Results 301-320 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Disabled Drivers: Disabled Drivers (26 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: The disabled drivers and disabled passengers (tax concessions) scheme is open to those with disabilities who meet the specified criteria and have obtained a primary medical certificate to that effect. The senior area medical officer attached to the relevant local health board is responsible for both the medical assessment and the issue of the medical certificate. The medical criteria for the...

Written Answers — Betting Premises: Betting Premises (26 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: The permitted opening times of registered betting premises were amended in the Finance Act 1998. The 1998 changes extended the opening hours of betting shops to cater for the growing trend towards evening race meetings and Sunday racing. The legislation covering opening hours of betting shops sets out that registered premises cannot be open for business on Christmas Day, Good Friday or Easter...

Written Answers — Departmental Appointments: Departmental Appointments (26 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: Since my appointment as Minister for Finance, in accordance with the provisions of section 11(1) of the Public Service Management Act 1997, the Government has appointed one special adviser at my request. I have also appointed a personal secretary and personal assistant. These posts are held on a contract basis.

Written Answers — Tax Certificates: Tax Certificates (26 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a PAYE balancing statement for the year 2003 issued on 21 January 2005, following a telephone call from the taxpayer on 18 January 2005.

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 1, the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 1999 — amendment from the Seanad; and No. 18, the Disability Bill 2004 — Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 1 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 30 minutes, and any amendments from the Seanad not disposed of...

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: I pay tribute to Des Edwards who is retiring from the usher staff this week after 29 years' service. Des has served the Houses of the Oireachtas for more than 29 years with great distinction and is a very popular character around here. He always displays good humour and is always helpful to us, temporary staff. Des arrived in Leinster House in 1976 and through his long and distinguished...

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: The final question is a matter for the Whips to arrange if such is required and appropriate. This morning on radio, the President articulately expressed the views of the nation on this 60th anniversary. For the information of the House, the Quigley report was received by the Taoiseach on Monday afternoon, whereupon he took the opportunity to consider its content and recommendations. Having...

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am anxious to remain in order in answering the Deputy's question. It should be clear to the leader of the Labour Party that all projections for the coming year indicate a net increase in employment of more than 35,000 on an already high level of employment that is unprecedented in the history of the State. I take the point that, as the Deputy well knows, we are engaged in the provision of...

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy asked about the legislation. On the publication of the Finance Bill next week, we will give legislative effect to the measures announced at the budget. The Government took specific measures on the health levy for those earning less than €400 per week and did not increase indirect taxation as a means of ensuring that competitive pressures are minimised to the greatest extent...

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is hoped it will be brought before the House during the course of this year.

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Minister for Agriculture and Food that we are awaiting the outcome of discussions on an EU rural development directive. It would be inappropriate to introduce domestic legislative proposals on forestry until the requirements and obligations under the directive become clear.

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: In the budget I announced a review of the existing incentive reliefs and exemptions and this matter is being pursued as quickly as possible. Advertisements as required under EU rules have been placed in the EU Journal and we have indicated we wish to hear from the public and other interested parties. The review will be conducted by the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Finance,...

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: The Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill 2004 was published on 20 December last and is now before the Seanad.

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: The gas regulation Bill has 60 heads. It will give effect to the restructuring of the natural gas industry. It is expected to be published in the course of this year. I cannot be more specific. No legislation is envisaged on the other matter. As the Deputy is aware it is a matter that is addressed under the social partnership process as a result of agreements already reached.

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: Obviously I agree with the Deputy on the matter. The electricity Bill has 172 heads. It will allow the ESB to be converted into a plc under the Companies Acts and to consolidate existing electricity legislation. The Deputy will also be aware that the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources announced his intention to review the state of the industry and what strategic...

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: It is not proceeding at the moment or in the immediate future due to a Supreme Court judgment, the implications of which must be studied.

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: Mr. Justice McMenamin gave a High Court judgment and the board is considering its options and the response it can make. Press reports have stated that an appeal to the Supreme Court is likely. My understanding of the basic issue in the judgment is that while a solicitor can be employed by the client, costs of the solicitor will be borne by the client rather than the board. The Personal...

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: Work is ongoing on the matter. The Bill is substantial and involves statute law revision and restatement in addition to legislative reform provisions to regulate charities to ensure accountability and to protect against the abuse of charitable status and fraud. It is hoped to bring that consideration to finalisation in the course of this year.

Order of Business. (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: It will be before the House this year.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Jan 2005)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that income tax relief is available on the cost of tuition fees paid on behalf of a student who is undertaking a BSc in general nursing within the State following a BA provided the course is an approved course at an approved college in accordance with the provisions of the tax relief scheme in question. A list of the approved courses at approved...