Results 10,181-10,200 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

EU Summits: Supplementary Questions. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I said, no qualification has been put on acceptance of the decision. Ratification arises from a collective undertaking by the states at the signing of the Lisbon treaty to proceed with instruments of ratification in each state. Each state took on that undertaking. We took on an undertaking, as did other countries. I make the point that respect is a two-way street. If one wants...

EU Summits: Supplementary Questions. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: There is too much of that sort of talk. The situation arises specifically from an undertaking given at the time by the states to each other. I was simply making the point when the Deputy tried to make a comparison with another situation that there is another situation which I could say goes in the opposite direction. It is not relevant. What is relevant to the ratification process is the...

EU Summits: Supplementary Questions. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is the situation. On Deputy Kenny's question about where we go from here, we must have a discussion with colleagues. They have indicated to us that they will try to assist us if they can in regard to how we would like to proceed. We have to have that discussion, the outcome of which I cannot anticipate. The only thing I can reiterate is that the treaty cannot be ratified unless all...

EU Summits: Supplementary Questions. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Otherwise there is no agreement. I am sure the Deputy entered negotiations on the political scene for a united Ireland. We did not end up with a united Ireland, but with the Good Friday agreement and we all have to live with it. It is not our ideal but it is the balance we have found.

EU Summits: Supplementary Questions. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a work in progress, as is this treaty and many other treaties. Let us practice what we preach.

EU Summits. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. I have received an annotated draft agenda for the meeting of the European Council on 19 and 20 June which covers the ratification and preparations for the implementation of the Lisbon treaty; freedom, security and justice issues; the western Balkans; and external relations, including the "Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean". This...

EU Summits. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: As Members are aware, for a treaty to come into effect all states first must ratify it. Our national process and tradition in Ireland was to have a referendum on it. Other national processes exist in which countries wish to indicate where they stand in respect of the treaty and they are entitled to so do. Whether it comes into effect depends on whether all states ratify it and clearly, the...

EU Summits. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have already made it clear that we are in uncertain and uncharted territory. I cannot anticipate the outcome of discussions which have yet to take place, the concerns I will be able to express and the responses others may give to me. I do not expect that to be resolved this week, the following week or the week after. The process of engagement must now begin where we assess the reasons...

EU Summits: Supplementary Questions. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Earlier I read the following reply: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. I have received an annotated draft agenda for the meeting of the European Council on 19 and 20 June which covers the ratification and preparations for the implementation of the Lisbon treaty; freedom, security and justice issues; the western Balkans; and external relations, including the "Barcelona Process:...

EU Summits: Supplementary Questions. (17 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: EU law is implemented in Ireland in compliance with legal requirements. We do all we can to make it as simple and proper as possible. It also must meet the principles of accountability and must be fair and proportionate. The whole idea behind the Lisbon treaty was to delineate more clearly those areas of competence that were exclusive to the institutions, those that were mixed and those...

Written Answers — Official Engagements: Official Engagements (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: On 24 May, I travelled to Cardiff to meet with the First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan. I also attended the European Rugby Cup Final between Munster and Toulouse the same day. This visit was decided upon on 16 May. The delegation for the visit was as follows: Mr Brian Cowen, TD, Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin, TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Martin Cullen, TD, Minister for Arts, Sport...

Written Answers — Departmental Projects: Departmental Projects (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Four pilot schemes / projects are being funded, overseen and/or supported by my Department. Details of these are outlined below. It should be noted that three of the projects indicated below (the Senior Helpline/Curam volunteer assistance software, The Wheel (eEnablement) ASC ref: 2007/103 and ePlanning — Planning RSS (LGCSB — Local Government Computer Services Board)) are being funded...

Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 7, motion re referral to Joint Committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Risk Equalisation (Amendment) Scheme 2008; No. 8, motion re referral to Joint Committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Employment Equality Act 1998 (Section 12) (Church of Ireland College of Education) Order 2008; No. 21, Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008...

Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Notification has been issued to the preferred bidder and arrangements are in train for the contract discussions to take place. Those negotiations will be led by the Garda as the contracting authority and the body with the expertise in this area. As soon as the contract is concluded, the start-up and roll-out of the network can commence. It is not possible to give a precise timetable in...

Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter that will have to be considered. I note what Deputy Flanagan has indicated.

Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy knows, the question of agency workers is under the aegis of social partnership discussions, which are ongoing. That is the forum in which discussions can and are taking place to see in what way it could be possible to progress the issue to everyone's satisfaction. I suggest that these discussions must take place and we must continue with them to ensure progress can be made. As...

Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: The bottom line, as I have said, is the text of the issue is being considered for next week's meeting. Until we have finalised the arrangements next week, I cannot say which way that will go. I will investigate the matter.

Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, the Employment Council meeting on Monday.

Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand there are five justice Bills on the A list for this session. It is not possible to offer a date for publication of the first Bill mentioned by Deputy Durkan.

Order of Business (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is still expected this session.