Results 15,221-15,240 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (Resumed). (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: Of course I have seen it.

Estimates for Public Services 2006. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I move the following Supplementary Estimate:

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: The composition of the committee is based on proportionality of representation in the House. It is also important to have a committee with such numbers as will lend itself to effectiveness so that it can get through the important business it needs to do. Obviously the committee will report back to a plenary session of the House when every Member will have an opportunity to discuss and debate...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: Those nominated by the Government represent both parties in government. The main Opposition parties made their nominations and the Technical Group made its. In the interests of efficacy, proportionality of representation, getting on with the important business and reporting back to this House so that we can make the necessary decisions, we propose proceeding as suggested.

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: This is an important matter which has to be dealt with by the House today in compliance with legislation. The necessary work in terms of preparing for a successful IPO has been ongoing for some time. Subject to legal constraints and market sensitivities, the Minister of Transport will outline for the House the substantial progress which has been made. Consultations are ongoing between...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: ——I would have expected support for the development agenda outlined by management to ensure Aer Lingus plays a significant role in the economic life of north Dublin and the country.

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: The voters will note his objection to ensuring this matter proceeds.

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: Obviously, I cannot accept the amendment. It is important to point out, as has been mentioned by one speaker, that although we are discussing closing the plenary session of the Dáil, the committee system will continue.

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: The purpose of establishing a committee system was to ensure there was the ability to continue the accountability mechanism that Parliament provides to the Government, as provided for in the Constitution. We should not suggest that this is not the case because it is the case. During this month and in September the House will sit in its respective committee formats and continue the work those...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: Those of us privileged to be Ministers will continue our work as a Government. This month will see the beginning of an Estimates process, the setting out of a budgetary strategy to be agreed by Government and preparations of budgets for the following year. It is not a question of work ending after today; work will continue in the context of the continuing progress we are making. It is...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No a12a, motion re establishment of joint committee on child protection; No. a12b, motion re membership of committee; No. 12, motion re Standing Order 121; No. 13, proposals for legislation on broadcasting — instruction to joint committee; No. 14, Supplementary Estimate for Public Services [Vote 40] — back from committee; and No. 14a, motion re proposed approval by...

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am taking the Order of Business on the basis that it is outlined. The report due to be published today will be aired in full in the media and elsewhere.

Order of Business. (6 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: As I understand, in his reply to Deputy Kenny, the Taoiseach mentioned that it would probably be raised at the joint committee on child protection being established to deal with all issues surrounding child protection. One of the terms of reference will be to consider the implications arising from and the consequences of the Supreme Court decision of 23 May 2006 in the CC case. The failure in...

Government Record: Motion (Resumed). (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is a pity that when such debates are held, we do not have a two way debate but rather considerable interjection and heckling from the Members opposite, as I observed last night and tonight. It is a tactic which continues to be employed. Presumably, the consultants from the United States reckon it is the getting them somewhere.

Government Record: Motion (Resumed). (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: As far as the Government is concerned, we will defend our record of solid achievement. The country is in a different position from the one it was in in 1997 when we took office and since 2002, significant progress has been made. It is not clever or true to say every problem is solved or that every Government solved every problem.

Government Record: Motion (Resumed). (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is also not true to say that where there are problems, no progress whatsoever is being made. That simplistic debate is a turn-off for the electorate which is more sophisticated than that and deserves a higher level of debate. Reflecting on what the Government is doing in the areas of health, education, social welfare and the capital programme, expenditure in these areas accounts for 80% of...

Government Record: Motion (Resumed). (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: With respect, we listened to what the Deputy had to say, yet she interrupts again. At what stage will the Opposition deal with the issue of such waste by being specific? Where is money being wasted in education? It is the Opposition's contention that we should be spending more money on education. We are doing this. One Member opposite referred to disadvantaged programmes. The Minister for...

Government Record: Motion (Resumed). (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: We should be clear about this issue if we are to debate it but we should acknowledge what is being achieved. If they wish, Opposition members can come forward with alternative approaches on the way the money can be spent but we must ensure it adds up. They cannot pick and choose to suit their argument.

Government Record: Motion (Resumed). (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: To take education as an example, Deputies Rabbitte and Kenny sat at the Cabinet table and agreed to cut teacher numbers and free school funding. That happened. We replaced that agenda with a sustained commitment to education. On crime, there is much debate each week in the House about Garda numbers but the rainbow Government cut Garda numbers.

Government Record: Motion (Resumed). (5 Jul 2006)

Brian Cowen: In 1997 it opposed our plan to hire 1,200 extra gardaí. In 2002 it stated it would be impossible for us to hire a further 2,000 gardaí but now states we have not hired enough. That does not inform the public about the issues to ensure we have safer streets in our communities.