Results 1,661-1,680 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I want to put on record again the Government's appreciation of the work done by the joint committee. The committee assisted greatly in ensuring political consensus on the policy objectives of the referendum. The Government has a duty to consider the implications of the proposed wording put forward by the committee and to fully understand exactly what is involved. The Government has to be...

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: In a specific reply to the question raised by the Deputy, I am not aware of any proposal in gestation at present to provide for such an arrangement for those outside the country who hold citizenship to have votes in general elections or any other elections here. On the issue generally-----

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I think-----

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am indeed and the Deputy has asked me without notice to take a considered view on an issue that obviously has very far reaching implications, and I do not engage in that type of arrangement where it is then used against me that I stated I would be this, that or the other on an issue. I like to consider a matter when those who propose it put all of the issues in front of me. If people have...

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, I will not initiate any consideration. Deputy Ó Caoláin is proposing that this is an issue which has validity and merit.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I am saying the onus is on those who propose it to come forward with some case for consideration. It is not for me to build their case.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is fair enough. With regard to matters generally, the question of what is being considered as a priority for the Government relates to the issues that we have just discussed.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: My reply to Deputy Flanagan would be that it is not a question of being reluctant. It is a question of getting it right, as far as the Government is concerned. Substantive work is being undertaken in these matters. This work is being co-ordinated by the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, in the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. I made the point that there is work...

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand that is a recommendation in that report. The question on the up-to-date position would be best directed to the line Minister concerned, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Official Travel (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 11, inclusive, together. I led an economic mission to the United States from 11 to 15 July last. During this trip I met with leading figures in US business, politics and the media in New York and Atlanta, as well as representatives of the Irish American community. I attended the New York Stock Exchange on 12 July and I launched "Innovation Fund -...

Official Travel (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: That is an issue on which we campaign all of the time. The Irish Embassy in Washington is very active on the Capital Hill in that regard. As Deputy Kenny will appreciate, it is a very difficult issue on the domestic agenda of the United State. President Obama, when I last met him on St. Patrick's Day in March, gave a strong commitment on his view that this was an issue that needed to be...

Official Travel (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do not have any detail on that. I will ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to let the Deputy know the position. On the issue in regard to bilateral arrangements, I do not believe there is any political prospect of bilateral arrangements being agreed between countries on immigration reform. As the Deputy is aware, there are various caucuses in regard to various groups which would insist...

Official Travel (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Those issues were not discussed, the focus was very much economic and bilateral. On the issue of the millennium development goals, I would refer the Deputy to the speech of the Minister for Foreign Affairs at the General Assembly where that matter was addressed. In regard to-----

Official Travel (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----the question on the APSO-type contribution where people make their skills available to do development work generally, or across the world, we have a personal services organisation that does that work and it is part of the funding for development aid by the Department of Foreign Affairs. I presume that can be augmented or increased, where demand requires it or skills are sought. There...

Official Travel (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I did television interviews, including an interview with Charlie Rose on Bloomberg Television, and met representatives of the New York Stock Exchange, the Bank of New York Mellon, one of the largest banks in the United States, the board of Goldman Sachs and various other business interests.

Official Travel (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I did not have a direct briefing with the newspapers in question but I know it was covered. We dealt with them and they are continually dealt with. I also dealt with other media interests.

Official Travel (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The whole purpose of the peace process and political process in which we are engaged is to enable everyone, those of all traditions, to pursue their objectives peacefully and democratically, overcome past dissensions, recognise the commonality of our interests and, in due course, try to develop political structures which would be consistent with these objectives. That is part of the normal...

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 12a, motion re membership of committees and No. 4, Education (Amendment) Bill 2010 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 12a shall be decided without debate. Private Members' business shall be No. 75, motion re fuel poverty (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. tonight if not previously concluded.

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: As for the first matter raised by Deputy Kenny, the four-year plan will be published in the first half of November but the exact date has not yet been selected by the Government. However, I have no idea why the spokesperson for Commissioner Rehn gave that date. It is inaccurate and contact has been made with the Commission to clarify the correct position. Consequently, it will be provided...

Order of Business (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: In respect of the first matter, my understanding was that at the time of the discussion, the voucher associated with the vouched fuel scheme related to the need to deal with a solid fuel issue arising from the importation of lower grade coal and peat products, possibly from Northern Ireland. There was some indication that a vouched scheme was required for that purpose. I take the point that...