Results 9,661-9,680 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That should be published later this year.

Departmental Staff. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: As regards the annual report, referred to by the Deputy, obviously it is in the context of the National Development Plan 2007-13. The overall spend contemplated for the national development plan was, in the main, delivered upon and expended upon those items, broadly speaking, as planned. Due to the multi-annual nature of allocations, timing issues come into play as regards some headings....

Departmental Staff. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Fair enough if that is the Deputy's view, but the Exchequer returns officially came out last week, we discuss those in Cabinet this week and then we will come to the House with a detailed outline of how we see the position currently and how we see it progressing from here. That is a fair assessment of the situation from the Government's perspective.

Departmental Staff. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Once again, that is not a fair or true assessment of the situation. I outlined the position very clearly. We do not intend to increase the number of advisers to Ministers as they have their complement. In regard to the Taoiseach's office, I outlined the legal position. I also told the Deputy what I am contemplating, that I do not expect that any further adviser will be required in the...

Cabinet Committees. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 15, inclusive, together. Although the titles of the Cabinet committees dealing with social inclusion issues have changed slightly, there have been 16 meetings of the Cabinet committee responsible for this area in the past three years, most recently in February 2008. To date, the Cabinet committee on climate change and energy security has met on two...

Cabinet Committees. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: No such decision has been made by Government.

Cabinet Committees. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware that the cross-departmental team has considered Deputy Hogan's proposals on these matters. Regarding the questions on the construction industry, I do not know what quote the Deputy referred to on 10 April, but the point I would make in that context is that it was clear the construction industry could not continue to constitute 12% of total output every year. We have had a...

Cabinet Committees. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Cabinet sub-committee provides the co-ordinating mechanism for all the Departments that have an interest or contribution to make in this area to meet and try to bring together a coherent policy position. As Deputy Barrett said, this is a complex and challenging area in which the Government is very closely involved with the Commission in view of the recent documentation and objectives it...

Cabinet Committees. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Dublin City Council has made some decisions in recent days on that matter, which are to be welcomed. Obviously we will do all we can to facilitate those projects proceeding as quickly as possible, despite the setbacks that have occurred. In response to Deputy Gilmore, the Cabinet sub-committee on infrastructure will continue to meet and a meeting is fixed for later this week. It is...

Cabinet Committees. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: In response to Deputy McManus, these are matters for the Oireachtas and for me to consider should such an invitation come. I have indicated the seriousness of the Government's intent by reason of the fact that the Cabinet sub-committee on climate change and energy security has met on a number of occasions, is engaged on the issue and is trying to devise strategies that will help us to meet...

Cabinet Committees. (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: In response to Deputy Kenny's question, he again paraphrased me incorrectly. I have made the point that in respect of the construction industry, the question of it being able to maintain 12% of output was not sustainable. That correction is taking place. What we and the Cabinet sub-committee on housing, infrastructure and PPPs, which is meeting this week, will continue to do is to see in...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: First, I thank the Leader of the Opposition for indicating some measure of support for some of the initiatives the Government is taking in light of the changed economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. The Government certainly does not have ill-thought out policies. We are trying to ensure that we can work together within the social partnership process to meet the challenge we...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the requirement to reduce the payroll bill by 3% by the end of 2009, we are looking at appropriate measures identified by local management in the light of local circumstances across Departments, State agencies and local authorities. The measures to be taken will include the control of premium pay, the management of vacancies, the organisation of work processes and the levels at...

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The 3% in respect of all other Departments, State agencies and local authorities should yield €250 million by the end of 2009. We made a commitment of 0.54% of GNP for 2008 and we intend to honour that. Reports are due from the decentralisation implementation group and no further decisions to acquire property should take place until this report is properly considered by the Government.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The exercise in which we are engaged today was not about providing an economic plan for the country. We are trying to ensure today that we react responsibly and sensibly to the changed situation that arose as a result of the Exchequer returns last week. Based on the most up to date information available to the Department of Finance, it is clear that tax revenues will be down €3 billion....

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is what it would be between now and the end of 2009.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are starting the process now.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: They do add up.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am referring to official documentation. Again I can confirm that the figure is €250 if my memory recall is correct.

Leaders' Questions (8 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Department of Finance knows the figures in this regard and the impact of the savings.