Results 1,701-1,720 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Burton listens in silence when the question is asked but cannot be silent when the answer is given.

Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Does Deputy Burton want an answer?

Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Will Deputy Sheahan be able to keep control over there?

Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The issue raised by Deputy Gilmore is one for the semi-State companies concerned to deal with the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The affordable fuels strategy is at an advanced stage of preparation in the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. It will provide a way to deal with the issue more widely and generally. It will not be like in the past when there were income supports to free fuel schemes. It will also involve retrofitting households to help people have more energy efficient homes....

Leaders' Questions (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: There have been increases in the fuel allowance in the past. I made the point earlier that since the last increase, home heating oil prices have reduced. The overall strategy to be integrated across the board is at an advanced stage at the moment.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together. The renewed programme for Government envisages the following potential referenda during the lifetime of the present Dáil, subject, of course, to appropriate Oireachtas approval: to consider children's rights, based on the work of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children; to consider amending Article 41.2 of...

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: We may have a referendum. It is a matter that is receiving attention and is being dealt with on an inter-departmental basis. As the Deputy knows, it is subject to Cabinet and committee discussions but there are issues arising in regard to it that are being looked at, such as the possible unforeseen consequences of some of the wording and how that might result in legislative changes or have...

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the basis that the Government would run the full term to May 2012, I do not see any reason why not.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I do see reasons why not.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I cannot say when the referendum will be held because the Government is still considering the implications of the proposed wording and a lot of work is taking place on an inter-departmental basis, which is continuing. The Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs would know what is the up-to-date position. On the other issues, I understand they are the subject of...

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The assertion made by the Deputy is incorrect. It is not correct to say that one could have expected a referendum last summer. The proposal was submitted to the Government in March or April and was the result of many years work. We have to examine the implications of the proposed wording. Ministers and Departments were asked to consider the report, which dealt with the complex nature of...

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, obviously the work is continuing and drafting is being considered. No issue has come to Cabinet for its consideration at this point. I will give the Deputy an update on the work that has been ongoing. The commitment to bring forward legislation for a constitutional amendment remains and the Government is determined to fulfil that commitment. We are all agreed that we want to...

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: Work is continuing on the wording. No wording has been brought to Government at this point.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, I said it is being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General with the policy support being provided by office of the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs. This is a matter that the Minister of State will bring to Government in due course and we can deal with it on that basis.

Constitutional Amendments (13 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: On an examination of the proposed wording, its implications for the areas of responsibility of the various Ministers and Departments were examined. An examination will identify the range of unintended policy and resources to date. Arising from that, work will continue in the Office of the Attorney General to bring forward a writ for consideration by Government on legislation for a...

Departmental Expenditure (12 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together. There are four staff assigned to the communications unit, two executive officers, one staff officer and one clerical officer. The projected cost to date of the unit for 2010 is €181,701, with €84,156 being a direct cost to my Department and the balance being paid by three other Departments from which staff have been seconded...

Departmental Expenditure (12 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: The www.MerrionStreet.ie website relates to the totality of Government activity and not simply that relating to the Department of the Taoiseach. The website was specifically developed for this purpose. As stated earlier, we must use all the modern Internet tools that are available in order to ensure that information is provided by the Government in a user-friendly way. I am of the opinion...

Departmental Expenditure (12 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: On the question of information, we meet members of the media directly and I did not realise that one cannot use a Government website to disseminate information. Regardless of whether it is the media or a website, one can use these channels in whatever way one wishes.

Departmental Expenditure (12 Oct 2010)

Brian Cowen: I will have to check with those who deal with the service in order to answer the Deputy's first question. A suggestion was made in this House, on foot of a question which was probably tabled by the Deputy, that we might consider appointing a single information provider. I examined the matter and provided a detailed reply to the relevant question confirming the position in this regard.