Results 8,021-8,040 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: If we are talking about using our time more——

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I respect the fact that everyone is entitled to ask whatever question he or she wants, but the parliamentary question procedure provides better clarification for Deputies on the detail they require than the Order of Business.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It may be possible to resume Second Stage of that Bill next week. We are dealing with the economy this week. It will be subject to discussion with the Whips.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is hoped to take it this year. I cannot be any more specific than that.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: That may be secondary legislation. I will inform the Deputy later about that.

The Economy: Statements (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I welcome the opportunity at the beginning of the new Dáil session to address the current economic challenges facing this country and to outline the Government's strategy in response. We are facing the most difficult global economic conditions in 70 years. The most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression is taking its toll, for example, on the US economy, now in the middle of...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——a specific question has been asked and I want to clear any doubt about the matter. As a result of the due diligence process recently undertaken on behalf of the Minister, certain matters in connection with transactions involving the Quinn stake in the bank came to the attention of the Minister which may warrant further investigation by the Financial Regulator. Anglo Irish Bank has now...

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together. The Government announced in July 2008 that Departments and State agencies in general were to make a 3% payroll reduction by the end of 2009. The Office of the Chief State Solicitor and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions have informed me they can meet this reduction without affecting existing levels of service. I am...

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The DPP indicated it is not the case that he will not be able to function, but that he will be forced to hand back District Court prosecutions to the Garda. He went on to say that this was "not desirable". We do not have provision for making up the 3.5% increase that currently stands in the pay agreement and which is to fall due from September. We must continue to monitor the situation as...

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy's final contention has not been suggested by anybody, even in the context of outlining whatever prospective difficulties and problems those offices may have. What was suggested is that instead of the DPP taking certain prosecutions those would be handed to the Garda to prosecute. That is what was said. The DPP indicated that this is not the optimum position. I acknowledge and...

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept that the 3% payroll cost reduction is a drastic cut. In fact, some of the criticism from the other side of the House has been that it is insufficient. I know Deputy Flanagan's interest as justice spokesperson for his party is with regard to the efficacy of the prosecution service, and he makes the case. The point we would make is that in late 2006 the Department of Finance...

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept that. The vacancy that is being filled in late February or early March is a librarian post, which I am sure is important in itself in terms of organising data processing, the availability of case law and so on. That is the position——

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: That has been filled. It is often the case, given that approved posts and casual vacancies occur all the time for a whole range of reasons, that whole-time equivalent vacancies are available. Obviously, people work within their budgets, which is a common feature of all HR issues in Departments.

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Obviously, these are all issues that will be considered closely by the Minister concerned, by our Department and by the Minister for Finance on an ongoing basis as we seek to effect economies and savings across a whole range of activities. The 3% payroll costs cut, compared to what will be required in the years ahead, is a minor imposition, to be frank, and we must see it in that context....

Criminal Prosecutions. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: We examine all these issues, but the question is put in terms of people re-offending on bail. One of the criteria laid down for the refusal of bail is the prospect of re-offending. Under our system, the decision of whether to grant bail is made by an independent judge. We cannot decide on that. If such a danger exists, the case is made to the court. It is a matter for the Judiciary to...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 to 8, inclusive, together. The total allocation for my Department in the Estimates set out in the budget for 2009 is €36.269 million. This is an overall decrease of 14%, some €5.871 million, on the 2008 Revised Estimate allocation. This decrease includes the transfer of the information society and e-inclusion functions and associated funding of...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Can the Deputy repeat that, please?

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not have the specific information available in terms of the Minister for State and my constituency office. I will have to get that for the Deputy and correspond with him. I cannot anticipate Government decisions regarding any savings made in the days ahead until they are made. There was a small provision for the Moriarty tribunal. I am not aware that public hearings are being...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refer to subhead F and the costs of the Moriarty tribunal 2009. As the Deputy stated, €7.516 million was provided. That provision relates to the running costs of the tribunal in 2009 and the costs which are estimated to arise in 2009 regarding the completion of the tribunal's work. It is expected to include reporting costs and some element of award of legal costs. As it is not...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refer to the first question regarding the forum. It will meet in working group session. I understand it has decided to meet in a working group session rather than in plenary session as it is more effective. Obviously, an allocation has been made to it this year, within which one hopes it must operate. Second, in respect of the Moriarty issue, that matter is being dealt with by Mr....