Results 1,441-1,460 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I apologise. The script is on the way. The Irish workforce has adapted to the international economic crisis and the very changed circumstances at home. In many cases, work practices have changed, working hours have been altered, pay rates have been reduced, especially premium earnings of various kinds. Employers and workers have got together at local level to agree how to adapt and to...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Democratic government is, in essence, about choices.

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: With hindsight, we can see that the sustained boom period of the Celtic tiger misled us all into believing we could avoid difficult choices. We now know differently. As a consequence, the choices we now face are, unfortunately, very stark. It is essential at this time of severe economic difficulty that our people understand the choices facing the country, the decisions being taken by the...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is also important and appropriate that the Government can show to this House and Irish people that it is listening to all points of view and considering all policy options. Some have expressed the view that we can reduce the severity of the fiscal consolidation by extending the 2014 deadline. While the Government understands this view, it is simply not grounded in the reality of the...

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I truly believe that the present difficulties, daunting as they appear-----

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I truly believe that the present difficulties, daunting as they appear, represent an opportunity to rejuvenate our institutions, to refocus our energy and to inspire the people.

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is a realistic prospect of achieving, within a reasonable time, not merely budgetary balance and economic security but an Ireland worthy of the sacrifices our people are currently being called upon to make.

Macro-Economic and Fiscal Outlook: Statements (27 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: We can build such an Ireland, that is capable of meeting our ambitions for our children and their future in this country. I remain open to the possibility of a broad measure of agreement on the details of a pathway to recovery and am very open to hearing and acting on sound proposals that may be aired in this debate. However, I stand before the House in the full knowledge of my own...

Written Answers — Department Staff: Department Staff (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only agency under the aegis of my Department. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department and NESDO is set out in the table beneath. Organisation 2008 2009 Department of the Taoiseach Number of temporary contract staff employed 40* 25 Cost €2,343,281 €2,048,655 NESDO Number of temporary...

Written Answers — Commemorative Events: Commemorative Events (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: My Department was involved as usual in the annual commemoration of the Easter Rising at the GPO on 4 April, 2010 and at the National Day of Commemoration at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham on 11 July, 2010. In addition, my Department has an allocation of €100,000 under the Commemoration Initiatives Fund within its 2010 Vote, to support individuals or groups in organising the commemoration of...

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not think that is a proper characterisation of that particular situation. I do not want to go over it again; it is not within the remit of the questions. I was asked what were my appointments under my Department and I have set out that information. The purpose of parliamentary questions is to obtain information. The situation clearly is that there was a remit as far as the Minister...

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: From time to time, that can occur where there is a difference of opinion, but the purpose of the board is to implement Government policy. Government policy is to proceed with the building of a hospital on that site as a result of a lot of independent reports that were conducted and is in line with world trends where paediatric hospitals are built on the same sites as or adjacent to adult...

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Twenty-four of the last 25 that have been built worldwide have been that way.

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I said yesterday to Deputy Gilmore, the funding arrangements are the same now as they were when the project was first announced. There is no change in that.

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am sorry, but I will not get into it. If Deputy Kenny has a line question for the Minister for Health and Children for further detail, that is the place to put it.

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Of course she answers questions. She answers any question that is put to her.

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Either we are going to have a serious discussion or we are not.

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I recall the fall of Deputy Gilmore's Government.

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The only commitment I would like to give Deputy Gilmore in that regard is that we will certainly not repeat something that happened on the demise of a Government in which he was a Minister of State. It purported to appoint people to health boards on dates when I was the Minister for Health and Children. We had a situation in which there was an effort made by an outgoing Government to...

Ministerial Appointments (20 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----health boards in respect of vacancies which-----