Results 2,361-2,380 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Economic Competitiveness: Economic Competitiveness (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: In an increasingly integrated global economy, greater competition from low wage economies is inevitable. In these circumstances, we must remain focused on restoring and enhancing national competitiveness in order to maintain employment and to continue to attract inward foreign direct investment. Developments in domestic prices and wages are a key component of competitiveness. Government...

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The role of Government with regard to credit growth and associated indebtedness has a number of distinct dimensions. First of all, it is important to note that, as far as overall economic and financial stability is concerned, the relevant measure of credit encompasses both public and private sector credit and debt levels. The Minister for Finance has a key role in this regard in ensuring...

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency that the national debt at end-September 2005 amounted to €38,844 million.

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy is aware, a special interdepartmental review group reviewed the operation of the disabled drivers scheme. The terms of reference of the group were to examine the operation of the existing scheme, including the difficulties experienced by the various groups and individuals involved with it — both on an administrative and user level — and to consider the feasibility of...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: To date, over 10,500 applications have been received on the central applications facility, CAF. New applications continue to be received each week. Since the closing of the priority application period on7 September 2004, an average of over 20 new applications have been received each week over the past 14 months. The CAF remains open and continues to accept applications. When details of the...

Written Answers — Price Inflation: Price Inflation (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: As I have outlined before, the director general of the Central Statistics Office has sole responsibility for and is independent in deciding the statistical methodology and professional standards to be used in compiling the consumer price index, CPI. The CPI measures, in index form, monthly changes in the cost of purchasing a representative basket of consumer goods and services. My Department...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: Policy in respect of the promotion or development of biofuels is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. However, I do acknowledge that tax can play a role in the promotion of biofuels and in this regard, the Deputy is aware that there is the current duty exemption scheme for pilot projects in the biofuels area. The number of...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: Irish legislation on money laundering is set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1994, as amended. Primary responsibility for legislation in the area of money laundering rests with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Enforcement of the legislation is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. In regard to regulation of the financial sector, the role of the Minister for Finance is...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as the information furnished on tax returns does not generally require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of economic activity to be identified, the precise figures of net yield of tax revenues collected in respect of the activities specified in the question cannot be readily identified. Information can, however, be provided as to...

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (9 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The sale of a new house will give rise to taxes on the purchaser and seller of the house. The purchaser of a new house may be liable to pay stamp duty and VAT, while the seller of such a house may be liable to income tax, corporation tax or capital gains tax. The status of the purchaser and the seller need to be taken into consideration in computing these taxes, in addition to the type and...

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 15, the Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage, to adjourn at 1.30 p.m. if not previously concluded; No. 17, the Employment Permits Bill 2005 — Second Stage (resumed); and No. 18, the Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Second Stage (resumed).

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.