Results 8,721-8,740 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, together. Mr. Patrick MacEntee, sole member of the Commission of Investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings 1974, handed over his final report on 12 March 2007. It was published on 4 April 2007. The total amount spent on the commission of investigation was €2,632,702. All costs of the commission of investigation have been...

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Arising from the motion passed by the Dáil on 10 July last, I understand the Clerk of the Dáil communicated the text of the resolution to the House of Commons, together with the report of the commission of inquiry and the Barron reports. I am not aware if any correspondence has been received by the Clerk of the Dáil since then, apart from acknowledgement of its receipt. It is not...

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have asked my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to consider a request for a meeting from Justice for the Forgotten. I will check the correspondence issue. On the question of seeing if we can get to the truth of the matter, we will support any opportunity to do so. We will continue our efforts even if we are not satisfied with the response of the British...

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We have the experience of the commission of inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and it is the case that while much was achieved, it did not resolve the issues for relatives. We also have the work done by the Eames-Bradley group. Issues have also arisen where legal proceedings have been initiated. Rather than embark on a judicial inquiry process at this time we have to look to...

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot give specific detailed answers on those matters but, as the Deputy indicated, the remit of the Remembrance Commission fund ended on 31 October, having been extended for a number of years. The commission has done important work in acknowledgement, remembrance and assistance to address the needs of victims. I thank the members of the commission for all their work over the years on...

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I stated, any organisations or groups that have been involved in this issue to date have been deriving funding for their activities from the Remembrance Commission fund, which expired on 31 October. It is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to consider any applications for further funding thereafter. On the Justice for the Forgotten group, there was a response...

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is as far as Mr. MacEntee was able to bring the matter. Subsequently there was a resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas to address the Deputy's concern, requesting that any further help that the British Government could give be given. This remains the position of the Irish Government and the Oireachtas. We will continue to determine how this can be advanced. I do not want to...

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I said the Minister will consider this.

Commissions of Investigation. (18 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The issue was communicated by the House on behalf of all Members of the House as is the normal protocol. In this case it was communicated by the Clerk of the Dáil. Any discussions I have had with the British Prime Minister in recent months have concerned the political situation, on which we have seen some progress today. I have no problem with writing to the Prime Minister and referring...

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Order of Business was set this morning to enable a full day's debate on the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008. There will be many opportunities on Committee Stage and Report Stage for further contributions.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The civil partnership Bill is scheduled for early next year. Regarding the children's rights issue, the whole purpose of the committee is to try to develop a consensus to see if there is an agreed way forward. Various options are being examined and tested.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is a matter for the committee. It is doing some good work and a lot of discussion has taken place. I will be guided by the committee.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government will introduce its own Bill. Whilst I respect the fact that Deputy Rabbitte has put forward a Bill for consideration, which can be taken in Private Members' time if the Labour Party so wishes, we would not agree with aspects of it. I understand there is a provision for freedom of information in the Bill that Deputy Rabbitte has prepared, and there are other things with which...

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: That matter has not yet come before the Government, but it will before Christmas.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand that Bill is awaiting Second Stage.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The first Bill to which Deputy Naughten referred has been published and is awaiting an order for Second Stage. The second Bill is, as the Deputy said, before the Seanad. It cannot be taken here until it returns from the Seanad.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are still awaiting the heads of that Bill but it will not be here before next year.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The consultation process on that legislation is ongoing.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The indications are that it should be one Bill.

Order of Business (12 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: As soon as the heads have been drafted.