Results 3,421-3,440 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Irish economy is projected to grow at around its long-term sustainable growth rate of 4.5% to 5% over the next three years, as per the economic forecasts published in the stability programme update last December. The recent interest rate rise is unlikely to have a significant impact on this outlook.

Written Answers — Tribunals of Inquiry: Tribunals of Inquiry (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on this matter on 28 February 2006. The substance of that reply is as follows. In July 2004, the Government approved, on the initiative of the then Minister for Finance, reduced fees for legal representation at tribunals or inquiries established from September 2004 and to the then existing tribunals and inquiries with effect from various dates...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The primary mechanism for placing civil servants who are in posts which are due to decentralise but wish to remain in Dublin is by way of bilateral transfer. As staff who have applied to decentralise continue to be transferred into decentralising organisations, the posts they vacate become available to those wishing to remain in Dublin. To date, in excess of 1,200 staff have been assigned to...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: As I have indicated in previous replies to questions of a similar nature, the interpretation of domestic tax rules is a matter for the relevant authorities of the country concerned. In respect of the normal administration of taxes in Ireland and the US, the relevant double taxation convention between both countries allows for the exchange of information concerning the taxes covered by the...

Written Answers — Fiscal Policy: Fiscal Policy (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: In my budget speech last December, I set out the Government's proposals for reforming the budgetary process. As I promised to do on budget day, I subsequently wrote to the Opposition finance spokespersons and the party Whips on 20 December last to invite them to a briefing on the Government's proposals for reform. The Fine Gael finance spokesperson has indicated his intention to accept the...

Written Answers — European Council Meetings: European Council Meetings (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, represented Ireland at the ECOFIN Council meeting in Brussels on 14 March 2006. The meeting was attended by representatives of all 25 EU member states and of Bulgaria and Romania. The preparation of the spring European Council meeting of Heads of State or Government of 23-24 March was discussed. Among the issues dealt with were the key issues...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that establishing employee or subcontractor status is one of the areas they specifically concentrate on in their monitoring of tax compliance in the construction sector. On an ongoing basis, Revenue auditors, based on risk assessment, audit the books and records of a considerable number of contractors and subcontractors. The matter of employee or...

Written Answers — House Prices: House Prices (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: Residential construction has grown rapidly in recent times. Supply of housing has increased in response to strong levels of demand, which, in turn, have arisen from a number of fundamental demographic and economic factors. Total completions in 2005 reached an historic high of about 81 thousand units. Construction employment growth was also particularly strong in 2005 and now accounts for one...

Written Answers — Social Finance: Social Finance (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: As I set out in my reply to Question No. 53 on 28 February 2006, the aim of the Government's initiative that I announced in my budget speech is to give an impetus to the development of social finance in Ireland. This initiative can make a real contribution towards expanding social finance provision in Ireland, thereby complementing the wide range of measures that are currently in place to...

Written Answers — Financial Services Regulation: Financial Services Regulation (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The financial services sector is a major employer in the Irish economy, employing over 55,000 people both directly and indirectly and making a significant contribution to GNP overall. It supports activity in other economic sectors, contributes substantial tax to the Exchequer and forms an essential part of our economic infrastructure. Strong opportunities exist to grow and develop Ireland's...

Written Answers — Public Private Partnerships: Public Private Partnerships (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The National Aquatic Centre building was not procured by means of a public private partnership arrangement. We understand that the court proceedings, to which the Deputy refers, concerned issues related to the lease for the operation of the centre granted by an entity which is under the ambit of the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, to whom any questions should be directed.

Written Answers — Price Inflation: Price Inflation (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: Inflation, as measured by annual changes in the consumer price index, CPI, was 3.3% in February. Part of the pick-up in the annual inflation rate is due to the rise in interest rates by the ECB. In addition, the price of oil rose throughout most of last year and this had an impact on the annual rate of inflation in February. We have no control over these external factors. In my recent budget,...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: In its report to Government in November, 2004 the decentralisation implementation group, DIG, identified 15 organisations as early movers. This involved 21 projects, 20 locations, nearly 3,500 jobs and the transfer of eight headquarters. The report contained a schedule showing indicative construction start and completion dates for the procurement of office accommodation in the new locations....

Written Answers — Strategic Management Initiative: Strategic Management Initiative (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have asked officials in my Department to examine this report and assess the implications in consultation with other Departments.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 80 together. The new childminding tax scheme allows an individual to mind up to three children in the minder's own home, without paying tax, on the earnings received, provided the amount is not more than €10,000 per annum. If childminding income exceeds €10,000, the total amount will be taxable, as normal, under self-assessment. The scheme is...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar parliamentary question from Deputy Costello on 9 November last, which set out the background to this issue in relation to the contacts that have been ongoing with the European Commission. As regards the future of the tax exemption for stallion fees, I announced in my Budget Statement of 7 December 2005 that this exemption will be discontinued from...

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The scheme of capital allowances for the construction of private hospitals was reviewed by Indecon Economic Consultants as part of the overall review of property tax incentives in 2005. Indecon consulted widely in the course of its review, including consultations with the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive. Its report was published on 6 February 2006 and is...

Written Answers — Public Service Employment: Public Service Employment (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: The figures in table 5 of the Revised Estimates Volume are the average public service numbers which are calculated on the basis that they equate to the numbers that underpin the Exchequer pay and pensions bill in 2005 and 2006. They are set out in table 5 on a Vote basis with an increase being recorded from 2005-06 of 8,818. This figure includes provision for filling posts that were vacant in...

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following information is the up to date position on court prosecutions initiated for tax evasion. In 1997, there was one prosecution and one conviction. A fine of €635 was imposed with no custodial sentence. In 1998, there were six cases and eight convictions; fines totalling €42,854 were imposed. There were two custodial sentences, one...

Written Answers — Economic Policy: Economic Policy (30 Mar 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am aware of the Central Bank's views on economic policy through its various publications, including the quarterly bulletin. I also meet the governor of the bank from time to time to discuss various economic issues. My last meeting with the governor was yesterday.