Results 8,961-8,980 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government Press Office (GPO) provides an information service in relation to Government policy through the national and international media. It has no direct operational control or responsibility in relation to various Departmental Press Offices. It does however carry out a coordination function to ensure an appropriate dissemination of information across all Departments. Departmental...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are having a smile here——

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Of course we stand over the figures in our budget. The Commission's forecasts are pessimistic for the European Union as a whole. The report confirms that the euro area is already in recession. The outlook, therefore, across all the European Union for next year is similar. The forecast for the Irish economy published by the Commission yesterday is broadly in line with that of the Department...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is clear the Leader of the Opposition does not understand or refuses to accept the basic situation as outlined by the Commissioner, Mr. Joaquín Almunia——

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have just explained to the Deputy that those figures from the Commission come up on a no policy change basis. That forecast does not take into account the commitment to restore the current budget to balance which was included in our budgetary arithmetic. That is the normal procedure; we outlined the three-year position in the multi-annual cycle budgets brought forward in the House for the...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: There is no need to create confusion where none exists. As regards Commissioner Almunia, he has acknowledged that it will take three to four years to rectify the fiscal position. We know also that he is optimistic about our prospects for recovery and growth in the medium term. I was a member of ECOFIN and saw many occasions where the excessive deficit procedure was invoked. It was invoked...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Finance is pointing out very clearly, as he should, his determination to stick to the expenditure targets. He said that he is satisfied the expenditure targets set out by the Government will be met and that he is also satisfied that if further action is required, it will be taken until the next budget. That does not necessarily mean a mini-budget. The taxation measures in...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy continues to say €5 billion. I have just explained why that difference exists.

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Commission's position relates to a no policy change.

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: We brought forward our 2009 budget. When we come forward with our 2010 budget, we will outline the policy changes that are required on the basis of how the economy performs in the coming year and similarly with the following years. The whole purpose of the budgetary cycle and what we are trying achieve is to get a sustainable position. The problem with Deputy Kenny's party is that it talks...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: Obviously, they would go to the accident and emergency department and have the child treated. That is what they would and will do. In respect of any charges that arise as a result, I am sure that would be dealt with in due course on the basis of ability to pay. That is what happens. As the Deputy says, where there is referral from the GP to the hospital, it is a different situation in...

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is fair that we ensure we continue to invest in the health service and provide expanded services, as we are doing. In relation to specific cases——

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy talked about people being out of touch. I am not in any way out of touch.

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: In the case raised, if people bring their child to the hospital they will be dealt with.

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: They will be billed by the hospital administrator and will pay the bill in due course, as they pay other bills in their family or as part of other responsibilities.

Leaders' Questions (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not have to tell them because it is what people do. On the increase in the drug refund scheme threshold, when Deputy Gilmore was in office we did not have such a scheme. At that time, one paid and waited for three months to get a refund. Working families waited for much more than £100 and were being taxed at 26% at the time. The Government has removed such families from the tax net.

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 10, motion re ministerial rota for parliamentary questions; No. 2, Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and No. 16, Financial Motions by the Minister for Finance, 2008, motion 15 (resumed), to be taken at 8.30 p.m. and the order shall not resume thereafter. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in...

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: On promised legislation, I expect the adoption Bill to be taken this session. Regarding the health miscellaneous provisions Bill on the change to the legal basis of entitlement to the medical card schemes etc., as the legislation must be enacted before 1 January, it will have to be taken in this session. Legislation is not promised on the banking system. The legislation that has been...

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: On the Deputy's final question, the writ will be moved in due course. On the ethics legislation, it is a matter for the Whips to consider when it will be taken. Much priority legislation, including the Social Welfare Bill, Finance Bill and nursing homes Bill, will come before the House this session. On the health miscellaneous provisions Bill, the legislation has not yet come before...

Order of Business (4 Nov 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot anticipate that until it comes to Government.