Results 12,621-12,640 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is the practice in Government Departments and Offices that a proportion of internal promotions from the grade of clerical officer are made on the basis of seniority and suitability. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that clerical officers are promoted on a senior suitable basis in accordance with an agreed sequence of which currently 1 in 8 vacancies are filled by promotion to...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the only relevant information available is in respect of income tax relief allowed for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) for the income tax year 2004. RACs and PRSAs are available to the self-employed and to employees not in occupational pension schemes. A distribution by...

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: With regard to the third matter raised by Deputy Kenny, he also raised it the morning after the lecture given by Mr. Justice Carney in Cork. I made the point that these matters are within the internal jurisdiction of the courts and as I understood it Mr. Justice Carney did not call for an amendment to the law.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has line responsibility for this matter and is considering the situation. He may introduce legislation. It is a matter for the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to determine in due course and subject to Government approval any proposal he brings before it. It can then be debated in the House.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I will stay in order but I reject the assertion made by the leader of the Labour Party. With regard to the matter of the tribunal, the question of winding it up is a matter for the chairman. We had motions for its establishment and for its independence in its functions. It is responsible for its own operations. I am not aware that motions are required in the Dáil to wind up the tribunal....

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand it will be in 2008.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Again, I understand that will be next year.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: In 2008.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The heads of the criminal justice miscellaneous provisions Bill have been approved by the Government and the first draft is under consideration. That Bill is expected this session.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: The health information Bill will be published next year. Probably the best figures to seek are wholetime equivalents.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand that Bill is not listed.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: If we get the correct name of the Bill we will communicate with the Deputy.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is not so intended.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: So far as it is possible or practicable, certainly it is always best to give appropriate notice between publication and the taking of a Bill. As the Deputy will be aware sometimes there are occasions when that is not possible, due to the urgency of a Bill coming through or whatever. In regard to the student support Bill, which is a Bill to place all student support schemes on a statutory...

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: Legislation was not promised in that area. The Taoiseach gave his reaction to——

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I was about to reply to the Deputy.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: No, there was no promised legislation. My recollection is that the Taoiseach, in the House, indicated his concerns, quite rightly, in regard to some of the heinous crimes that have taken place. Obviously the question of what further legislative or other measures should be taken is a matter of continuing consideration by the Minister and the Government at all times.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: That is a matter that can be addressed in the context of Whips' meetings. When the terms of reference are prepared the Whip can undertake to discuss that matter with his colleagues.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: I understand it is intended to have it taken this session.

Order of Business (Resumed) (25 Oct 2007)

Brian Cowen: It is to provide for a new scheme of financial support for persons requiring residential care in public and private nursing homes. It is the Minister's intention to try to have that legislation drafted as a matter of priority.