Results 7,881-7,900 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Social Partnership Agreement. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: At last Tuesday's press conference, I was asked what attitude I would take in respect of proposals that might be made in respect of the levy. I indicated that if the scheme had the effect that was being suggested in some quarters, we would examine it. I did not say we would not look at it. Obviously, the substance of any proposal would have to be considered. I made it clear that its...

Social Partnership Agreement. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with the contentions of either Deputy Ó Caoláin or Deputy Gilmore in terms of what they had to say. Deputy Ó Caoláin is the first, I understand, to question the good faith of the partners, including the Government, on the detailed and long negotiations that took place. No one who came out of those talks — people with whom we have been dealing on an ongoing basis —...

Social Partnership Agreement. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will come to that point, but I want to make this first point, namely, that the Deputy is incorrect because he is trying to suggest there was some sort of a predetermined outcome here. That was not the situation. We tried over a period of weeks, as I said we would, to see if it was possible to obtain consensus on the matter. It was not possible, unfortunately, but the Deputy does not have...

Social Partnership Agreement. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: No, it is not just the Government's. The Deputy is wrong on that and he should accept he is wrong.

Social Partnership Agreement. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I have listened to those who represent other interests at those talks, but the assertions the Deputy made were not made by anybody else. Deputies will be aware also that the talks covered a long agenda linked to the headline issues under the framework agreed some days before. Each issue required lengthy and detailed consideration in turn and, in accordance with normal practice in these types...

Social Partnership Agreement. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy suggested it. I heard that it——

Social Partnership Agreement. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: That was suggested within hours of the breakdown. That was the picture that was painted. What was first broadcast on radio, namely, the first couple of inserts on "Morning Ireland", became the picture. That is incorrect. With regard to the points made by Deputy Gilmore, there are instances where the pay agreement is being honoured, or has been paid. As Deputies know, there are...

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together. The procedures my predecessor outlined to the House on use of the ministerial air transport service, MATS, most recently on 22 April 2008, have not changed. The position is that my approval is required prior to the service being used. Procedurally, requests for use of the service are made by Ministers' private secretaries to my...

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Where appropriate, scheduled flights are used by Ministers. In addition, use is made of the ministerial air transport service when it is the only way for a Minister to travel to meetings and carry out his or her ministerial functions. It offers the type of flexibility that scheduled flights cannot provide. It is not tied to set routes or timetables. The jet can also use military as well...

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the specific issue, there was a requirement to meet with the managing director of Dell very quickly in regard to impending decisions and it was the right thing to do in the circumstances. I am informed by the Department of Defence that, in keeping with normal practice in the aviation business, it is not possible to assign an exact cost to any particular mission. However, on the basis of...

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The idea in these modern times that Government business can be conducted without requiring the use of these facilities is not correct. In the interest of getting work done and then returning, it is important they are used. It is also important, where it is appropriate and in line with timings, etc., to use scheduled flights. I have done so myself.

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Specific questions about levels of emissions, etc., should be addressed to the Minister for Defence.

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have that information to hand and will have to get it for the Deputy. The Department of Defence has information on the detailed arrangements regarding the numbers of flights, who goes where and whatever else. In regard to the first matter, a Government jet is necessary to conduct our business. It is not required in all cases or at all times by all Ministers and it is not used in...

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Gulfstream IV has been in service for almost 17 years and is at this point the longest serving aircraft of its type in the world.

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes, thankfully it is.

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Learjet which was purchased some time ago caters for shorter flights to Europe and so on. The Beechcraft is used by the Air Corps for aircraft training purposes. It is not used often, if at all, for travel purposes given, as stated, it is 29 years old. They are the aircraft available. On the Deputy's other question, the Government jet is used from time to time in connection with...

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: As I said earlier, the same regulations apply now as applied in my predecessor's time; there has been no change in the arrangements. With regard to the question of accompaniment, if people are on official visits, it is possible to be accompanied from time to time by one's spouse, although it does not often happen. With regard to the question of the use of scheduled flights, I speak for...

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have to apply my standards to anyone else. The standards are simply applied as appropriate in line with the regulations. I have always used these facilities on the basis of official visits or official work. As I said, the workload for officeholders both at home and abroad is such that on many occasions obtaining a scheduled flight place is not an option, particularly due to the...

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept that. The Minister, Deputy Gormley, was answering a question in respect of a wide-ranging interview on the radio.

Ministerial Travel. (10 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am about to answer the question. The fact that the Minister was responding to a wide-ranging interview and gave his opinion on these matters is fine. These matters are not raised directly with me. However, the question of offsetting the carbon footprint from the use of air travel by Ministers is an arrangement which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has...