Results 8,641-8,660 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for Deputy Gilmore if he wishes to criticise the procedures that are being adopted by the sole member of the tribunal. Regarding third party costs, the work of the tribunal following the publication of the report, apart from the winding down of the administration, will entail mainly dealing with issues of costs. The extent of any third party cost process will depend on the...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: In the body of the initial reply I gave the cost to date of the inquiry about which the questions were tabled. The cost to date up to 31 October is €33.768 million. More generally, a former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform introduced the Commissions of Investigation Act, which can be a more appropriate means of dealing of some of these matters. The tribunals of inquiry...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: All I can say to the Deputy is that the Oireachtas, when establishing tribunals, must be mindful of wide and comprehensive terms of reference pertaining to matters of great intricacy and complexity which in some cases require worldwide searches in order to reach conclusions. This is the case in respect of some of the issues we have asked the sole member of the Moriarty tribunal to...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I stated, the sole member indicated it is his intention to complete his work by the end of the year. The timetable is now to be subject to a slight overrun but it is more or less on schedule. As soon as submissions have been processed and considered, the expenditure on counsel is likely to begin to reduce significantly. This is the position of the sole member and we must abide by it in...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not have the exact number but I will obtain it for the Deputy.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The daily rate applicable to senior counsels on the Moriarty tribunal is €2,500 per day.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do have not that figure as it was not requested in the question.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: There is not an exact daily cost. There are three senior counsels. I will have to obtain the information on the number of junior counsels.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Sorry, there are two senior counsels, three junior counsels, one legal researcher and one solicitor on the Moriarty tribunal.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot recall the exact arrangements at that time. The general point I make remains. It is not always the most appropriate way by which matters of public interest can be investigated.

International Terrorism. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together. Having regard to the confidential nature of the work of the National Security Committee, it would not be appropriate to disclose information about the dates of individual meetings or any of its proceedings. The committee is chaired by the Secretary General to the Government and comprises representatives, at the highest level, from...

International Terrorism. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are all aware of the aftermath of 11 September 2001 and other more recent outrages, and of the scale and the threat posed by international terrorism. Although there are no grounds to suggest that Ireland is at particular risk, security services maintain a high state of vigilance. They are also in regular contact with other security services and there is an ongoing exchange of information...

International Terrorism. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The National Security Committee does not deal with operational matters which are dealt with by the security services or the Garda Síochána. Having dissidents or any terrorist or paramilitary activity under surveillance is something in which the Garda is thankfully expert and has been successful. People will know that the Garda continues to ensure that such suspects do not engage in any...

International Terrorism. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The National Security Committee was established as a high level forum for mutual awareness and consultation on issues in the area of security. It provides for exchange of information and collective assessment on an ongoing basis. The nature of the committee's work precludes me from giving any more detailed description of its proceedings, with regard to when it meets, etc. Concerning any...

International Terrorism. (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not procedure to discuss when or how often the National Security Committee meets. It meets as required. The pre-clearance facilities to be provided at Shannon Airport are excellent for the airport. I hope they will provide for many more people using it in the future.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 11, Broadcasting Bill 2008 [Seanad] — Financial Resolution; No. 2, Gas (Amendment) Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); No. 3, Arbitration Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and No. 28, Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders that No. 11 shall be decided...

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, it was not the intention to reduce the rate in respect of nursing homes.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, the Minister is simply doing what he said he would do.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The issue can be discussed when the Finance Bill is published tomorrow.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: When the implementation plans of Departments regarding these matters are completed and received by the Department of Finance, it may be possible, taking all factors into consideration, to bring together some of the rationalisation proposals within one Bill, especially where similar issues or timeframes are involved. Alternatively, it may also be possible to bring forward a number of Bills...