Results 9,801-9,820 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is what we will do. While there are many opportunities to highlight deficiencies and problems that arise in the operation of the health service, we must realise that many good things are also happening.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Structural changes are taking place. These changes will have to be implemented and persevered with because the one thing we can be sure of is that the "status quo plus" situation is not sustainable.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is why those who advocate reforms should be supported. They must work with those in the health service to bring about a better system and a better workplace environment for everyone, and better services for the people, which is what it is all about. This must be done on the basis that we do not have limitless resources and we are facing challenging times. That is the truth of it.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have already outlined what is on page 16 of Transport 21. Again, as important and strategic as this programme is——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——it must take account of the availability of resources.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not a question of that.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a question of——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a question of working through the priorities that will be identified with reference to the national development plan and implemented. If the Deputies' alternative position is that we should borrow more——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputy's critique is that we should proceed in every respect, regardless of the economic situation, with a plan that was made when there was growth of 4.5%——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: He did not mislead anyone. The Deputies should listen to the answer——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——because it is the same no matter who is in government. On the basis of the resources available, those projects that give us maximum return in terms of improving capacity and providing an economic return on our investment will be identified as priorities and proceeded with in the first instance.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: When we get through this period, which even the ESRI suggests will go on for 12 to 18 months — that is its best case scenario at the moment, which is itself a pessimistic assessment of the economy——

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——we will then return to higher growth rates, with more resources.

Programmes for Government. (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The programme cannot be done by carrying out one fifth of it every year for five years. That is not the way the country works.

Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 20a, statements on Haulbowline; No. 21, Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); No. 22, Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 [Seanad] — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 23, statements on climate change. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 20a shall, if not previously...

Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter that will emerge in the course of the statements. I do not know whether it is possible to release them or whether there are legal issues. I do not have a clue.

Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I have said, the legislation will not be taken this year. I am not in a position to say what arrangements, if any, are being made. The Minister for Health and Children has carefully considered the question and the matter is being discussed at the moment. When a decision is reached an announcement will be made. There is no decision.

Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I do not believe legislation is promised in that regard.

Order of Business (2 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The persons conducting the inquiry asked for a little more time to finalise the report and we granted the extension. The report has not yet been completed but should be available in the coming months.