Results 261-280 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen
- State Boards (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: It is important to point out that some people might be in an election mode but an election has not been called. As the Deputy said, previous Governments of all hues have filled vacancies when in office. There is no legal compromise appointing people if the vacancies exist. I faced a situation when I came into office in 1997 when there was the purported appointment of 24 people to health...
- State Boards (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: We must look at these matters in the future to see how best to achieve this. We need to ensure there are people who want to serve and that they get the opportunity to put forward their case to serve. That would be good. On the question of suitability, Ministers must get people who they believe would be up for the job. In many cases, they are not based on political allegiances or whatever,...
- State Boards (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: The question of the interregnum period that would apply would need to be considered. However, we can have a look at that. I am prepared to co-operate on these sorts of matters at the appropriate time. I do not buy into the Deputy's argument that it is from here on out. Until a general election is called the Government has its duties and functions to perform. One cannot decide that is not...
- State Boards (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: No self-respecting government will cede its legitimate authority unless and until we are into a general election period. In terms of coming to an accommodation on these matters there is a need to be sensible. I know the Deputy might be able to say we are just lagging along here; a lot of important work has to be done. There are four Finance Bill-related pieces of legislation and other...
- State Boards (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: No. They will be done in parallel with the processing of the Finance Bill, which is the most important legislation. If we do not have that, how do we confirm certainty for the upcoming financial year? It is in everybody's interest. Behind all the rhetoric, there is an understanding from everybody that must happen. We would be very foolish if we did not do that. In the question the...
- State Boards (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: The programme for Government and revised programme for Government were based on a number of issues, including the prospect of the Government completing a full term, which now, obviously, will not happen, and the prospects of completing the programme in a much shorter timeframe, as ambitious as it was, is not available to us. Therefore, we have outlined the legislative priorities for the...
- State Boards (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: I do not agree with that as a matter of principle to be applied. Boards cannot function unless one has them properly constituted. One needs a proper skills mix. One needs to ensure that people attend in sufficient numbers and quorums are met, and business is conducted. In many cases there are economic and other consequences, and, indeed, many social benefits, that derive as a result of...
- Freedom of Information (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 9, inclusive, together. A total of 110 requests were received during 2010, of which 14 were received in November. Of the total of 110 requests, 74 were granted or part-granted and four were refused. In 11 cases no records were held, while four requests were withdrawn. Seventeen requests are ongoing. The comparative figures for each year since 2002...
- Freedom of Information (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: The question of the operation of the Freedom of Information Act is a matter for the Department of Finance. The question as to whether there are any policy issues arising or to be implemented would be best directed to the Minister for Finance. I do not have that information.
- Freedom of Information (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: It was the day of the marathon.
- Freedom of Information (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: I do not know. As I stated, the operation of the legislation is with the line Minister, who is the Minister for Finance. I only have the detailed data on the question on my Department.
- Freedom of Information (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: As a member of the Government one assesses memorandums coming from various Ministers with line responsibilities in these areas. There is a considered analysis of approach into what is required or the pluses and minuses of a particular proposal. It would only be in such a context that I could give an opinion. As Taoiseach I can only give the considered opinion of the Government if it...
- Freedom of Information (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: The Information Commissioner has the right and entitlement to make her views known and it is a matter for the Minister for Finance, in his capacity, to decide how to proceed. There is a relationship between the Information Commissioner and the Department of Finance for the purpose of considering these policy initiatives. I can bring the matter to the attention of the Minister but I must...
- Departmental Staff (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together. Recruitment competitions for positions as advisory counsel are run by the Public Appointments Service. For the most recent competition, in June 2008, the essential requirements for candidates were to have been called to the Bar of Ireland; since qualification, to have significant experience as a barrister practising in the State; to have...
- Departmental Staff (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: I will have to check that. What is involved is further consideration of reforms that would help in reducing professional costs in order to make the sector more efficient and effective. I will have to get back to the Deputy on the timing of those issues.
- Departmental Staff (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: In the main body of the reply I referred to the fact that there are 35 positions as advisory counsel in the Attorney General's office. I cannot provide specific grades if they apply but I will check that for the Deputy.
- Departmental Staff (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: I will ask to see if the information is available and get it for the Deputy.
- Departmental Staff (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 8, motion re ministerial rota for parliamentary questions; No. 17, Criminal Justice (Public Order) Bill 2010 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 18, Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad] - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 8 shall be decided without debate and...
- Departmental Staff (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: It is normal in the case of any finance Bill for the Minister for Finance to provide an indicative timeframe within which he believes his officials and the Revenue can come forward with proposals and possible amendments and Opposition amendments can be considered, etc. Last year, the Finance Bill concluded on 6 April. The Government, consistent with doing its work properly, is expediting...
- Departmental Staff (12 Jan 2011)
Brian Cowen: I can provide the A, B and C lists if the Deputy wishes. The only problem is it keeps me here until 1 o'clock every Wednesday.