Results 8,041-8,060 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: As I pointed out, part of the decrease in my Department's Vote pertains to the transfer of the Information Society and e-inclusion functions from its Vote to those of the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Finance. The Government considers that the funding would be better expended on the workload in which people in those Departments are involved in this regard....

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Specific questions on pensions issues and similar matters should be tabled as I do not have such information to hand. As for the Mahon tribunal, the question of bringing such tribunals to a conclusion is a matter that has been dealt with by the various responsible Ministers by interacting with the tribunals themselves. As the public hearings now are over, one would expect the commensurate...

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Yes, I have used the steward's house from time to time, as I have required it. While I have not used it regularly, I have used more frequently in the new year than was the case previously.

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will not mind if I go home every now and again.

Departmental Expenditure. (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Given my overriding responsibilities as Taoiseach, the number of staff I have are required to help me do the job given the range of responsibilities that it entails. They are appointed for that purpose and serve me for that purpose.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. a15, statements on delivering sustainable economic renewal and securing our public finances; and No. 9, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000 (Section 5) (Specified Period) Order 2009, to be taken at 6.40 p.m. tonight and the order shall not resume thereafter. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in...

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I did see it.

Order of Business (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Lend me your one.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: We have heard the usual outburst from Deputy Kenny.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: He is looking for the high ground.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: We have also had——

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The catcalling and heckling started before I opened my mouth.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: My job is to set out the Government's position on all these issues.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I remind Deputy Kenny that bringing stability to the banking system continues to be one of the Government's top priorities. This issue is being dealt with by every government in the world that is concerned with the difficulties being faced in the global financial system.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny mentioned that he called for recapitalisation when that approach was being taken in the UK. At that time, I made the point, which I emphasise again today, that the Irish banking system has not suffered from the sub-prime mortgage problem that has been a significant feature of the British banking system. The British authorities had to take immediate steps to recapitalise the...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: While I do not expect that this sort of behaviour will end on the Deputy's part, I reject it with the contempt it deserves.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: In regard to small and medium sized enterprises and first-time buyers, we have indicated the need to ensure there is access to credit lines. This is something in which we are engaged. The availability of mortgage support and mortgage finance is increasing by 30% over last year and by 10% for medium sized enterprises in respect of access to credit lines. The independent directors we have...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I do not know who writes Deputy Kenny's quips but I hope he can get somebody to improve them.

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: In regard to mortgage issues, it is important to point out that the information up to June was that there were some 127 repossession orders out of the total of 1 million mortgages. Thankfully, thus far — this issue is being monitored on an ongoing basis — the number of mortgages in stress is much lower when compared with the situation in the United Kingdom. This is an issue we must...

Leaders' Questions (28 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will be aware there are well established mechanisms to establish the full picture of what went wrong in the bank. The Financial Regulator is carrying out its own investigation and I understand will report back to a committee of this House on the matter. The Director of Corporate Enforcement is also investigating behaviour in the bank. Those two mechanisms available to us are...