Results 10,921-10,940 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Fiscal Policy. (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is saying both things at the same time.

Price Inflation. (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, reached 5% in the 12 months to March 2008. Most of the upward pressure on prices here is due to external factors, particularly mortgage interest rate increases and rising fuel and food prices. When comparing our inflation rate with that in other EU member states we must use the EU comparable measure of inflation, the harmonised index of...

Price Inflation. (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: There is nothing more hypocritical than seeking to support an independent pay determination system that has served successive Governments for 40 years and then walk away from it when a populist argument arises that suits one's case. On external factors that affect inflation, we do not control the price of oil. Exchange rate deterioration vis-À-vis the dollar or sterling, which makes the...

Price Inflation. (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I have one third of the time the Deputy had to ask his question yet he is interrupting before I have had a chance to answer. Answering the Deputy's question in one third of the time it took him to ask it is a stiff challenge. I will do the best I can but the content may not be as good as the Deputy hopes. Regarding Government regulated costs, we have opened up to independent regulation to...

Public Sector Reform. (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Public service reform is essentially about improving the service provided to citizens at all levels in the most efficient and cost effective way. Any reasonable analysis must acknowledge that the public service has come a long way since the strategic management initiative was launched over a decade ago with the objective of ensuring that the public service would make a greater contribution...

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, I will not withdraw the Bills.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: No, it is the following week.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Absolutely not.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Whips are discussing the prospect of an all-party motion for that purpose.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I would need to revert to the Deputy.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy is referring to the criminal justice (forensic sampling and evidence) Bill to provide for the establishment of a DNA database and related matters. The heads of that Bill have been approved by the Government. It is complex and technical with many aspects to it. Detailed consultations with the Garda authorities and the forensic science laboratory have resulted in some delays. I...

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 23, statements re cancer reports; and No. 4, Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (EirGrid) Bill 2008 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 23 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 1 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: the...

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes, in September.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the court case yesterday, an all-party committee is considering in what way matters can be advanced beyond the legislation we were obliged to enact following the C case in 2006, which permitted the defence of honest mistake as to age in cases where the essence of the defence related to the age of the person. It is important to see if the committee can advance the work it is doing...

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government has not revisited the matter since that decision was taken.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I had a meeting with the incumbent Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. John Purcell, only yesterday. He outlined to me the outcome of interviews which had taken place for that post. It is a matter for the Oireachtas to decide upon, and the President will make the appointment on foot of that. As a result of that discussion yesterday, I intend to be in touch with the Leader of the...

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: For the purposes of clarification, the same process is being adhered to now as previously. An indication has been given by the outgoing Comptroller and Auditor General that he wishes to retire. Expressions of interest were sought as to who might be interested in taking up the post. I am aware that this is a matter for appointment by the Oireachtas, and as a result of the meeting I had,...

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to indicate at this stage when the enforcement of fines Bill, which is to end imprisonment where practicable for the inability to pay fines and to provide for new ways of enforcing fines, will be brought forward. It is subject to a preliminary stage of examination. On the other issue, I have said every day I am in the House that it is still being considered.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is not related to that matter at all. It is not possible to indicate when it will be brought forward.

Order of Business (24 Apr 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand from the Chief Whip that those three Bills will be taken this session.