Results 8,681-8,700 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Benchmarking Awards: Benchmarking Awards (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Department of the Taoiseach does not, as a rule, administer programmes or deliver services directly to the public. The Department has a different customer base to many line Departments which deliver services to the general public. The role of the Department of the Taoiseach is to provide leadership in the development, implementation and co-ordination of key Government policy areas...

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

Brian Cowen: The average number of sick days taken by staff in my Department during the past three years is listed in the table below. Year Average no. of days lost per employee (excluding long-term illness cases) Average no. of days lost per employee (including long-term illness cases) 2005 4.92 7.80 2006 5.10 6.35 2007 5.50 7.30

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Details of the amount paid to Consultants in each year from 2000 to 2008 (end of October) by my Department, the name of each consultant and work carried out by same are set out in the following tables. Details of payment made in 2008 (Jan-Oct) Name of Consultant Details of engagement Total cost € Department Grant Thornton Forensic accounting services in respect of issues...

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

Brian Cowen: Under the terms of the Civil Service Pensions Schemes, all retiring Civil Servants are normally entitled to an annual pension and a retirement lump sum based on the final salary and years of service. The pension arrangements including calculations and payment of same are a matter for the Department of Finance. The amounts granted to staff retiring from my Department under these entitlements...

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Six weeks ago, we decided on a guarantee scheme to provide improved liquidity in the banking system because we wanted to ensure that sufficient lines of credit would be available to small, medium and large businesses. Were the decision not taken, we would be facing a difficult situation. The situation continues to be difficult. As a result of the scheme's agreement in the House, business...

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I made it clear that the Government will continue to act in the overall interests of Irish business in order to ensure that employment remains at the maximum level and in order to maintain financial stability. We will do so on the basis of the most up-to-date information and accurate analysis of the material provided by those acting on behalf of the Financial Regulator, the Central Bank and...

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Those decisions will be in line with the most up-to-date analysis and information. The market acts on herd instinct and not always on full information.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, but even if Bank of Ireland's shares doubled in value tomorrow, its capital would not double.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The point is——

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am also concerned about jobs. I did not interrupt the Deputy during his contribution.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: What we need to do — this has been happening — is discover the level of impairment going forward in respect of bank loans.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: An investigation in this regard is at an advanced stage. The level of impairment to which I refer can affect the capital of banks. On the issue in hand, namely, Irish business, the real question that arises is how we can ensure that lines of credit will be made available. We do so by ensuring the banks' business plans are adequate in this regard.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The other matter, which is separate from this one, relates to the capitalisation of the banks. All options are being considered in this regard.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Financial Regulator has kept the Government briefed on the report, which was a work in progress until today. The Governor of the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland will be meeting the Minister for Finance later this afternoon — if he has not already done so — to outline the position in full. It is important to point out that despite many statements to the...

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It was not right. It provided the means by which access to liquidity could be provided to the Irish banks at a time, six weeks ago, when a real problem existed and continues to exist. The issue before us this afternoon is Allied Irish Bank loans. We are continuing to work with the banks to ensure that if they can get access to such loans they do so. Access to capital, private or otherwise,...

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Tánaiste has been in touch with the banks on that matter since then.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are awaiting——

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It was not weeks ago, it was last week. Let us be clear about what we are talking about. It was not weeks ago. The bank guarantee scheme was introduced weeks ago, not months ago as suggested by Deputy Kenny when making his initial point.

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The point is——

Leaders' Questions. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The point is, and it is a simple point——-