Results 8,261-8,280 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the framework plan and what Deputy Gilmore stated about economic recovery——

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: One will not get it here.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Another intellectual giant on the second bench over there.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Whenever they are ready. I would like to answer to the Deputy.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: On the other points raised by Deputy Gilmore, on the question of economic recovery, the Government has based its programme on the agreed programme for Government. A new economic situation has emerged over the past six months and we will set out a framework which will shape the debate around the social partnership talks that will take place in the coming weeks. What we must do is rely on...

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——faces huge challenges, but one that has some strengths it can market and utilise. With regard to the recapitalisation of the bank, I made the point yesterday that the negotiations between Government and banks continue and that we will protect the taxpayer in respect of any exposure in which it involves itself. We will do that in the way that we have done it up until now.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Other countries have welcomed the initiatives that we have taken.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We will continue to protect the taxpayer in the context of trying to maintain confidence and stability in our banking system.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the final matter Deputy Gilmore raised, it is our intention in the Government to continue to lead. It is our intention to engage with the social partners and to provide ourselves with the means by which we can deal with these challenges. These challenges will not be dealt with in the partisan way in which Deputy Gilmore wishes to deal with them. They will be dealt with...

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have already answered Deputy Kenny regarding the health situation and have indicated that the need for more efficiencies and effective delivery of services is a critical part of maintaining services in the health service next year. That is on the basis that €14.7 billion is being made available to the health service, an increase which takes account of the €580 million cost of the...

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy can do all the name calling he wants because he is good at it. That is part of the rough and tumble of politics and I have no problem with it.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: However, I assure the Deputy that the Government will work hard on maintaining this country's reputation as a good economy, a place to do business and a location where enterprise can prosper. We also know that an Irish recovery can only happen when a global recovery takes place because this is an open economy and we are affected by what happens abroad. We are not total masters of our own...

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——when one considers our membership of the eurozone and the fact that exchange rate policy is not decided here.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We also know we have inherent strengths on which we can build. While we experience these difficulties in the economy, can we please desist from suggesting that the past ten years were an illusion and that we did not create the numbers of jobs that were created or improve the quality of life of our people?

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We certainly did these things. We are now facing higher unemployment levels and we need to put in place policies that will help us to deal with the situation. This phase will pass. We have to indicate to the public where this economy can be in a number of years if we take the correct decisions now. I believe the correct decisions — the elephant in the room if Deputies would prefer —...

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not asking the Opposition to be silent. That is a matter for Opposition Deputies.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: They are capable of articulating their own points of view and that is a part of our democracy.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: However, I will not have it said when I defend this Government's record that I am suddenly attacking the Opposition.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am entitled to defend our record.

Leaders' Questions. (17 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It has been a proud record and now that we have entered a new situation, this Government will ensure our response is appropriate to the challenges we face.