Results 10,221-10,240 of 16,537 for speaker:Brian Lenihan Jnr

Public Service Reform. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy asked several questions. First, nothing is ruled in or out on foot of the OECD report. That is the answer to the question tabled. Deputy Bruton is correct that the answer given rather adroitly avoided dealing precisely with that issue. I prefer to use the word "agencies" rather than "quangos". More than 800 such entities were identified in the report. There is certainly a need...

Public Service Reform. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I share the concerns outlined in the OECD report. That is why the Government has established a task force to consider what reforms can be introduced on the basis of the conclusions drawn in the report.

Departmental Strategy Statements. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Since taking up office, I have been acquainting myself with the economic, budgetary and other policy issues which are the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. As the Deputy is aware, new policy directives are normally made primarily in the context of the annual Budget Statement and the Estimates cycle. I have not found it necessary as yet to issue something that might be...

Departmental Strategy Statements. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: In substance the Deputy has asked five supplementary questions, which in a sense are very remote from the original question he raised. On his first question, of course I bring new ideas into this Department. However, I am content at this stage to explore those new ideas with my officials so that we can formulate them as concrete proposals in the Estimates cycle and in the presentation of...

Departmental Strategy Statements. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: We are fully accountable under freedom of information legislation.

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Figures on economic growth are published by the Central Statistics Office on a quarterly basis, generally speaking one quarter in arrears. Data for the first quarter of this year will be published at the end of June or early July. The indicators available point to a softening in the economic conditions in the opening months of the year. At budget time my Department forecast GDP growth of 3%...

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy would want to read the quotation.

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The question asked by Deputy Burton is of course based on a misapprehension. I did not characterise any of the individuals referred to by Deputy Burton as whingers in the article, nor would I.

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: If one is prohibited from using a word in the language, I will follow Deputy Burton's injunction and refrain from using the word again. However, I will say this——

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Yes, I did use the word. The manner in which Deputy Burton presented her question would deserve the sobriquet. The matter I was addressing was the increase in oil prices, which is a very serious matter with very serious impacts for the people to whom Deputy Burton referred — I agree with her on that. I was addressing the fact that we have very difficult choices to address in that...

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: That is precisely the point I was addressing in the article and it is all I was addressing. I was in no way lessening the concern I have and that the previous Minister had in regard to those who are most hard-pressed by this. The previous Minister addressed that matter in his social welfare measures in the last budget.

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I explained the context——

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Excuse me, Deputy, am I allowed to speak?

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I explained the context in which I used the word.

Economic Competitiveness. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: I indicated that I observe Deputy Burton's injunction not to use it again.

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: Achieving a moderate rate of inflation is a key economic policy priority given its importance in helping to restore national competitiveness. Due to the relatively high rate of inflation that we have experienced over the past number of years, the price level for consumer goods and services in Ireland is some 20% above the euro area average. In light of this, the Government is committed to...

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Tánaiste has been actively engaged with the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority with a view to taking positive action on this matter.

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: A parliamentary question on that matter should be addressed to the Tánaiste. I do not have responsibility for issuing directions to these bodies——

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: ——but I do share the concerns expressed by Deputy O'Donnell and I have raised them with the Tánaiste. I am sure she will take appropriate action to address the matters raised by the Deputy.

Price Inflation. (4 Jun 2008)

Brian Lenihan Jnr: The Deputy did not give me an opportunity to reply. I was about to deal with his question. I already dealt with it in the context of Deputy Burton's query and I am quite happy for Deputy O'Donnell to join her on a list of those who objected to my use of the word. If Deputy O'Donnell reads the article, he will realise that I made a point to the effect that we cannot just complain about...