Results 8,461-8,480 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Departmental Expenditure. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: In respect of what heading?

Departmental Expenditure. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not sure where the Deputy is obtaining those figures, but on the specific question of expenditure on consultancies, there has been no spend in my Department's administrative budget on PR between January and October 2008. However, the National Forum on Europe spent €108,182 on public relations as at 31 October 2008. Expenditure on consultancy services by my Department as at the end of...

Departmental Expenditure. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not sure from where the Deputy is getting those figures. I will have to come back to him in a written reply because the subhead in regard to that matter is A7 and I do not agree with the figures he is quoting. The Revised Estimates provision under A7 for 2008 is €275,000. The expenditure to 31 October 2008 under that heading is €103,000, which is 37.5% compared to the amended...

Departmental Expenditure. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I stated, the total saving resulting from the July decisions is approximately €740,000. I have already answered the question on consultancy; the budget has been reduced by 50%. I gave a detailed reply to specific questions on that matter asked by Deputy Kenny. Up to the end of October 2008, the Moriarty tribunal has spent €3.302 million. While it is expected the second and final...

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Exchequer returns are due for publication this evening, as the Deputy knows. If they are not exactly as outlined in the budget, further measures will have to be considered.

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: As Deputy Kenny is aware, we are experiencing a sharp deterioration in the economic situation internationally and that obviously affects an open economy like Ireland's, as any other. The Government's approach has been to invest over €8.2 billion in direct Exchequer funding in a capital investment programme, together with the possibility of up to a further €800 million in public private...

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Expenditure for 2008 is broadly in line and we estimate that the reduction in overall revenues over those projected will be approximately 13%. November is a disappointing month and next month will be also. It reflects not just the situation in the construction industry but also, more broadly, a slowdown across the economy which we have all observed in recent times. Economic forecasters...

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That deterioration must be addressed by the Government examining further programmes to see in what way we can ensure that going into next year, as challenging as it may be, we can seek to stabilise finances further. The Deputy mentioned further borrowing in order to borrow our way out of a problem, but that is not necessarily a lesson that remains unlearned in this country. We must recognise...

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regarding VAT, the big issue in terms of trade flows is the exchange rate between sterling and the euro.

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: While the UK's standard VAT rate will have an impact on the price differentials between North and South in respect of some goods, it should be pointed out that the UK has increased excise duties on alcohol, cigarettes, petrol and diesel to offset the 2.5% reduction in VAT on those items. Approximately half of the value of goods and services purchased in the State are not subject to the...

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: No. The Opposition opposed various taxation and expenditure measures that we introduced to address the budget deficit on the current side.

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is projected to be 6.5% rather than 5.5%

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That will be outlined now.

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: If I had the exact figures——

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: By 6.5%.

Leaders' Questions (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Approximately €2 billion.

Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 7, motion re referral to joint committee on proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2008; No. 2, Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and No. 20, Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 — Second Stage (Resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in...

Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: This is a matter for the relevant committee in the first instance. If, upon its return, there is a need or a request for a short debate, we could try to accommodate it.

Order of Business (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I understand it, the issue of stem cell research was discussed recently in the Seanad during Private Members' time. No legislation in this area is promised on the Government side. On the legislation dealing with medical cards, the Bill concerned was brought before Government this morning and approved and can be dealt with subject to agreement by the Whips. On Deputy Kenny's call for a...

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together. These are political agreements that my predecessor entered into as leader of the Fianna Fáil Party with individual Independent Deputies. I have confirmed to those Deputies concerned that I will continue to implement those agreements. The House is aware such agreements have existed for over 11 years. The House is also aware of...