Results 8,661-8,680 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance indicated in his budget the bodies which may be merged or dissolved depending on the various proposals he announced. These will be the priority for Government in the immediate future. As to what other proposals may arise, that is a matter for the Government to consider at any time. I cannot give the Deputy a date on which the implementation plans will be available....

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: On the legislation, I understand the Tánaiste indicated yesterday that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform would sponsor the Bill as soon as the Attorney General's work has been completed in the matter.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We were aware that there are various aspects to this issue and it was the view of many Members of the Opposition that we should ascertain whether it was possible to introduce a composite Bill. The issue was examined by Government and we decided to try to take that route. As I indicated, the Attorney General continues to work on the matter. A legislation committee meeting will take place...

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Bills referred to by the Deputy, including legislation on lone parents, will be taken next year. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is before the Seanad.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy is referring to the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, Report Stage of the legislation is before the House.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy should ask the Minister.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate at this stage.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The first item of legislation to which the Deputy referred, regarding EirGrid and the transfer of assets, is due next year. Expected publication date of the education (Ireland) Bill is next year, as is the education patronage Bill and the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, that is correct — my apologies.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is correct.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the publication date for those Bills is next year.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It will not be by way of the Finance Bill, but rather through separate legislation. The European Commission will have to be notified.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: My understanding is that the Bill is awaiting Committee Stage. It is a matter for the Whips to decide where it will go from here.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware of the specifics, except to say that whatever requirements are needed to enact the Social Welfare Bill will be implemented.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware that it is promised.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: No decision has been made.

Order of Business (19 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will be notified in good time.

Written Answers — US Presidential Election: US Presidential Election (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together. On 5 November I sent a message of congratulations to President-elect Barrack Obama, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland. I subsequently wrote to the President-elect offering him our congratulations on his historic election victory. I also extended my best wishes to Vice President-elect Joe Biden. I anticipate speaking...

Written Answers — Ministerial Staff: Ministerial Staff (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table. Name Title Annual Salary Rank (Civil Service equivalent) € Joe Lennon Programme Manager/Special Adviser 221,929 (Secretary General) Gerry Steadman Special Adviser 131,748 (Assistant Secretary) Brian Murphy Special Adviser 131,748 (Assistant Secretary) Declan Ryan Special Adviser 94,785 (Principal Officer)...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: 22 former members of staff from my Department have already been assigned to decentralised posts. The grades of these former staff are as follows: 4 Assistant Principals, 3 Higher Executive Officers, 2 Administrative Officers, 5 Executive Officers, 2 Staff Officers and 6 Clerical Officers. There are no proposals to decentralise my Department. It is a matter for those Departments to which...