Results 2,861-2,880 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (1 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The measure that I announced in the budget regarding the introduction of a 50% remission or repayment of vehicle registration tax on the registration of flexible-fuel vehicles, FFVs, in the State is intended to include both vehicles purchased new in Ireland or elsewhere and used vehicles imported into the State. However, such vehicles, to qualify for the relief, will be required to be series...

Written Answers — Regional Airports: Regional Airports (1 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that during 2004 officers attached to their Dublin enforcement district carried out 12 planned and six unplanned visits to Weston Aerodrome. During 2005, ten planned and six unplanned visits were made by officers to Weston Aerodrome. During 2004 and 2005 no instance of smuggling or fraudulent activity regarding aircraft or passengers arriving at...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (1 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The latest data from the central applications facility indicates that, while there are 15 staff of Ordnance Survey Ireland, OSI, who wish to decentralise with the organisation and 42 expressions of interest in decentralising with the OSI by civil servants, there are a further ten staff who have been assigned to the OSI for decentralisation to Dungarvan. The length of time it will take to...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (1 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: My Department had two public relations, PR, contracts which continued into 2005. No such contracts were initiated in 2005, and none was completed in that year. The following table sets out the year of the awarding of each contract, a description of the purpose of the contract, the name and address of the organisation with which my Department contracted, the total value of the contract and...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (2 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The decentralisation programme for Carrickmacross remains unchanged and shall proceed as scheduled. The position in relation to the acquisition of suitable property in Carrickmacross is as outlined in my reply of 9 November 2005. The OPW is still in negotiations regarding a suitable site. To date there have been 95 applications to move to Carrickmacross.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (2 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The decentralisation programme for Monaghan town remains unchanged and shall proceed as scheduled. The process of sourcing a suitable property solution in Monaghan is continuing. To date, there have been 38 applications to move to Monaghan town.

Written Answers — National Pensions Reserve Fund: National Pensions Reserve Fund (2 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Preliminary 2005 performance figures for the national pensions reserve fund were published in the end-year press release issued by the National Treasury Management Agency, which is the manager of the fund, on 30 December 2005. The press release reported that the fund earned a return of €2,291 million or 19.2% in 2005, reflecting its heavy concentration in equities and the sustained growth...

Written Answers — Consultancy Contracts: Consultancy Contracts (2 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I take it that the Deputy is asking about arrangements in place in the years 2003 to 2005 between my Department, including my predecessor and myself, and PR consultancy firms and individuals, and media advisers. I also take it that his reference to "other non-established civil servants" relates to ministerial advisers employed as non-established civil servants and does not include other...

Finance Bill 2006: Order for Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to introduce my second Finance Bill at a time when our country is doing well, both economically and socially. The radical restructuring of the tax system which has taken place since 1997 has contributed considerably to the progress we have made. However, even a successful system requires that the relevant policies be adapted to...

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: That is in respect of SSIAs on account maturity. The wider general pension provision is still under consideration by Government.

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: No.

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Those issues can be worked out in the consultation process with the financial institutions. The report also made the point that thresholds could encourage the splitting of accounts. We must be mindful of that. The details will be worked out.

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: Keep an eye on the Social Welfare Bill; it is under consideration.

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is a function of the resources provided.

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: It was Albert Reynolds actually.

Finance Bill 2006: Second Stage. (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: That was the recommendation of the consultants.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I presume the Deputy's question refers primarily to the new large-scale biofuels scheme announced in the budget and provided for in the recently published Finance Bill. Further details on how this scheme will operate will be produced by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in the coming months, once the necessary EU State aid approval has been obtained. However, it...

Written Answers — Oireachtas Members' Remuneration: Oireachtas Members' Remuneration (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: The following table lists the pay rates in place at the time of the general election on 17 May 2002 and the revised scales since then for the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers, Ministers of State, Deputies and Senators. The table also lists all subsequent pay increases — general, review body on higher remuneration in the public sector and Benchmarking. Report No. 38 of the review body on...

Written Answers — Tax Certificates: Tax Certificates (7 Feb 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement — form P21 — for the year 2005 issued to the taxpayer on 31 January 2006.