Results 8,521-8,540 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not agree with the Deputy because Mr. Molloy has been co-operating.

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Deputies are saying that people's integrity will not be impugned. They are aware that in relation to that redaction, it was agreed between the legal advisors of the Committee of Public Accounts and of FÁS, on the basis——

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——of the Data Protection Act.

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is the information that the deputy chairman has indicated to the public.

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: To return to the point at issue, rather than be distracted by these matters, the director general tendered his resignation and I understand the severance arrangements are in line with public sector norms. That is the normal procedure and Mr. Molloy would have that entitlement, the same as everybody else in that position. The board of the FÁS organisation will be meeting this evening. The...

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——and his career over that period commends him as a good public servant. In respect of specific issues, he has dealt with them honourably.

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Tánaiste will report to the Cabinet next week regarding the board and any matter that arises in that context. I wish to make clear that FÁS will continue to co-operate with any ongoing investigations into these matters.

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: My understanding is that the rules regarding travel and subsistence in the Civil Service are set out in circular No. 11-1982 as amended by circular No. 18-2006. In 1998, the Department of Finance issued a letter to all Departments and offices regarding travel. The travel and subsistence policy in FÁS is a matter in the first instance for the board of FÁS and the Department of Enterprise,...

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I said to Deputy Gilmore, the specifics of the expenses regime that would apply to Departments, offices or agencies are under the remit of Departments. In 1998, the Department of Finance issued a letter. To answer the Deputy's question, the Labour Services Act 1987 refers to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Finance. In 1998 the Department of Finance...

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: With regard to any other aspect of the issue, the Tánaiste on her return will report to Government and the Government will decide what, if any, other matters are required here to ensure the full public confidence in those who work conscientiously in this organisation to provide the services which it is statutorily required to provide.

Benchmarking Awards. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. There have been two reports from the public service benchmarking body. The increases recommended in the first report of the body in June 2002 were implemented in my Department as follows — 25% of the recommended increase was paid in June 2003 with effect from 1 December 2001. The total cost to December 2003 was approximately €405,000;...

Benchmarking Awards. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes. It is important that if the agreement is ratified by all the parties to it, we should proceed with it and take into account the situation as it develops. I do not believe it is right to negotiate a deal last month and seek to say it does not apply this month.

Benchmarking Awards. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I was criticised by the Deputy's finance spokesperson last August. He is on the record as criticising me for not having completed a pay deal in August. He made another statement in September welcoming the fact that the pay deal had been completed in September.

Benchmarking Awards. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: In answer to the first part of the question regarding the cost of the pay award, the Government has also made a decision for next year which sees a 4% savings on payroll costs to be effected. This will ensure an additional payment is not being made out of the Exchequer on that basis in respect of any pay deal commitments that need to be dealt with next year. It is important to point out...

Benchmarking Awards. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not accept the assertions made prior to the asking of the question. Regarding the question itself, it is important to point out that the benchmarking process is a big improvement on the previous process, the analogue system of pay relativities. Under that system, when one category of worker obtained a pay award, there was an immediate knock-on effect for related pay categories across...

Benchmarking Awards. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I believe in the voluntary method of negotiation that has built up where people can come to agreement and, in cases where an agreement cannot be reached, they can use industrial relations mechanisms accordingly. That is the right code of practice.

Benchmarking Awards. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government has introduced the minimum wage. Through its tax policies it has ensured low-paid workers have a greater level of disposable income after tax than any previous Government provided. It has taken many of them out of the tax net. Increasing job creation in the past has provided many opportunities. Returning to the question on benchmarking, comparisons are made between the...

Benchmarking Awards. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is important to point out that the benchmarking report did not take chief executive salaries of major publicly quoted companies, it took the lower quarter of a range of salaries as being a fair representation, as far as one can find equivalence in these matters, between the higher paid grades in the public sector and a comparison in the private sector that was appropriate. The...

Programme for Government. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, together. The programme for Government between the parties in Government, and which enjoys the support of a number of Independent Members of Dáil Éireann, was agreed following last year's general election and sets a detailed agenda for Ireland's development to 2012. Much progress has already been achieved in fulfilling the commitments....

Programme for Government. (26 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The programme for Government was predicated on delivering growth rates of 4.5%, which are not in prospect for the immediate period ahead. Therefore, the important paragraph in any programme for Government must be invoked. This is that the primary consideration must be to deal with the budgetary situation and, in that context, priorities must be identified. That would be the case for anyone...