Results 401-420 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: When we discussed the issue of home care during Leaders' Questions and questions to the Taoiseach, I made the point that the measures to be implemented in the new year will be the national guidelines and procedures for standardised implementation of the home care package scheme and the quality guidelines for home care support services for older people, which are due for publication, as well...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes. As I said, the Cabinet acts as a collective authority, and while there has been a statement----

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Yes, it does. A statement was made some time ago regarding the view of the Green Party Ministers that the dissolution of the Dáil should be considered in the specified timeframe. We are, as a collective authority, working through the issues to make sure our business is done and that all legislative measures consequent on the budget are enacted to provide the necessary certainty, while at...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I cannot throw any light on a query by the Deputy regarding the Minister-----

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: -----but if the Deputy does not already have her number, I will give it to him.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I refer the Deputy to the budgetary measures that have been announced. There is the finance Bill, some pensions legislation and also some betting legislation. That can all be done during the course of the first session when we return. There are also the banking issues. There is important work to be done by the House in a reasonable timeframe and with proper and due consideration. Other...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I understand the mental capacity Bill is due for publication this session. If this is a Bill that the Deputy feels should be included in our work programme in the new year, I can certainly arrange for that. As he said, it is an important Bill and it would put the statutory framework on mental capacity on a modern footing. Much good work has been done in the disability sector in recent...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: Work is ongoing on this matter. There has been a collaboration with the voluntary sector and consultation with the statutory sector to bring forward guidelines. The first point of call is to issue these guidelines, to publish them early in the new year and to put in place a regime that will see their implementation. They will be brought to the attention of everyone, including local...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: In the vast majority of cases we are discussing HSE-provided services. A total of 55,000 home helps are run by the HSE. Where home care packages have been adverted to there is also an involvement by the HSE in terms of procurement issues etc. I contend that in the vast majority of these cases the level of complaint thus far is such that given the range of activities and the fact that...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: The Bill mentioned by the Deputy is being worked on as a priority. I do not have a date for it, but certainly the vetting Bill is a priority.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: What was the second one?

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I have mentioned this before. There are two Bills relating to the Central Bank - one is an important immediate job and, as I recall, the second is a consolidation Bill.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: It is one or the other. My apologies. If it is the one to which the Deputy refers, that can be taken early in the next session, as I understand it.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I cannot make any such commitment to Deputy Shatter in respect of holding referenda on the day of a general election, whenever that decision is taken.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I know that. I was about to come to that. The Deputy should allow us even a proportion of the intelligence he has himself. We can answer the Deputy's questions as we heard them; it is a matter of giving us some time to deal with them sequentially. That is no problem.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I know what the Deputy is seeking.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: However, if the Deputy does not wish to hear the answers or he already knows the answers, what is the point? Work is continuing with regard to the children's referendum. I cannot give a date this side of Christmas or the new year as to when that will be completed, when the Government will consider it or when we would have to come back to those involved in the previous work in this area. I...

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: The forestry Bill will not relate to the matter raised by Deputy Ferris. No decision has been made by the Government nor is one is due in the near future on the issue. In the immediate future his concerns are not well grounded.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: No, not to my knowledge as an organisation. On several occasions, Coillte has entered into commercial contracts with private companies, however. No preparations are being made for the sale of the organisation itself or its land. If Deputy Ferris has an individual issue, we can check it out for him.

Order of Business (14 Dec 2010)

Brian Cowen: I know its publication was promised before the end of this session. I hope it will be honoured.