Results 16,421-16,440 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The director general of the Central Statistics Office has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index. Maintaining a moderate rate of inflation remains a key priority of economic policy because of its importance in restoring competitiveness. I made no changes to indirect taxes in...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am aware of the concerns of the person referred to by the Deputy and have received representations from others regarding the inclusion of the donations scheme in the list of specified reliefs to be covered by the new restriction on the use of tax reliefs, which is due to come into effect on 1 January 2007. The issue was also raised during Committee Stage of the Finance Bill last week and...

Written Answers — Northern Ireland Issues: Northern Ireland Issues (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Each Department is replying individually regarding to the North-South Implementation Bodies under its aegis. This Department has responsibility for the special EU programmes body. Employment procedures are a matter for the body but I understood that there have been no complaints in this regard.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Under the decentralisation programme announced by Government in December 2003 up to 131 staff of my Department are due to decentralise to Tullamore from July 2006 and 33 staff are due to decentralise to Kildare. The number of staff in my Department who have chosen to move to Tullamore within the decentralising business units is ten. A further nine staff from my Department have chosen to move,...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Some have applied to go to other areas. The fact that they are not going to the specific area does not mean that only ten staff members from the unit are interested in decentralisation. They may be going to other locations and other Departments.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not have that information to hand, but I can get the Deputy the details. Regarding previous instances of decentralisation, the sorts of figures and percentages that the Deputy has quoted to me seem in line with those viewed as successful. This is a voluntary scheme and we must go through the industrial relations issues. Discussions continue with several unions on various matters in...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: No, the promotions were open to everyone. The issue that arises is that those who have——

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I do not get involved in internal staffing or promotion arrangements. The figures I have given the Deputy concern those promoted and willing to move.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: No. The posts being transferred are at those levels.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Yes, but my point is that not everyone is going as a junior or higher executive officer. Various grades have been submitted.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The idea of decentralisation is to reduce running, property, leasing and rental costs, which are lower in the country than in the cities, particularly in Dublin, which has very high property valuations. We take all that into account, in addition to the cost of moving, to decide the overall cost of the process. There is great complexity in deciding how one transfers the necessary personnel,...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the total cost, the Civil Service training and development centre, which is itself decentralising, is also providing support to decentralise the Department. It has produced a series of support manuals designed to provide practical advice and guidance to decentralising sections and divisions. In our Department, current indications are that it is likely to be on target at most levels...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: No. The Deputy should study the decentralisation implementation committee's latest report which shows the revised arrangements which it envisages as proceeding in terms of a realistic timeframe, based on the early movers, as identified, as well as those further down the line which, with the agreement of staff, it will seek to decentralise on the basis of the programme in future years. The...

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: My colleague and I answer questions on an ongoing basis in respect of these matters. It is not true that no office in Dublin has yet to be vacated. For example, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's office has been sold.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am giving the Deputy one example.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The only people who talk from both sides of their mouths with regard to this matter are the Opposition. When I read local newspapers, I note that Deputies and Senators from Fine Gael and Labour continually ask when the decentralisation programme will be implemented. I then come before this House to be told that I should not go ahead with it at all.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I find Deputy Bruton's own leader——

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am not playing to the gallery.

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The people who are playing to the gallery are——

Decentralisation Programme. (28 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Let the record show that the people who are playing to the gallery——