are now contending means this is a major challenge and the top priority of any Government. As Opposition parties are finding out, their sums must add up if they want to put themselves forward as a credible...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: When did the Deputy last read Éire Nua?

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There were but I will do the best I can. On the Deputy's first point, on capital investment, we are maintaining capital investment between 5% and 6% of GNP. This is more than twice the average in the European Union. Despite the very serious financial circumstances we face, we have maintained that commitment this year, as difficult as that is, because we believe the capital programme...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy's party will not be doing anything with it but will be happy in the knowledge that it is there. From our point of view——

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry, I did not hear that.

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I hope it is not on the record because I am in possession myself. With regard to oil and gas, we have, pursuant to an Indecon study, changed and updated our oil and gas licensing arrangements in a way that will encourage exploration at the same time as seeking a return for the Irish taxpayer in respect of any resources found. These arrangements have been very much welcomed and are in line...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: All of these capital projects have a labour content but it is clear that school buildings and smaller contracts in regional areas are of assistance to smaller builders. In that context, I refer to the energy efficiency programmes and what is being done in that regard. Money is being allocated by Government for the scheme that has been announced and I understand there has been a good...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have been here a couple of decades myself and there have been changes from time to time. I know the Deputy has a genuine interest in this area. The Chief Whip, Deputy Pat Carey, is working on what proposals the Government will bring to the table for consideration on Oireachtas reform. It is an ongoing item. Unfortunately, I have said in the past that previously Oireachtas reform has...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree. As I said, there is a working party under the direction of the Minister of State, Deputy Pat Carey and some Ministers who have been former Whips themselves can bring some of their experience and ideas to the table also. The working party has met and it will meet again shortly. The Ceann Comhairle, on behalf of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, has also put forward...

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Soon.

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Pre-planning work is under way on the first section of the Ulster Canal to Clones. The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, has been most assiduous in trying to advance that project.

Programme for Government. (18 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There is also some support for the project on the other side of the Border. Co-financing will also be a great help by getting everyone to put in their euro and sterling. That will be a great opportunity to show what North-South co-operation can do. I am sure Deputy Crawford will do all he can in that regard also.