Results 11,541-11,560 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The confidence in people who hold elected office in this republic is determined in this House. This is the democratic assembly, as people next to the Deputy often remind me. Deputy Gilmore is making an assertion and that is his view. He was defeated in making that view known in a recent electoral contest, and he was defeated in this House last October. I suspect he would be defeated again...

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 6, motion re membership of committee; No. 7, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Council framework decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law, back from committee; No. 14, Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); and No. 2, Student Support Bill 2008 — Order...

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Government made a decision to approve the Bill for which the referendum is due this year. We have not fixed a date. It will more than likely be published by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the coming week. The normal requirements will then apply for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to contact the Chief Justice for the appointment of a nomination for a...

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is expected to be published next week. The arrangements to set up the referendum commission come into play at a certain time, which I believe occurs once the Bill is initiated in the House. That date is yet to be fixed, but in the meantime the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will, upon publication of the Bill, contact the Chief Justice and seek a nomination...

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: While I cannot yet anticipate the outcome of the Government decision, my impression is that the referendum is more likely to be held in the first rather than second half of the year. However, I cannot be held to that timeframe until a formal decision has been made. I will ask the line Minister concerned to indicate to the Deputy whether primary or secondary legislation will be used to...

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the Bill is due this session, although I cannot be specific. Deputies will have an opportunity to discuss the Bill on Second Stage and there will be considerable interest in it on all sides.

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the sale of alcohol Bill is due later this year. I accept the incident to which Deputy Upton referred highlights the sad position society is in when such violence can be wreaked on a street on what appear by all accounts to be two very reputable individuals who were model tenants in the properties in which they stayed in the Deputy's constituency. It is a sad occasion and I...

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The heads of the Bill have been approved but detailed drafting is still required.

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I understand the nurses and midwives Bill is due this year. The Chief Whip liaises with the Attorney General and the legislation committee in an effort to progress legislation. Unfortunately, there are always competing priorities. For example, the referendum Bill is being given significant personal attention by the Attorney General.

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The Tribunals of Inquiry Bill has reached Second Stage. Deputy Sheehan can come to the House and hold his arm appropriately.

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I cannot give an accurate reply. I will have to ask the Minister concerned.

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: As that is a specific policy matter for the line Minister, I cannot give a specific and accurate response. I will refer the Deputy's inquiry to the Minister.

Order of Business (26 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: Yes.

Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware that legislation is promised in that area.

Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: A social housing (miscellaneous provisions) Bill is due later in the year. It may not be germane to the issue.

Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for local authorities to implement the Part V measures.

Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: There are ongoing discussions. I have always said this House could order its affairs far better if Members did not regard Dáil reform as an opportunity for the Opposition to do the Government's job and for the Government to do the Opposition's job.

Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: If Members sat down sensibly and did not engage in one-upmanship every time we try to introduce reform in the House, which has unfortunately become the norm, it would be more productive. We over-use some procedures and under-use others and we continue to make attempts to circumvent the rules. If we sat down sensibly to establish rules for a modern parliament, there is no reason we could not...

Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: That is precisely my point.

Order of Business (21 Feb 2008)

Brian Cowen: The best way to achieve Dáil reform is through mature consensus involving all parties in the House and recognising the roles we must all play. We can take the job seriously and do some work on it or we can continue to do the ring-a-ring-a-rosy that has passed for Dáil reform until now.