Results 8,281-8,300 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regulations coming within the remit of my Department and Bodies under its aegis have been examined in the context of the Government programme to measure and reduce administrative burdens which is being co-ordinated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has identified a number of Regulations which impose burdens on business and in line with...

Written Answers — Departmental Expenditure: Departmental Expenditure (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Better Regulation Unit of my Department is tasked with co-ordinating and monitoring the implementation of the actions set out in the Government White Paper, 'Regulating Better'. In this context, the work of the Unit includes supporting the use of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) across Government Departments in partnership with the RIA Network. In addition, the independent Review of the...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The following tables detail Consultants engaged by my Department in 2007 and 2008 (up to the end of November) that involved the preparation of a report. Details of payment made in 2008 (Jan-Nov 2008) Name of Consultant Report Total Cost € Goodbody A Regulatory Impact Analysis of the Transposition of the Optional Pensions Provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings Directive 7,200...

Written Answers — Regulatory Impact Analyses: Regulatory Impact Analyses (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together. My Department has not been responsible for the production of any new Bills or the negotiation of any new EU Directives in the period since June 2008 and consequently has not produced any RIAs in relation to same in the given period. Since June 2008, two Statutory Instruments relating to the work of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The committees will return to the House on 7 January and be ongoing with their work. International trade missions will also be conducted by Ministers in an effort to secure and maintain jobs and keep markets open for products and services which are fundamental to the State. A special sitting of the House is being suggested to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the First Dáil which will be in...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I hope it will be a dignified occasion to which we can all rise. I look forward to contributing on that day. I do not wish to reopen issues that have been dealt with already in Leaders' Questions but on the whole question of underwriting, EGMs, share issues or prospectuses having to be drawn up, there is a range of issues that must be dealt with under company law before that comes about....

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not correct, in an effort to maintain financial stability, to state this is not the case. We should stick to the regulatory arrangements as they are.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We should allow people to get on with the real economy and maintain some confidence in it rather than suggesting it is not even worth talking about.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the Deputy's question on the recapitalisation issue, it is a matter for the Whips to discuss if people want statements. To hear the views of the House would be no harm and might be helpful. Some statements at some time during the week could be considered, but it is important to point out that timetables are involved. Depending on what type of recapitalisation were to emerge,...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That matter requires the approval of the European Commission as well. We are in discussions at EU level on the proposals that we have so that we can introduce legislation. We were hopeful that we would have it before the end of this term, but it looks more likely that it will be early next year.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, I am not aware of what emerged in the media this morning.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: If a question on its status were asked of the line Minister, it would be helpful.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy can be assured that our interests will be continually defended by the Minister concerned.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That would be a matter for the Minister for Finance to decide in due course. I have not been following the Finance Bill this year as closely I did in previous years, but I understand that it is a matter that can be discussed on Report Stage.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am referring to the question of what are the Minister's intentions. I do not expect——

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will go through the Bills to which the Deputy refers in detail. Dealing with violent crime and murder is an operational matter for the Garda Síochána. The force is devoting many of its resources to dealing with these matters and is enjoying much success in many respects. I do not wish to take away from the seriousness of the ongoing problem but it is not just a question of enacting...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The service plan can be debated in the House at any time after the Christmas recess. More than €14.7 billion is being allocated in respect of the provision of health services next year. Engagement involving management and unions is taking place on the question of how greater flexibility might be obtained in respect of work practices. Such flexibility would avoid the necessity of...

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Opposition is suggesting that we must continue to deliver health services at current levels——

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——then that is at variance with the position of the stakeholders.

Order of Business (16 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am also anxious to protect patients and to ensure that the necessary reforms, flexibilities and efficiencies in work practices will be forthcoming which will ensure that front line services are not affected to the extent indicated by the Deputies — who both assume there will be a "no change" situation.