Results 10,101-10,120 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 21a, statements on the Lisbon treaty. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 21a shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: the statement of the Taoiseach and of the leaders of the Fine Gael Party, the Labour Party, the Green Party, Sinn Féin...

Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Not to my knowledge. I understand a new legal basis is required and that is why the Bill must be brought forward. Unfortunately, it will not be published until the beginning of next month.

Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: There will be normal business on the extra sitting week. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will proceed with the arrangements for yesterday's report on local authority electoral areas. I cannot accommodate Deputy Gilmore's fixation with the Green Party.

Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not au fait with the exact details. The Whips will be meeting today and there are a number of committees of the House where this matter could be dealt with or here if necessary. It is a matter for the Whips.

Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: No. I am making it clear there will be a Whips meeting.

Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is equally clear today.

Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Not that I am aware of.

Order of Business (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: I told the Deputy earlier that it would be introduced later this year.

Lisbon Treaty: Statements. (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Last Thursday the people gave their verdict on the proposal to change the Constitution so that this State could ratify the Lisbon treaty. The people have spoken and the Government accepts their verdict. It is for the Government to manage the political situation that develops as a result, both at home and internationally. There will be no shortage of those who will rush to judgment about the...

Lisbon Treaty: Statements. (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Let us be under no illusions about why they are rejoicing. It is because they believe they can use the vote of our people to serve their misguided political goals, goals that Ireland does not and never will share, goals that are inimical to our interests. I do not believe last Thursday's vote was a rejection of Europe or of the need to continue to improve its functioning. My view remains...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: As for the management of the economy, the Government is focused on maintaining budgetary discipline. As I have said a number of times, the leader of the Opposition's critique is contradictory. On the one hand, he asserts the Government is not spending enough on services while on the other hand, he complains on a constant level——

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: His problem is that he does not have a policy. The Government will seek to maintain its budgetary parameters during the course of the year.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Obviously the reduction in growth in the economy requires the Government to take account of the fact that its tax revenues will not be as buoyant as was otherwise hoped.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: The downside scenario and risks that were outlined in the Budget Statement have materialised in practically all cases. Ireland is not immune from those international developments. The Government will seek to ensure that it works within the budgetary parameters it has set itself, which will involve budgetary discipline. The Leader of the Opposition will have to make a choice as to whether...

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: I would once again like to speak to the Deputy about his overall budgetary position. The Deputy next to him claims that I spent too much money last year and this year. Now Deputy Kenny is claiming that we are not spending enough, so he must figure out where his party stands on this issue.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is another untruth.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Shouting will not help the Deputy devise a policy.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not shouting at all.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am just trying to be heard.

Leaders' Questions (18 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Thanks be to God we do not have that. The Leader of the Opposition raised some points about electricity. Rising costs in materials like gas, coal and oil on the wholesale markets have put suppliers under pressure. Since the latest price review last year, the cost of gas and oil has gone up by between 80% and 100%. I understand that the amount quoted in the newspapers today is speculative...