Results 2,541-2,560 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Secret Service: Secret Service (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Estimate for the Secret Service as published in the Revised Estimates for public services for 2005 was €786,000 and the Estimate for 2006 is €806,000, an increase of 2.5%. It is not the practice to divulge information or explanations relating to expenditure on this Vote.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: When the Government's decentralisation programme was first announced, it was stated that the overall objective would be to ensure that property being acquired at a regional level is matched as closely as possible, both in time and in cost terms, by the disposal of property currently held in the Dublin region, whether held on lease or otherwise. In November 2004 the implementation group...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: I assume the Deputy is seeking the estimated number of income earners projected to be in each category on the tax record in the event that there are no income tax changes in the forthcoming budget. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers are as follows: Numbers of Income Earners Pre-Budget 2006*. Exempt Marginal Relief Standard Rate Higher Rate Total 686,070...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement or P.21 for the year 2004 will issue to the taxpayer in the coming days. There is no record of previous correspondence relating to this matter prior to the receipt of the request from the Deputy.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: From the outset both the Government and I have made it clear that participation in the decentralisation programme is voluntary. Because of the nature of the programme it is not possible at this stage to estimate the number of civil and public servants who do not wish to leave Dublin, as individual circumstances are open to change and therefore figures can fluctuate. The picture will become...

Written Answers — Tax Code. : Tax Code. (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: There is no requirement to apply for tax relief for the development of private hospitals. Once the hospital has been completed and is in operation an investor can claim tax relief under the self-assessment system through the submission of the annual tax return. I announced in my Budget Statement in December 2004 that my Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners would undertake a...

Written Answers — Tax Code. : Tax Code. (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy is aware, I announced in my 2005 Budget Statement that my Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners are undertaking a detailed review of certain tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions in 2005. Two external consultancy firms have examined the area-based and various sectoral property tax incentive schemes. The review also involved the examination by my Department...

Written Answers — Tax Code. : Tax Code. (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: I announced in my Budget Statement in December 2004 that my Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners would undertake a detailed review of certain tax incentive schemes and tax exemptions in 2005. Certain schemes have been reviewed by two external consultancy firms. These were area-based tax incentive schemes, namely the urban, rural and town renewal as well as the...

Written Answers — Tax Code. : Tax Code. (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will appreciate, it is not the practice to comment in the lead up to the annual budget and Finance Bill on the intention or otherwise to make changes in taxation.

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: I take it that the Deputy is referring to the tax rules which in general restrict the payment of benefits, including the tax free lump sum at any time before the individual's retirement from the employment in question. I refer the Deputy to the longstanding 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...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: In 2001, the Commission on Public Service Pensions, which had been set up by the Government to examine all aspects of public service pensions, presented a comprehensive reform package in its final report. In September 2001, the Government accepted the thrust of the commission's report, and the period since then has been marked by the progressive implementation, in consultation with the public...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: In 2004, revenue from indirect taxes, or excise and VAT, accounted for 44.12% of total tax revenue. In 2005, to end November, indirect taxes accounted for 44.79%.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (6 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that on the basis of the information supplied it appears the specific capital gains tax exemptions in place for persons with disabilities is not applicable in the circumstances of the taxpayer in question. These exemptions relate mainly to gains arising on assets acquired from the investment of compensation payments, for example, personal injury...

Budget Statement 2005. (7 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am honoured to be in the House again to present the 2006 budget. This budget reflects the priorities of the Government, and I believe it reflects the needs and hopes of the Irish people also. Introduction We are living in the midst of the longest and strongest era of sustained prosperity in our history. This did not happen by chance. It involved careful planning. It involved investment in...

Budget Statement 2005. (7 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: Competition for the new funds will stimulate excellence through collaboration and change. Details of the administration of the fund will be announced by the Minister for Education and Science over the coming days. In addition, it is essential that investment in modern facilities is maintained in university and institute of technology campuses around the country. As a result, we are committing...

Budget Statement 2005. (7 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: ——will form an intrinsic part of our central planning mechanism. National Development Plan 2000-2006 Under the current national development plan ending next year there have been unprecedented levels of investment in our economic and social infrastructure. This investment is delivering real outputs improving the quality of life for our citizens. Investment in roads will see the completion...

Budget Statement 2005. (7 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: ——to ensure joined up thinking and the delivery of projects on time and on budget. National Development Plan 2007-2013 The next national development plan, which will cover the period 2007 to 2013, will set out a coherent and integrated strategy for investment in economic and social infrastructure. It will be done within a framework of budget sustainability and will be informed by key...

Budget Statement 2005. (7 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: This will bring the old age contributory pension to €193.30 per week, which means we will be well on the way to achieving the programme for government commitment to increase the State pension to €200 per week by 2007. We are increasing non-contributory pensions by €16 per week, an increase of 9.6% bringing the maximum rate to €182 per week. We recognise that many non-contributory...

Budget Statement 2005. (7 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: ——will be disregarded for means test purposes. Other weekly welfare payments All other personal weekly social welfare rates will be increased by €17 per week. This will bring the lowest full personal social welfare rate from €148.80 to €165.80 per week, an increase of 11%.

Budget Statement 2005. (7 Dec 2005)

Brian Cowen: The increase also represents substantial progress towards the implementation of our commitments in the programme for Government and in Sustaining Progress. Child benefit In 2006, the monthly rate for the first and second child will increase to €150 and the rate for third and subsequent children will increase to €185.