Results 10,201-10,220 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Deputy Burton raised a vast range of issues. When I receive the relevant reports I will examine them with care. However, decentralisation is Government policy. The implementation group is simply that, a group to implement the programme. There has been some slippage in meeting targets but a substantial amount of decentralisation has taken place. The issue of decentralisation of powers...

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The review seemed to be pointing——

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The review seemed to point towards an abandonment because it referred to the cost of constructing buildings in the current climate.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: As recommendations come back, I will examine them. The Government made a decision regarding decentralisation and I assure the House that decision stands——

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——and the function of the implementation group is to implement it. Any cost arising from decentralisation must be appraised and will be judged on strict value for money terms, as every project related to it to date has been judged.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Regarding the second question I accept I am the responsible Minister. Deputy O'Donnell expressed concern on the one hand that the decision was rushed and on the other that decentralisation was not happening fast enough.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy cannot have it both ways.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The view of the implementation group is that it is proceeding satisfactorily.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am not convinced of the merits of an all-party approach as I am not convinced such a process would secure agreement on the way to proceed.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I will take responsibility. If there has been some delay in the progress of decentralisation——

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The delay is due to the myriad of issues involving staffing, property acquisition, planning and so on which arise in an exercise of this character. It was wise to be ambitious——

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: However, it is wiser to ensure decentralisation takes place in accordance with the wishes of staff and involving buildings constructed on the basis of value for money and proper contract procedures.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We are no longer dealing with priority questions.

Decentralisation Programme. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I did not realise that until now.

Fiscal Policy. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Government remains committed to the use of the public private partnership process as a viable Government option for appropriate projects within the overall parameters set out for public investment in infrastructure and public services. PPP procurement is one option to be used alongside traditional approaches for the delivery of public investment projects. In choosing to adopt the PPP...

Fiscal Policy. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Comptroller and Auditor General spoke to the Committee of Public Accounts on this matter on 17 April and he emphasised that it is not the case that PPPs are good and traditional procurement is bad, or vice versa, rather that certain situations are more suitable to a PPP solution. The Comptroller and Auditor General also noted that there are many different types of PPP and he specifically...

Fiscal Policy. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I have no difficulty subject to the necessary caution that sensitive commercial information cannot always be disclosed in the House, which is one of the difficulties in ensuring full accountability in this area. I accept there is a difficulty here. However, the envisaged investments through PPPs next year are important. One of the advantages of the PPP arrangement is the rigorous...

Fiscal Policy. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I am reluctant to sign off in blood on an item I have not yet examined. However, I am not aware of any circumstances which would prevent it.

Fiscal Policy. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I would like to assist the Deputy, but I must observe the rules of the House.

Public Service Reform. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I welcome the OECD review as a major contribution to the ongoing modernisation of the public service. When the Government initiated the OECD review, it requested that our public service be benchmarked against those of other comparable countries and that recommendations be made for the future direction of public service reform. We wanted to know how the decisions the Government is making are...