Results 8,901-8,920 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Geoghegan family is dealing with the tragic loss of a partner and son. The House is united in its determination to deal with this matter and it joins in sympathy with the family. The House recognises the nature of the challenge put to the criminal justice system by certain elements in our society and we will continue to fight those people with the full rigours of the law to the greatest...

Leaders' Questions (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: There is nothing defeatist about the approach of the Government to this matter. I am simply pointing out, as we must point out in terms of information to the House, what is achievable within the Constitution and what is not. We must point that out. That is not being defeatist.

Leaders' Questions (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: There is nothing being excluded from the consideration of the Government as to what it can do in this situation to deal with this matter. Let me be clear about that.

Leaders' Questions (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: In fairness to Deputies who support the Garda, it is wrong to suggest that the Garda is not having many successes in this area. It is. As we all will be aware, there are many situations which never come into the public domain by reason of the work being done in preventing serious crimes. Hundreds, not tens, of people from that area who have been involved in crime are behind bars since...

Leaders' Questions (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Of course not.

Leaders' Questions (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is important to point out that the number of murders involving firearms in 2007 was 18 and it was 27 the previous year. To date this year there have been 19 deaths by shooting. Homicide offences have reduced by more than half during the third quarter and almost by half year on year. This is not to suggest that the problem is solved but it does suggest that the law enforcement agencies...

Leaders' Questions (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: There are instances where fear has played a part and legislative measures have been taken by this House which have successfully withstood court and legal scrutiny to overcome situations where people were not prepared to give oral evidence on the basis of previous witness statements they had made. This House has responded in ways which were effective. As to what will happen on the lifting of...

Order of Business (11 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 2, Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. and business shall be interrupted not later than 10 p.m. Private Members' business shall be No. 40, motion re cervical cancer vaccination programme.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170, inclusive, together. There are no proposals to decentralise my Department or any of the agencies under its aegis. It is a matter for those Departments to which staff from my Department have decentralised to assign such staff to locations outside of Dublin. The Department of Finance has responsibility in Government for the overall Decentralisation...

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: This is receiving urgent Government attention. As the Deputy points out, the decision of the courts has implications and we need to see how we can alleviate the outcome of that in a way that will maintain voluntary health insurance in the country. This matter is receiving Government attention but no decision has been made and we are examining all options.

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: This has been raised by Deputies. I understand the concern that is expressed. It is being worked on but it is not an easily resolved matter. We will see if it can be done by an omnibus Bill rather than separate items of legislation that must be amended. Frustration has been expressed by Deputies in respect of the progress of the work but we are committed to resolving it. There is no...

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Both Bills should be published this session.

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Social Welfare Bill, the Finance Bill and the nursing homes legislation, along with other Bills, will be taken this session. I take Deputy O'Keeffe's point. The Bill is expected to be available next year. I am aware of the issues being raised. Ministers are working through the issue as quickly as possible. We will have the Bill next year.

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regarding amalgamating regulators and legislative arrangements arising from that, policy decisions have just been announced in recent weeks.

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The best thing to do would be to table a question to the line Minister for a detailed reply. I am not aware of promised legislation in that area. Regarding other matters, I ask people to contemplate the importance of avoiding confrontation when we need to see people pulling together to resolve the problem in a way that meets the commercial imperatives facing the company.

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The consultation process for this Bill has just been completed and we will proceed to the legislative provisions arising from that.

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter I will have to take up with the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for children and youth affairs and I will revert to the Deputy.

Order of Business (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give a date for it at this point.

Official Engagements. (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: As has been said, we hope to be in the United States next during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. I have no plans to visit in the meantime, but this may change according to circumstances. We very much welcome the fact that, during our national celebrations, we have access to the incumbent in the office of President of the United States. I hope this arrangement will continue as Senator...

Official Engagements. (5 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The task force on hunger report that we launched was very well received and the event was attended by many influential heads of relevant international organisations dealing with this area on behalf of the UN and some of its agencies. It was seen as a constructive contribution to the debate. Clearly what we seek are allies for the arguments we make and we will pursue diplomatically the...