Results 8,081-8,100 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: If he is asking whether, if there is agreement on a framework document, he will have a copy of it, he will because it will be published.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is in order to ensure that what is known as a dispute resolution committee is set up under section 159 of the Residential Tenancies Act, which empowers the board of the Residential Tenancies Board to establish such a committee and to delegate functions and appoint members to that committee. It came to the attention of the Department that the three-year rule set out in section 159(2) was...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: If there are challenges, the whole question is to deal with this matter adequately and not put at risk the work they have done heretofore.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refer to the first matter raised by the Deputy. The issue of an opportunity to discuss the economic situation of the country was unanimously sought by everyone when we returned to the House and was, therefore, accommodated. I do not determine the length of negotiations or discussions taking place with the social partners, in terms of how the Government is trying to address this issue as...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The discussions continue, they are ongoing as we speak

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Discussions are taking place. It is not available for publication to anyone until it is are signed off and agreed, because it forms the basis of discussions and it is a framework. There may be others who have a different view on how to proceed, but I believe this is the way we should proceed. This is what I believe we should do and this is what we are doing.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: If and when there is a basis for agreement it will be available for debate and discussion in the House. That is the situation. The Parliament asked for the debate this week and it is possible. We can also debate other matters during other weeks, there is no problem with this.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: That is the difference. The whole purpose of this approach is to try to see if we can build a consensus around which we can try to address the problems facing the country. If some parties have no belief in that process, that is fine. That is their view. The Legislature is and will be involved on an ongoing basis.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: On the ongoing basis of dealing with the problems of the country in the months and years ahead. That is the situation. The Opposition cannot have it every way.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It wants a debate in the House so let us have it. If we come to the basis of an agreement about how to proceed, we can have a debate on that also in the future, that is not a problem.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: Let us deal with the issue as it is and in the way people asked, that is, that there is a debate on the economy this week. Let us do so.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I refer to the second question asked about the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Draft Bill 2009. I must ask the Chief Whip to contact the Deputy regarding that matter as I do not have the detail before me. What was the third issue raised?

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: These issues relate to decisions to be taken by Government in due course and which will determine those issues. There is also the opportunity of incorporating whatever changes we introduce on the expenditure side into the Revised Estimates volume, which we believe should be available by early or mid-March.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: No, I am simply telling the Deputy and explaining the situation.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I am simply explaining the situation as it stands at the moment.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The other question asked related to the banking situation. There will be an opportunity for the Joint Committee on Finance at the Public Services to meet at an appropriate time to deal with those issues and hold a question and answer session; that is why we have the committee system. That can be arranged in due course at a time that is appropriate to everyone.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will answer any question, there is no problem. I refer to what is before us tomorrow for debate, namely, the economic situation of the country. The Government has set its framework for economic renewal.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: It has clearly said it will take €2 billion in savings out of expenditures this year. The Government has met to discuss the matter and will finalise arrangements next Tuesday and then make an announcement. In the meantime, we are in discussions and engaging with the social partners to inform us regarding the choices we wish to make in that matter, and to build support for the effort in...

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: The matter is clear. The Government has indicated the timescale and it is adhering to it. Perhaps to the disappointment of some people we are making some progress.

Order of Business (27 Jan 2009)

Brian Cowen: This is ridiculous.