Results 341-360 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Social Partnership Issues (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Exactly. That was the case.

Social Partnership Issues (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Despite the economic constraints that mean certain policies have to be pursued now as a matter of national necessity, a great proportion of the social gains that have been made can be retained. The recent improvements in economic competitiveness that have derived from our capital gains, which are now visible for many people in view of those investments, can also be retained. They can and...

Social Partnership Issues (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: All of these issues, including the specific issues being encountered by subcontractors, are dealt with by the Ministers concerned in the Departments concerned on an ongoing basis. The question of legislative change is being pursued. The Deputy is aware that the Government agreed to consider a proposal that was made by Senator Quinn, who is an Independent. It has been advanced considerably...

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 8, inclusive, together. While I do not yet have any formal plans for meetings on the margins of this week's Council meeting, I expect to have informal discussions with my European Council colleagues while I am in Brussels. Prior to the Council meeting, I will attend a meeting of the European Liberal Democrat Party at which a number of my European Council...

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Union's finances and the banking system generally provide a context for the discussions on the permanent crisis mechanism. Along with our colleagues at Council level, we will work through the issues that are up for discussion. I refer specifically to the permanent crisis mechanism. It is important to note that much of the speculation, including people's projections about what they...

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is important to point out that the agenda regarding the permanent crisis mechanism is the specific context for the discussion on that. As Deputy Kenny is aware, there are ongoing discussions at ECOFIN and other levels regarding wider financial stability issues. I am sure the rate of progress that is being made on issues like the change in economic governance will be adverted to at the...

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: No firm arrangements have been finalised, as the official reply indicates, adverting to the fact that China is becoming an increasingly important trading partner for Ireland, as well as for other countries. We are promoting our interests there but there are no final arrangements regarding impending visits.

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Obviously international education has been on the agenda for previous trips during the ongoing engagement we have been having in bilateral talks in terms of both trips to China and visits from Chinese delegations to Ireland. There have been significant improvements in terms of the availability of visas for those purposes, and indeed for tourism purposes, for Chinese people coming to Ireland....

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Regarding what Chancellor Merkel had to say, obviously there are issues in relation to matters that have been well articulated and amplified in the intervening period. The whole question as to how we might proceed by way of a very limited amendment has become clear from President Van Rompuy's consultations. These indicate widespread support for a very limited amendment that should be given...

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I want to wish the Deputy a happy Christmas as well.

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Attorney General is, of course, involved in all these matters. I am simply respecting the situation where the Government will make its final decision when it has the final wording. However, based on what we have seen thus far, we believe the limited procedure that is being used for this purpose implies no change in competence. We will finalise our formal decisions and report to the...

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: We have been observing the rise of China as a world economic power over the past 20 years at least and it continues to forge ahead. From an Irish viewpoint, we have been indicating in our industrial strategy the need for Ireland to promote science and investment in research, development and innovation and we are seeing continuing significant investment in Ireland as a result. There are...

EU Summits (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: The President of the Council will formally put forward a wording and the reply I have given is based on the drafts we have seen thus far. However, when the final wording is presented - I cannot anticipate whether any amendments will be tabled or agreed at the meeting - I am simply observing the necessary protocols in saying that we will evaluate the final wording when it is agreed...

Tribunals of Inquiry (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: The cost accrued to my Department during November 2010 was €390,427.

Tribunals of Inquiry (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I recently gave the updated cost as of end October, which when added to the figure provided today indicates the full cost thus far. On the completion of its work, the Deputy will be aware that the tribunal recently spent two weeks hearing evidence, subsequent to which Mr. Justice Moriarty indicated to the Department that while it is clear that the tribunal is in the final phase of its work,...

Tribunals of Inquiry (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I concur.

Tribunals of Inquiry (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: As I said, the Chairman is independent in his functions. My assumption is that public hearings have concluded. However, Mr. Justice Moriarty must consider that evidence. Whether witnesses will have to be recalled arising out of that evidence I cannot confirm or deny.

Tribunals of Inquiry (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: We are all agreed that tribunals are an expensive way of carrying out investigations. It is not possible, however, to quantify the overall cost of this particular tribunal until it has concluded its work and third party costs are known. The tribunal has always insisted in response to any queries from the Department that any attempt to quantify third party costs at this point could lead to...

Order of Business (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 9c, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support to Ireland; No. a5, Credit Institutions (Stabilisation) Bill 2010 - Order for Second Stage and Second and Subsequent Stages; and No. 40, Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009 [Seanad] - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in...

Leaders' Questions. (15 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is important to make a distinction in these cases. It is not correct to conflate the banking sector bonus system, in which a large, additional to basic pay, discretionary bonus based on meeting certain objectives was in place, with payments to middle-ranking public servants at principal officer and assistant principal level. In 1994, the programme for competitiveness and work provided for...