Results 16,101-16,120 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the question raised under a Standing Order 31 request by the Deputy's constituency colleague, Deputy Burton, these are matters the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, and the Department will deal with to ensure that children are found places for their primary schooling in the constituency and elsewhere. She has been remarkably successful in providing extra facilities. This Government has provided...

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I would not suggest it is a very profitable company.

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is a company that is thankfully now beginning to work its way out of its difficulties.

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The current state of play regarding that long-standing matter between workers and management to do with the payment of wage increases under Sustaining Progress is a matter on which the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, will inform the Deputy. I am not familiar with the current position as of this morning.

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the question about the Government's energy policy, the Minister is preparing a policy proposal for consideration by Government on energy requirements to 2020 and beyond. A considerable effort will be made to improve security of supply by the increased use of indigenous sources of energy where that can be arranged and where it is feasible and viable. The recent budget contained initiatives...

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the second matter, I am unsure whether the broadcasting authority Bill will arise during the current session but it is anticipated it will be published during the course of this year. The Deloitte & Touche report has been commissioned by the Minister in his effort to prepare a policy proposal. The report in itself does not constitute the energy policy and it may well contain some...

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The health Bill will be published this year. There will be many opportunities on Second Stage of a number of Bills for Members to bring to the Minister's attention their views on a range of matters in the health area, including the one to which the Deputy referred. I do not have specific information as to when the strategy on diabetes might be published. I will ask the Tánaiste to...

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I will have to revert to the Deputy on this issue. I do not have that information.

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: No legislation is required. There is a plan. One cannot spend money or draw down EU funding unless one has a framework.

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I know that. I have noted local newspaper coverage of the misrepresentation of some of the replies I have given on this matter in the Deputy's part of the country, not only from the Deputy but from other Deputies. We have a national plan for 2000 to 2006. The funding is being rolled out. While the plan runs to the end of 2006, the impact of some of the funding will be evident beyond 2006. We...

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: In the roll-out beyond 2006 and in the next national development plan, we will see continued and unprecedented investment in all of the regions. Regional development will be a central objective of future national development plans which will be prepared by my Department.

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: One cannot be more specific than the spokesperson from the State Claims Agency was in media interviews yesterday and the previous day. We have given authority to the State Claims Agency to defend the State's interest in regard to claims brought against the State. Obviously, one has sympathy for the personal circumstances of the individual concerned in this matter. The issue was dealt with in...

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: All I can say is that the matter will be dealt with between the State Claims Agency and the Department of Education and Science, as set out by the official concerned on the basis that he articulated. He put the position in a fair and open way. Let us wait to find what the consideration of the facts is on the basis of——

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Cabinet will make its decisions in due course based on its consideration of the best time to proceed with a decision that would have important implications for the company. I am glad to note discussions are taking place with the Government, which obviously must reserve to itself the timing and content of any decisions it wishes to take, given that it is a matter of considerable importance...

Order of Business (Resumed). (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, I indicated that a briefing from the RPII could be made available for Opposition spokespersons on this matter if they so wish. Clearly, if there are briefings beyond that or information is sought by the Deputy, I am sure direct contact with the Minister will result in his making whatever arrangements he can to provide all the information he can in order that everyone is...

Order of Business (Resumed). (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy can take up that matter again.

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 15, statements on the Irish language; and No. 1, the Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken at 1.30 p.m. today. The order shall not resume thereafter. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 15 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 1.30...

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The issue of investigation procedures for private nursing homes will be dealt with under the provisions of the health Bill, which is due this year. I understand the medical practitioners Bill is due later this year. On the first issue raised by Deputy Bruton, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, has been in contact with his British counterpart on this...

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed that if the Deputy or any of his spokespersons require a full briefing from the RPII on the up-to-date situation, it will be arranged.

Order of Business. (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: On the first matter, I can only reiterate the previous comments I addressed to Deputy Bruton about the concerns of the Government and the House. Unanimity has been articulated regularly in the House, through motions and in debates, on the question of Sellafield and the strong policy position of successive Governments on its being taken out of use as quickly as possible. I am not sure of the...