Results 10,641-10,660 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I agree that we must deal with this important issue. There are 718 social workers dedicated to this area and 20,000 referrals per year, which amounts to 30 referrals per case worker, on average. I know that the same case levels do not apply everywhere but the figures give an indication that the level of resources are such that we should not be ending up with the types of cases the Deputy...

Leaders' Questions (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not suggesting anything but simply stating the facts regarding the level of activity and resources being applied. We would all expect that such resources would not lead to the difficulties referred to today. The Minister of State will be investigating the matter in detail with the staff. I am not passing judgment on anybody. I am simply saying that if the level of resources referred...

Leaders' Questions (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: If we put in more resources, based on the existing arrangements, then we will still have the nine to five service about which Deputies are complaining, and no out-of-hours service. We must reach agreement in order to make such a flexible service available. In addition to the existing resource allocation, a further 50 social workers are being recruited at present, which will bring the numbers...

Appointment of Ministers of State (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: On 8 May 2008 I announced, for the information of the Dáil, that the Government had appointed Deputies Pat Carey, Barry Andrews, Dick Roche and Trevor Sargent to be Ministers of State. I wish to announce, for the information of the Dáil, that the Government has, today, appointed the following: Deputy Noel Ahern to be Minister of State at the Department of Transport, with special...

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 7 — motion re nomination of Comptroller and Auditor General. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted on the adjournment of Private Members' business which shall be No. 31 — motion re Irish economy, to be taken for 90 minutes at 7 p.m. tonight or on...

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the mental health (amendment) Bill is not due until next year. With regard to the other matter, it is important to point out that we recently had a serious discussion in the House. The then Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food offered a briefing to bring people up to speed on the situation. Unfortunately, this invitation has not yet been taken up, as far as I am aware,...

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: On first day in the job I was in Northern Ireland and I was here on my second day. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, met with Michel Barnier, the French Agriculture Minister. He came to see me in my office and we discussed the issue for 15 minutes although not in great detail as he had to catch a plane. I knew Mr. Barnier when he was in the Commission...

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Good.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: We intend to take the Spent Convictions Bill in our own time. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Andrews, for his initiative. It is intended to introduce the electoral amendment Bill this session. In regard to the question of agencies, the biggest criticism of any agency in the country is the HSE which got rid of 56 agencies and brought them into one. Everyone gives out about that one.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The next argument then is that we have too many. I make the point that, perhaps, it points to the fact that it is easier said than done. That is the first point. The agentising out of Government delivery of programmeshas been part of previous Civil Service reform programmes, including ones when the Labour Party was in Government, because it has the benefit, if properly done, to deliver...

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not always the case that the explanatory memorandum comes at the same time as the Bill. In the course of the Order of Business last Thursday, the Deputy raised this matter and the Tánaiste indicated she should arrange for the appropriate Department to revert to the Deputy. I have here a letter dated 13 May to the Deputy from the Office of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage...

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot give the Deputy the reason but, perhaps, I can find out what was the situation. The Deputy's query has been answered and it is being dealt with.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand this issue is on the adjournment for tomorrow.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Tomorrow.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: Following scientific advice, the Minister may have to bring in a by-law. He does not have to go to Government for the issuing of a by-law.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Bill will come before the House in 2009.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the first Bill will come before the House at the end of this year and the second Bill will come before the House next year.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I agree with Deputy Crawford that he has done an outstanding job and the scholarship in his name is well merited. I understand the Bill will come before the House later this year.

Order of Business (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand it is in its final stages of drafting. We hope to have it published in two weeks.

Decentralisation Programme. (13 May 2008)

Brian Cowen: The validity of the Deputy's comments falls away when he falls into this stereotypical argument, which is not envisaged. It is envisaged that a core ministerial team will remain with the Minister to deal with his parliamentary and ministerial duties in Dublin. That was always the intention. The Deputy asked what was the problem with moving a headquarters. There is no problem moving a...