Results 9,721-9,740 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: We would do so if we achieved 4.5% annual growth.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The meaning is very simple. As was the case with the Labour Party programme, my party's programme was based on certain assumptions. The Labour Party's assumptions were the very same.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am in Government and I am telling the Deputy we do our budgets when budget time comes.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is being smart.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy knows exactly what I will do.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not a question of having a river to cross. Unlike the Labour Party during the election, I set out the priorities and, in the event of there being a downturn, where my priorities would be if we could achieve them. I cannot anticipate what the Minister for Finance, who has constitutional responsibility in this area, will do at budget time.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: This year we can be sure that we have such a challenging environment that the prospect of tax reform in the first budget is not on the agenda. However, we also want to ensure we keep taxes on labour and capital low in order that we can continue to reward risk and those who are working and ensure people maintain their standard of living. That is not rocket science. I will not have it...

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: What was the final question?

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware what, if any, teams are in place. The question would be best directed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not have the information. On the construction industry, it is estimated that in the region of 40,000 residential houses will be built this year and activity continues in the commercial sector.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: We are involved in forecasts and will know at the end of the year what is the actual position. Some say 45,000 houses will be built this year, while others say output will be 35,000 or 40,000. I am taking the median figure but it is only a forecast. I am trying to have an intelligent conversation halfway through the year.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Compared to last year, the level of output has greatly decreased.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy is suggesting there is no activity in the construction sector——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am giving a straight answer but the Deputy will not listen to it.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It depends on how one wants to translate the statement.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Is the Deputy suggesting there is no construction activity in the economy?

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not suggest that is the case and neither did the Minister for Finance.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will not get into semantics with the Deputy.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is making a semantic, facetious argument.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Clearly the construction industry's output is greatly reduced this year compared to last year. However, the idea that there is no activity taking place or to try to interpret——