Results 9,921-9,940 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: In the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 there was a current budget surplus of €22 billion. That gives the lie to charges of reckless spending. We increased capital spending and I stand over the decision taken in this regard.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is important that we continue with capital spending. I make no apologies for increasing the old age pension by €66.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I doubled financial supports for parents with children under six years of age.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I also doubled the provision relating to special needs education. In addition, I increased the social welfare budget by 40%. I stand over the decisions I made in this regard.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny claimed that I was profiting and misspending. He should indicate where I spent too much, as far as he is concerned, in the areas of health, education and social welfare.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is his responsibility to do so if he disagrees with my assertions.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy also suggested the economy——

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——can be characterised as a building site and nothing more. Our economy is sophisticated and developed. One quarter of the jobs currently in existence in Ireland were created during the past ten or 11 years when this Administration was in power. We will face into the international downturn——

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——in a far stronger position than previously. We will be obliged to ensure that we take prudent corrective action. We must not defer the necessary corrective action because if we do so, we will face more difficult times in the future. We will make our decisions in this regard on the basis of the publication of the mid-year Exchequer returns tomorrow. The Minister for Finance will make...

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: We will discuss these issues in the House next week.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: To answer Deputy Gilmore directly, the situation is clear. We are experiencing a reduction in tax revenues. As is normal, the Minister for Finance will have informed the Government in general terms about the figures to be released in advance of the publication tomorrow of the Exchequer returns by the Department of Finance. They will be released tomorrow, not today, by that Department, in...

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is normal.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Rubbish.

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government makes decisions on the basis of its own figures. We make these decisions after we receive the figures which are being published transparently and will be explained by officials of the Department of Finance. As that is long-established practice, there can be no suggestion from Deputy Gilmore or anybody else of spin. The figures will be published by the Department, which is...

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government will make decisions——

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: Excuse me——

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government will make decisions in regard to the figures at its meeting following their publication and we will come into the House next week to set out our broad budgetary strategy based on them. That is an expeditious, sensible and orderly manner in which to conduct Government business. We will not anticipate those decisions until they are taken. That is the position. The Government...

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: In regard to——

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: ——an analysis——

Leaders' Questions (1 Jul 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry gentlemen.