Results 2,381-2,400 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: Under the draft constitutional treaty produced during our Presidency, it is the intention of all Governments in the European Union to continue legitimate dialogue with faith communities in their societies on the basis of a mature relationship, which we seek with all faiths in this pluralist society. It would be thoroughly illiberal if such a dialogue were not to take place.

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The development of policy and changes in arrangements are provided for in the Social Welfare Bill but none are imminent.

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: It will probably be introduced next year.

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is not possible to say at this stage. I will take note of the Deputy's comments and communicate them to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is a matter for the Whips to arrange a debate on that or any other issue and if the Green Party wishes to promote this matter as a priority it can raise the matter on Private Members' business if Government time is not available.

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I have never heard Deputy Stagg echo such a sense of powerlessness.

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am available to answer questions at any time. The report of the Committee of Public Accounts is quite short, with an addendum including work by Deputy Rabbitte. I have read the report and it will be taken into account in the context of budgetary reform, to which I referred in my last budget speech. Yesterday, I discussed some aspects of this with Deputy Bruton. The principle of...

Order of Business. (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Minister is awaiting a Law Reform Commission report before deciding what, if any, legislative changes are necessary.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 124 together. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant and sufficiently complete information available from tax returns is in respect of income tax relief allowed for third level education fees for the income tax year 2002. The cost to the Exchequer of the tax relief for third level education fees in that year is estimated at...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they conducted on-site deposit interest retention tax, DIRT, look back audits on 37 financial institutions during 1999 and 2000 and reported to the Committee of Public Accounts on the outcomes. The details are provided in the final report of the committee dated 3 April 2001. As a result of the look back audit programme, financial institutions...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Committee of Public Accounts conducted an inquiry into the administration of deposit interest retention tax, DIRT, and related matters during the period 1 January 1986 to 1 December 1998 and published two reports, one dated 15 December 1999 and the other dated 3 April 2001. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their officers conducted on-site look back audits on the operation of...

Written Answers — Stamp Duty: Stamp Duty (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy will be aware that there are a number of incentives in place to assist owner-occupiers in purchasing residential property. There is no stamp duty on the purchase of new residential property for owner-occupiers where the dwelling is not greater than 125 square metres and complies with certain conditions with regard to building standards. If the property is over 125 square metres,...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (10 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I refer the Deputy to the long-standing practice of Ministers for Finance not to comment on what may or may not be contained in upcoming budgets. I do not intend to depart from that approach.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (15 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The VAT treatment of goods and services is governed by EU law with which Irish VAT law must comply. While we can retain the zero rating provisions which were in existence on 1 January 1991, we cannot introduce new ones. Therefore, it is not possible to apply a zero rate to the supply of alternative energy systems. In addition, while a reduced rate can be applied to certain goods and services,...

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (15 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The business expansion scheme covers qualifying renewable energy projects. If the Deputy has a project in mind, he should contact the business incentives section in the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. That section administers the scheme on a day-to-day basis and will be able to advise on whether the project qualifies.

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (15 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Commissioners of Public Works are reviewing the acquisition of a site identified for a new divisional headquarters Garda station at Wexford.

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (15 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: European Council business within the remit of my Department is carried out mainly through the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers, ECOFIN, at which proposals relating to a wide range of economic issues are debated and agreed. The normal practice is that before being tabled for discussion at ECOFIN, issues are extensively considered and negotiated at Council working groups of member...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (15 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 and 271 together. My Department has not in the past sought or achieved exemptions from EU directives or regulations nor is it seeking any.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (15 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU member states and postgraduate courses in non-EU countries. Tax relief is not...

Written Answers — Budget Submissions: Budget Submissions (15 Nov 2005)

Brian Cowen: I will present budget 2006 to the Dáil on 7 December 2005. As is normal, I will not comment on the contents of the budget in advance of that date.