Results 17,061-17,080 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: We all recognise the very serious situation in Pakistan as a result of the earthquake. I understand Ireland was the highest per capita contributor in the world in terms of financial assistance, of which we should all be proud. Obviously, the magnitude of the problems are such that the Minister for Foreign Affairs will send people to Pakistan to see how we can further assist the non-government...
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: The advice available to the Government is that there is no constitutional infirmity attaching to the proposal to set up an eligibility board which will subsequently determine for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform what cases will be submitted for pardon from the President under Article 13 of the Constitution.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: I am aware of the issues raised by the Deputy and this is a long-standing matter. Reform is required in updating the coroner's legislation. A Bill is in preparation to provide for reform of the coroners service and to replace the Coroner's Act 1962.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: It is due to be enacted next year.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: I understand that will happen shortly.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: The legislation will be published this session. It is not affected by the extension of payments, which is intended to facilitate the chairman of that tribunal to complete his inquiries.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: Unlike an unfortunate episode involving a previous Administration, we do not intend any leaks before the publication of the Finance Bill.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: That will be published next year. I am aware, that since my time in the Department, every effort has been made by An Bord Altranais and the Health Service Executive to provide adequate numbers of nurses. The number has increased since my time in the Department.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: The Minister for Education and Science hopes to publish that Bill next year. As the Deputy will be aware, legislation is not envisaged on the other matter.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: Under the draft constitutional treaty produced during our Presidency, it is the intention of all Governments in the European Union to continue legitimate dialogue with faith communities in their societies on the basis of a mature relationship, which we seek with all faiths in this pluralist society. It would be thoroughly illiberal if such a dialogue were not to take place.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: The development of policy and changes in arrangements are provided for in the Social Welfare Bill but none are imminent.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: It will probably be introduced next year.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: It is not possible to say at this stage. I will take note of the Deputy's comments and communicate them to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Whips to arrange a debate on that or any other issue and if the Green Party wishes to promote this matter as a priority it can raise the matter on Private Members' business if Government time is not available.
- Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: I have never heard Deputy Stagg echo such a sense of powerlessness.
- Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (9 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: The National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission is independent of Government in the exercise of its functions. Under the National Pensions Reserve Fund Act 2000, it controls and manages the fund with discretionary authority to determine and implement the fund's investment strategy. This investment strategy is based on a commercial investment mandate with the objective of securing the optimal...
- Written Answers — Household Indebtedness: Household Indebtedness (9 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 162 together. I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy and of concerns expressed in relation to the continued growth in credit, particularly to the household sector, and the possible effects of increasing indebtedness upon borrowers. The Deputies may wish to note that the growth of credit and the associated increase in indebtedness are in the...
- Written Answers — Public Service Contracts: Public Service Contracts (9 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: Public procurement of computer systems operates within a policy defined by European and domestic procurement law. Up to date guidelines for public procurement, including information technology solutions, were issued to Government Departments and offices by my Department in 2004. I am satisfied that the procurement systems in place are robust and as a general rule operate in a satisfactory...
- Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (9 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: As a small, open economy, Ireland is heavily reliant on the international economy and external shocks have the potential to significantly reduce Irish growth. In this regard, my Department is constantly monitoring developments in the world economy. For example, in the Economic Review and Outlook, published August 2005, my Department identified a number of external risks to the economic...
- Written Answers — Tax and Social Welfare Codes: Tax and Social Welfare Codes (9 Nov 2005)
Brian Cowen: The issue of making unused tax credits refundable was examined by a working group established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to examine the role which refundable tax credits can play in the tax and welfare system. The group was made up of representatives of the social partners and was chaired by my Department. Among other things, it examined the issues which might arise if...