Results 8,481-8,500 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I outlined in my initial reply, Deputy Finian McGrath has withdrawn from the agreement on the basis that he can no longer formally offer support to the Government.

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not being worked through on the basis of his own decision to withdraw support from the Government.

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: That was the basis on which it was provided. I am sure he will continue to make representations and seek to obtain benefits for his constituency as he is entitled to, like any other Member. There is a liaison arrangement, as I have said, with the Chief Whip, who is assisted by a person from my office in dealing with other Independents who support the Government, and they meet from time to...

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I stated in both my original reply and the supplementary, there is a liaison arrangement so the Chief Whip, as he would with Members from all parties, has ongoing contact with regard to the business of the House and any other issues arising that would be of interest to the people who support the Government. The arrangements and contacts are informal and could take the form of a meeting,...

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: In his dealings, the Chief Whip extends courtesy to all Members. Those who support the Government get his particular attention.

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I said in the reply, there is an assistant principal officer who, in the course of the duties he undertakes, helps to liaise with Independent Deputies as required. On the question of agreements with them concerning their support for the Government, as I pointed out here last week, all commitments are predicated on the overriding consideration of trying to ensure that we maintain healthy...

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The main liaison in respect of political arrangements is the Chief Whip, but if a person wishes to contact my office, the normal arrangement is for a designated person to handle it. On the one hand, the Deputy argues that no one should be appointed as liaison, as he or she would not have time to do his or her other work and, on the other, the Deputy states that it takes weeks to deal with...

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: The normal liaising arrangements apply. For the purpose of accuracy, a Deputy's salary equates to that of a principal officer, not an assistant principal officer. The Deputy referred to the decentralisation of the Equality Authority. I do not know from where she got her figures. Last week in the House, I indicated that the amount of money spent in respect of the property aspects of the...

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I reject the Deputy's assertion in respect of the Minister. I answered the other questions he posed in my initial reply. The agreements in question are political in nature and were entered into by my predecessor as leader of the Fianna Fáil Party with individual Independent Deputies. The House is aware that such arrangements have existed for over 11 years. The decision taken by Deputy...

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have just explained that these are political agreements involving the parties in Government and the individuals who support it.

Agreements with Members. (2 Dec 2008)

Brian Cowen: Absolutely. As already stated, the agreements in question are based on the programme for Government, which incorporates the national development plan, approved Government programmes and annual Estimates for capital and current expenditure. The implication regarding the public finances and the need to prioritise the programmes to which I refer is obviously a matter of extreme importance for...

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I always wonder what goes on at Whips' meetings.

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy has often made a fair effort to penetrate that cover. This Bill has yet to be published and considered. As soon as that happens, it is a matter for the Whips to decide when it is taken in the House. Hopefully, with the co-operation of the House, we can introduce it before the end of this year. I look forward to the Deputy's co-operation in achieving that.

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Deputy himself.

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I would hate to think the Deputy might be missed.

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Finance Bill is taken in committee, as Deputies know, and it is open to any Member of the House to attend that committee for the purpose of contributing to it.

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is not a reflection on those who attend the committee. I have been there many times and have had some interesting debates. I agree it is a matter of such importance that perhaps people will be able to find some time to cover it. However, that is a matter for others, not for Members of this House.

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The question of Dáil reform is a matter for the Whips in due course. Getting agreement on Dáil reform is usually a matter of whether the Government is prepared to give further concessions to the Opposition. For the good order of the House, the fact that we are still here on the Order of Business at almost dinner time——

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——does not reflect well on the House.

Order of Business (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: If people wanted to engage in realistic arrangements which would be far more sensible I would always be open to them, but the prospect of getting agreement has never been great.