Results 10,521-10,540 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: No. In the body of my reply I confirmed that the Department has co-operated fully with all such requests and will continue to do so in the future. As I said, from time to time my Department has been requested by various tribunals to supply files and information, which has been forwarded to them. I cannot add to that. There is nothing outstanding as far as I know.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am advised — it is a requirement of the tribunal — that, for reasons of confidentiality during the private phase of the tribunal's work, I am prohibited from going into further detail. If the tribunal wishes to pursue an issue, it will be put in the public domain in accordance with the tribunal's procedures. As far as the tribunals are concerned, I am not in a position to discuss this...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot refer to the quote. I do not recall making that comment. I stated that there was merit in considering future procedures for investigating matters of public interest given that these proceedings have been ongoing for a considerable length of time, far beyond the contemplation of those who proposed establishing them originally. The Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005 provides for...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: My views on tribunals of inquiry are clear. They must deal with issues far more speedily, comprehensively and efficiently than we have seen. That is my honest view. I understand the members of the tribunals currently sitting have indicated they will conclude their public sessions at the end of the summer. I look forward to receiving their reports and to getting on with our business here.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: In respect of the matters raised by Deputy Kenny, any question put to my Department can be answered if the information is available as appropriate in the Department. I cannot anticipate whether a specific question about any matter is under my aegis since it predated my appearance in this office.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I will certainly be available to assist in whatever way I can.

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is not to be taken as a prior commitment on what the answer will be. The former Taoiseach is entitled to the same presumptions as any other citizen going before that tribunal. On Deputy Kenny's question about the particular phrase used, Deputy Bertie Ahern went to court and was fully vindicated in respect of some of the issues put to him which were not regarded as complying with fair...

Tribunals of Inquiry. (20 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I answered the question.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The premise of the Deputy's question is patently absurd. In the unlikely event that his own party was in government and in the event that he was preferred with appointment, he would not suggest his own Government had lost interest in the issues because he had been moved from the committee, though maybe he would. The whole purpose of setting up that committee was to see if there was a basis...

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: If it is possible to achieve a consensus on this matter, that improves the prospect of us being able to proceed in that way. How we will proceed has yet to be determined because the work is ongoing.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: This is an issue that has been raised in the House on a number of occasions. I take the Deputy's point and I will revert to him on what progress we will make and how soon it can be made. The answer I would give is similar to answers already given but I will revert to the Deputy.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Generally, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, will be an able proponent of the Government's position on human rights and international agreements.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I recall the former Minister of State, Liz O'Donnell, had a specific remit in that area when I was the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is correct.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I left it with the senior Minister. I have upgraded it.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Retained is the word.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: He would be well capable of discharging it.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: He has a great past.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The mental health (amendment) Bill is not due until next year but the question of taking people with intellectual disabilities out of inappropriate placements in mental hospitals is an issue that continues. Progress has been made and it requires the capital programme for building sheltered housing and facilities.

Order of Business (14 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is ongoing and is not dependent on the enactment of the legislation.