Results 8,361-8,380 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: If that is his position, then he has changed his position.

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy did, then——-

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: If that is the Deputy's re-established position this morning upon inquiry, then clearly the action that had to be taken was precisely the action that was taken. The consequences that arise from that is the issue with which we are now contending.

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are dealing with it. In dealing with it, the question is about getting the processing industry and those who supply it back into production. It also raises the responsibility we have to assist that process in a way which ensures that the taxpayer is asked to make a contribution that is commensurate to what we can achieve, without leaving the taxpayer open to contingent liability. That...

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——and how the logistics of this can work. We are doing it without the Deputy's prior advice.

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: In regard to a key matter raised by the Deputy, it is open to the local authority veterinary service and the departmental veterinary service in respect of any producers or processors of meat in the organic or other sector to have the source of their supply certified and product available and marketable for sale at any time, and that is ongoing.

Leaders' Questions (10 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government is proactively seeking to safeguard the interests of households that are experiencing difficulties in making mortgage payments as a result of circumstances beyond their control. Our priority is to ensure, as much as possible, that mortgage arrears do not result in legal proceedings seeking home repossession. The Government has insisted that banks participating in the...

Written Answers — Departmental Travel: Departmental Travel (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: My Department and the agencies under its remit are in compliance with the Department of Finance guidelines on foreign travel. My Department has a travel policy which is applicable to all staff and which sets out the policy regarding appropriate means of travel to be used. Foreign travel arrangements are centrally co-ordinated by my Department's Finance Unit which ensures that the travel...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The information requested by the Deputy regarding staff employed in the Private and Constituency Offices of the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at my Department is detailed in the tables below. The Constituency Office of the Minister of State for European Affairs is based in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Office of the Government Chief Whip — Private Office Number...

Report of Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the EU: Statements (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am pleased, in this important week before the European Council, to have this opportunity to address the House on the recently completed report of the Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the European Union. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the sub-committee: to its Chairman, Senator Pascal Donohue, its Vice Chairman, Deputy Timmy Dooley, the members and the many witnesses, all of whom...

Leaders' Questions (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Of course there is an urgency to this, but it is also necessary to show a degree of calm and demonstrate the comprehensiveness of the Government's response as a means of bolstering confidence. We should not project beyond the scientific facts of the situation, because people will start to add two and two and get six, and that is not a good thing, particularly when one is talking about...

Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 6 Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008 — financial resolutions; No. 7, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a Council framework decision amending framework decisions; No. 8, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a Council framework decision on the European evidence warrant; No. 23,...

Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Gas (Amendment) Bill is on Report Stage, which could be taken next week perhaps. I am not sure but it is possible. The shooting in East Wall on Sunday night is a deeply disturbing development. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. O'Kane and the local community. What makes it deeply disturbing is the apparent youth of the people involved. The Garda Síochána is...

Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: A number of important criminal justice issues have been brought forward by the Administration and I am sure there are more to come to try to deal with the problems that are arising in modern society. On the question of anti-social behaviour and anti-social behaviour orders, the legislation requires that a sequence must be followed before one can be issued. This involves formal warnings...

Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the employment agency regulation Bill will be available in January. We appreciate the difficulties faced by people who lose their jobs, particularly at this time of the year, and the Department of Social and Family Affairs has put a range of measures in place to deal with the increased workload. I note what the Deputy said about a particular part of his constituency and I will...

Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The explosives bill is due next year. Since Operation Anvil was instigated in 2005, more than 2,200 firearms have been taken out of circulation and more work continues. There has been an effective rate of success by the Garda in that aspect of its work under Operation Anvil.

Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Department of Education and Science is considering alternative arrangements regarding the education Ireland Bill. The Department and the Government are considering the preparation and the publication of a Bill relating to vocational education committees. The Student Support Bill is awaiting Committee Stage and I cannot give a reason it has not been taken.

Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot give a date next year for the second Bill the Deputy inquired about but the animal health and welfare Bill is in a process of consultation with various stakeholders before it can be proceeded with.

Order of Business (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand it will be published late next year.

Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008: Financial Resolutions (9 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I move the following Financial Resolutions: THAT section 768 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (No. 39 of 1997), which provides for a tax deduction for the acquisition of know-how for use in a trade, be amended in the manner and to the extent specified in the Act giving effect to this Resolution. THAT the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (No. 39 of 1997) be amended in the manner and to the...