Results 10,501-10,520 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Since this arose yesterday, no further suggestion has been made beyond those which are in the public domain. At this stage, I await a report from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on his assessment of the full situation as best he can gauge it. It is only fair to say that PPP models differ. These projects involved Dublin City Council leveraging the grounds it...

Order of Business (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 8, Chemicals Bill 2008 — financial resolution; and No. 14, statements on the OECD Report on Integrated Public Service Reform. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 8 shall be decided without debate; and that the following arrangements shall apply in respect of to No. 14 — the statements of a Minister or Minister of State and of...

Order of Business (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The sale of alcohol Bill is due later this year. The former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicated that he expected the intoxicating liquor Bill, which is a shorter item of legislation, to appear before the end of the summer. The Bill relating to long-stay institutions is still expected to be published this session.

Order of Business (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform stated he was to receive a report from the relevant committee, which is chaired by Mr. Holmes, by the end of March. The report was duly received. The former Minister then indicated that rather than incorporating it into the longer Bill he would perhaps devise a shorter one.

Order of Business (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I understand it, that is the indication the former Minister provided. I do not know if his successor is of a similar view.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: In regard to the first matter, as I said previously, the questions I was asked pertained to various matters and I had to answer in the way I did based on the requirements of the tribunal itself. I am not suggesting whether a particular file was sent there, I am simply making the point that whatever requests come to the Taoiseach's office in regard to its private business, I am required to...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the tribunal's work is near completion. We hope to receive its report shortly after that work is completed. I will obtain a copy of the latest official communication from Mr. Justice Moriarty on that matter and forward it to the Deputy.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together. These questions relate to the findings of the Quigley report, which was published in 2005. That report highlighted the need for special care in cases where a proposed consultancy comprises an element of direct service to a Minister or Minister of State, particularly in the public relations or communications areas, and-or where a...

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Were that true, it might be a point, but only €3 million has been allocated this year in assisting to bring to people's attention Transport 21, what it means and what it will do for people. It is not a question of €20 million being spent.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: No allocations whatever are agreed for 2009 to 2011, inclusive, and these matters must be reviewed on a constant basis. I have indicated to colleagues that this is an area in which I will expect a report. I will make the point before everybody goes off thinking €20 million is being spent, that it is not.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Kenny made the point about four times but €20 million is not being spent. It is very unlikely anything like €20 million will be spent.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The amount of money spent is €3 million.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, they would not be because they do not involve direct service to the Minister in the way the Quigley report sets out.

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I was asked how many cases have been referred to the Government secretariat under the additional procedures. Six cases coming within the terms of the guidelines have been processed so far. Two of the cases related to the appointment of an arts adviser in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. My predecessor approved an appointment in 2005, following appropriate prior consideration by...

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy's questions relate to the implementation of the Quigley report. I assure him that it is being implemented. The report's recommendations were adopted by the Government and the Secretaries General of the various Departments were informed. I explained the procedure in my initial reply. That is that; that is the way it is. It is a matter of ministerial choice. I have observed...

Public Relations Contracts. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am simply making the point that the choice of press officer is a matter for the Minister and procedures and processes are in place by which that appointment is made. The appointment can be internal or external. I do not know what the Deputy's point is, but procurement rules and procedures are observed in all cases. That is the way it is. I am sure Deputy Ó Caoláin would agree that...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. From time to time, there have been requests to my Department for files and information from various tribunals. My Department has co-operated fully with all such requests and will continue to do so in the future. Normally requests from tribunals are received by the Secretary General of my Department and assigned to the appropriate...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: As I said in my reply, I am not in a position to discuss, with regard to any of these matters, issues which the tribunals themselves have stated are highly confidential. It is a matter for the tribunals to disclose if they so wish.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not a question of shoving anything off anywhere else.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a question of appropriateness. We have set up tribunals of inquiry to look into various matters. The requests for information from the tribunal were made on a confidential basis and it would be improper for me to divulge the content of that correspondence. That is the situation as far as the tribunals are concerned. It is they who make the requests. People must understand that it...