Results 7,821-7,840 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Irish-US Relations. (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is not a very naive acceptance. The idea that Deputy Ó Caoláin can ratchet up pressure on one hand and not accept the word of an Administration on the other is naive.

Irish-US Relations. (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is why the Deputy is where he is and we are where we are.

Irish-US Relations. (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is wrong again. It is a question of mutual respect. If one wants respect, one must show it.

Irish-US Relations. (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the basis of the assurances we received and with no evidence to the contrary, I have no reason to doubt the assurances I have received — none. Deputy Ó Caoláin can continue with his suspicions and conspiracy theories as long as he likes, and when he expects to get something done, he can give me a shout. He will be a long time waiting I would say.

Irish-US Relations. (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the question of detainees, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Justice, Equality and Law Reform understand their officials met a senior State Department representative on the matter earlier this week. We have made clear that our general disposition is to be helpful, but we also believe the greatest possible degree of co-ordination at European level would also be helpful. There...

Order of Business (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 1, Charities Bill 2007 — amendments from the Seanad; No. 19, Legal Services Ombudsman Bill 2008 — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 18, Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed). Private Members' business shall be No. 53, motion re hospital services (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. tonight, if not previously concluded.

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is important to point out that these issues with Anglo Irish Bank are the subject of various investigations. This is based on information from the Financial Regulator and the due diligence exercised, which was undertaken as part of the planned recapitalisation of the bank. The information was also provided by the new board of the bank. I am confident the new board, appointed by the...

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The new board is also reviewing all the corporate governance practices of the bank and will put arrangements in place to guide the bank in the future. It is important that Anglo Irish Bank customers and depositors can be sure their savings are being safeguarded. While I understand people's anger about these matters, it is action that will deal with this issue. There is a very serious...

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: As the House knows, we are also in the process of finalising arrangements regarding recapitalisation. The recapitalisation of banks is about ensuring once again that we provide much-needed stability in the banking system for the benefit of the real, wider economy. The portrayal of the recapitalisation policy as being in some way simply for the provision of bankers is incorrect. It is about...

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: On executive remuneration, under the guarantee scheme that was enacted here in September there is a remuneration oversight committee which will report to the Minister for Finance in the coming weeks and which will deal with all of those issues, rightly so.

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: On severance payments for the Financial Regulator, in a reply yesterday the Minister for Finance outlined the factual situation whereby the regulatory authority informed the Minister for Finance that pension benefits are payable in accordance with the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland superannuation scheme. I also understand that the former chief executive had two...

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——which is equivalent to six months remuneration plus an additional two months salary to the former chief executive. That is the decision of the regulatory authority in regard to that particular matter.

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I make the point that we are in a very serious situation that must be handled calmly. Anger alone, while understandable and justifiable in many respects in terms of the history behind all of this, will not be the solution to the problem. Action is needed.

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Government is determined to take that action during the course of today as part of an ongoing response to ensuring we maintain stability in our banking system at a very difficult time internationally and domestically.

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: May I answer the question? The new board of Anglo Irish Bank obviously took a view in regard to this question. Investigations are being conducted of foot of this and that process must be given the opportunity to go through its various stages, which is being done. The investigations are ongoing in regard to that matter.

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the other question regarding the capitalisation of the bank, we are seeking to ensure there is additional credit over and above what was provided last year for business. We made that point in the policy statement we issued in December, calling for a greater amount of money to be made available for first-time buyers and people who wish to take out mortgage commitments. This has been part...

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I absolutely refute the suggestion put by Deputy Gilmore — it is without foundation — that he finds it unbelievable the Government was not aware of these loans. I was not aware of these arrangements.

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: In fact, the board of directors of the bank was not aware of these arrangements. It seems to me that not all members of the board of the bank were aware of those arrangements.

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The point is——

Leaders' Questions (11 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Anglo Irish Bank, which is the bank to which the Deputy referred.