Results 7,981-8,000 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I agree that the purpose is at the time of policy formulation and policy making before decisions are taken to be able to assess the likely impact any proposal would have in terms of its efficacy and how it impacts on business and regulation generally. The report or review indicates that, broadly speaking, this is working well. The use of websites is a matter for each Department. The Deputy...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: There are issues of competitiveness in the economy which are being addressed and which will need to be addressed in the context of the developments in recent days and certainly in the case of the months and years ahead. This has arisen for a whole range of reasons, many of which are not to do with regulatory issues but rather as a result of the depreciation of sterling, other exchange rate...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The independent review of the economic regulatory environment, which is being carried out by the Economist Intelligence Unit, in partnership with Compecon Limited, commenced in May last year and is expected to be completed shortly. It is intended to publish the report following its presentation to the Government. I understand it will be brought to the Government from the middle to end of...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: I broadly agree with Deputy Barrett's comments. The committee system of the Houses should be the forum in which Departments can bring to the attention of the House, either through Question Time, the legislative programme or regular attendance of these committees in respect of these particular areas of responsibility, what European legislation, directives, regulations or decisions are likely...

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The VAT exemption threshold has been increased in successive budgets, a development which was welcomed by the business community.

Regulatory Reform. (3 Feb 2009)

Brian Cowen: The approach has to strike a balance between those who are outside the formal economy and those who are not. When there are thresholds in respect of activity and VAT exemption, the position of businesses which are just above those thresholds and which must submit themselves to the regulatory burden must be taken into account. We must not create unfair competition for those who may obtain an...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The cost of printing reports by my Department in 2008 was €128,747. There were no costs incurred for printing of annual reports during 2008. The approximate cost of posting reports by my Department was €14,130 in 2008. The table outlines the cost of printing and posting reports by offices and bodies under the aegis of my Department in 2008. Office/Body under the aegis of this...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The information requested by the Deputy relating to staff appointed by me since my appointment as Taoiseach on 7 May 2008, are detailed in the schedule: Name Title Annual Salary € **Joe Lennon Programme Manager/Special Adviser **221,929 Gerry Steadman Special Adviser 131,748 Brian Murphy Special Adviser 131,748 *Declan Ryan Special Adviser* 94,785 *Peter Clinch Special Adviser*...

The Economy: Statements (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is fine.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refute Deputy Ó Caoláin's statements in that regard. The purpose of the debate is to——

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——allow for the delivery of sustainable economic renewal and the securing of our public finances. Statements can be made by any Member of this House on those issues. When the Framework for Delivering Sustainable Economic Renewal was launched by the Government, the complaint in this House was that we would not debate it. I said we would have that debate at the first available...

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Of course, it is the tactic of people in opposition to rubbish every initiative that is made.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It was not rubbished——

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: One listens in silence and then hears the cackle of the hens.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am trying to make a serious point. The point I am making is——

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny has made his point and I am now entitled to make my point without interruption. That is the way that the good order of the House works.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is the problem with Opposition Members.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: They expect courtesy to be extended to them, but they give none.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am just telling you about how you are behaving towards me. Not to worry.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The important point to make is that there is an opportunity for the House to give its views on all of these issues in terms of economic policy in the country and on how we can secure our public finances.