Results 1,061-1,080 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: The market situation is as it is. The cost of money is simply too high. We know that.

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is the view of the markets at the moment.

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: This country and other countries in the euro area are facing concerns regarding this matter precisely because-----

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----we need to find further initiatives within the euro area to deal with that matter. That is precisely why those discussions are ongoing, with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, attending today representing our interests in that matter. That is what we will be doing in the coming days and weeks as we seek to address the issue.

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: I made it clear yesterday evening that I am not responsible for the rumour mill all over Europe or elsewhere. I was told last Friday that, as Head of this Government, I had made an application at that stage to enter a facility, which was not true. Despite the fact that I said it was not true, the person who asked me the question seemed to think it was true. What I was indicating was that...

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: However, we have provided all that and the markets are pricing-----

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: ----- not just for this country but throughout the euro area where one has seen changes regarding spreads. That is a fact of the situation. We are prepared to work with others - with our counterparts in the euro area - to see in what way we can help address that issue and help to normalise market conditions. From our point of view, it is not appropriate to suggest that we are doing...

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I said to the Deputy, I have always levelled with the Irish people and have always defended their interests. Some people would have liked to have had Ireland apply for this facility, with no prospect whatever of Ireland being able to put its case. Ireland has a case to put with regard to all of these matters. Second, there is the question of market risks. Of course we are working with...

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: If the Deputies are not going to be serious about it, they are better off saying nothing. They are doing enough harm. The issue is very simple. We are in discussions with our European counterparts to see how we can assist to ensure that market risks are taken out of the equation. We are not in the market at present. We are seeking to ensure that we underpin stability for the entire euro...

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: Until such time as those political meetings take place this evening and among the 27 member states tomorrow, one is not in a position to hear what the overall EU position is. However, the ongoing discussions-----

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----by Irish officials have been to ensure that people understand what the Irish position has been,-----

Leaders' Questions (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----what the basic strengths of our economy have been and why we should be part of the discussions that are ongoing at present.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 4, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the processing and transfer of Financial Messaging Data from the European Union to the United States for the purposes of the Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme; No. 5, motion re Value-Added Tax...

Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: As soon as the fiscal policy plan is approved by the Government, it will be published. It is at an advanced stage of preparation and the Government has still to discuss, finalise and approve it. We will do that as soon as it is possible. I said here before that I was hoping it might be available for publication, assuming approval will be given, at the beginning of next week. However, I...

Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: What I am trying to outline to the House in a straightforward and honest fashion is that the plan is being prepared and finalised. It has to be discussed and approved by the Government. I facilitated much discussion about budgetary issues already and much progress has been made in this area. However, the four-year plan has further issues and policies that need to be addressed. I hope this...

Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: There will be a full Dáil sitting week next week. The Who Cares? report will be debated on Private Members' business this week. It is not true to say no legal certainty was brought to the situation. The nursing home support scheme had been enacted before the inquiry began. The Deputy referred to the eligibly for services legislation which must still come to the House. It is more likely...

Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is telling them Deputy Burton has stood up in the House.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: That matter will have to be taken up with the Whips. It is a question of the Dáil taking on board the scheme, approved by the European Union, to extend the eligible liabilities guarantee scheme for a further period.

Order of Business (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am trying to be helpful. It is a matter for Deputy Stagg to use any powers he still retains to see if he can make any changes in this area that would accommodate his spokesperson.

Public Service Reform (16 Nov 2010)

Brian Cowen: The premise of the Deputy's argument suggests no change can be beneficial to the delivery of services and that fewer people working in an area cannot, by definition, provide a better service. I do not subscribe to that. We have seen changes in a whole range of areas. For example, everyone will agree the Revenue Commissioners' provision of online services and re-organisation has led to...