Results 1,641-1,660 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Official Engagements (19 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The special meeting was called by the President of the European Council to discuss specific issues. More meetings of the European Council are taking place as a result of the Lisbon treaty, but not all of these have the full agenda of a normal Council meeting, of which there were traditionally two per year - one in the summer and one in December - plus another in the spring to deal with the...

Official Engagements (19 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: With respect to curbing their power, it is a question of the way to do that and the way to manage our own destiny. The way to effect economic control over our own country is to come forward with strategies and policies that show we are capable of funding those deficits, being able to repay our debt over time, and fostering growth in the economy. That is a difficult thing to achieve, but it...

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I have just said to Deputy Kenny, the four year plan will be published in the first half of November.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: If I may reply to the query, the answer is the same as I gave to Deputy Kenny. The four year plan will be published in the first half of November. The exact date has not yet been selected by the Government. I have no idea why the spokesperson for Commissioner Rehn gave the date of 4 November. It is inaccurate and contact has been made with the Commission to clarify the position.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: What source?

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Who is deciding when we publish the plan, the Commission or us? I have just explained to the Deputy.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is no point, is there?

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, but there is not much point. What is the point of asking a question and interrupting the answer? It is the same old story every time. With regard to the other question on the social charge, it has been indicated by the Minister for Finance that he will bring forward reforms in the budget in relation to that matter. It is a budgetary and taxation matter and will be dealt with then.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am not aware that the Minister for Finance is preparing a White Paper at this stage. A question directly to the Minister would give the Deputy an indication of that position.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand the sale of alcohol Bill will be published early next year. That is the earliest we will have that legislation.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am aware of that too.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I might get a chance to duck Deputy Broughan's head in the water. He might catch an apple for himself.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Burton is such a literate spokesperson. She will tell us the author's name next.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I apologise to Deputy Costello. Deputies should give him a chance to speak.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: All Members are interested in maintaining the integrity of our passports and serious issues have arisen in recent times. I am sure the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who has responsibility for the Passport Office, will do all he can to ensure that integrity is not further compromised.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: There is no date for that.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I will look into the Deputy's request.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Central Bank (No. 2) Bill is being worked on as a priority. The consolidation Bill will be introduced afterwards.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: On examination, a range of unintended policy and resource implications were identified. The work that has arisen from that has meant the Minister with policy support is engaged with the Attorney General to see what could be provided that would deal with some of the issues being raised. When we get back whatever wording arises from that work we can consider it and take it from there.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I have just explained that from the Government's point of view it has identified a range of unintended policy and resource implications, some of which I outlined in my first reply.