Results 3,641-3,660 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (18 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Single Farm Payment (SFP) was introduced in April 2005. The VAT treatment of the Single Farm Payment (SFP) scheme is subject to EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. I am, however, informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the transfer of SFP entitlement, by way of a gift for no consideration, is not subject to VAT.

Written Answers — Ministerial Responsibilities: Ministerial Responsibilities (18 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government appointed Mr. Tom Parlon, T.D. as Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works on the 18th of June 2002. There has been no delegation to him under Section 2 of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1977 of any of the statutory powers of the Minister for Finance.

Written Answers — Tax Yield: Tax Yield (18 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to furnish precise figures of the VAT take on fuel, as the information furnished on VAT returns does not require this to be identified. However, estimates of the VAT yield on fuel, based on consumption levels of oil products as well as statistical data derived from non-Revenue sources, are as follows: VAT Yield from Fuel ...

Social Partnership. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy knows more about the media than we do.

Social Partnership. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: The problem is that Deputy Ó Caoláin asks so many questions.

Consumer Price Index. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Inflation, as measured by annual changes in the consumer price index, CPI, was 3.8% in April. A large part of the recent pick-up in the annual inflation rate is owing to external factors such as higher oil prices and interest rate increases by the European Central Bank. On budget day, my Department forecast that CPI inflation would average 2.7% in 2006. That forecast was based on the usual...

Consumer Price Index. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Looking at the trend over a period of time, since we joined the euro area some years ago, the figures at the back end of last year showed, for the first time, a coming together of the European and the Irish average inflation. The Irish average inflation before that was much higher. Part of that is a function of domestic demand which is greater here than in European countries. One of the...

Consumer Price Index. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Insurance, including motor insurance, premiums are down to 1999 levels as a result of Government initiatives——

Consumer Price Index. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: ——which were, in some cases, opposed by Members of the Opposition in trying to represent vested interests. There is no room for complacency in terms of our competitiveness, of which we must be mindful. Making the comparison with European economies, the difference is not 0.8% but 0.3% on the harmonised index of consumer prices inflation versus the euro area since 1999. Looking at the...

Decentralisation Programme. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I state the Government's full commitment to the decentralisation programme and reiterate that its policy on the relocation programme is unchanged. To date, more than 10,600 people have applied to the central applications facility and, despite consistent negative commentary, no political spokesperson has said that any town or county should be dropped from the programme. I take this opportunity...

Decentralisation Programme. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, what is laughable is the Deputy's inability to listen to the details of the reply which confirms that the suggestion that this was hastily cobbled together is untrue. Every time I answer questions in this House I must contend with the same tired old rhetoric on this matter, particularly from this Deputy who talks out of both sides of her mouth about the muted support of the...

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Any proposals concerning the rates, structure and impact of stamp duty are a matter for the budget. I have acted already in several respects to reduce the burden of stamp duty on low value properties and on first-time buyers. New houses are generally exempt from stamp duty. Considerations of equity within the stamp duty code must be balanced by requirements for equity in the overall tax...

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Changes to the current stamp duty regime must be approached with caution as even minor amendments may significantly alter the dynamics of any housing market. I have no plans at present to introduce changes although the position is kept under review at all times. It is important to stress to the Deputy that there have been increased contributions from capital taxes generally as a result of the...

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: I would have thought the Deputy might have referred to the fact that I raised rates and thresholds in the past.

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: What does the Deputy mean by realistic levels? They must be financially sustainable. I introduced an initiative on one occasion and the first-time buyers were happier than they would have been if I had not introduced the initiative. There is always the question of the ultimate effect such an initiative will have on the housing market and it is a case of balance because there are arguments for...

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: It helps those people also.

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: Demand for housing has risen strongly in recent years. This demand has been underpinned by demographic factors, the innate strength of the economy and the impact of an accommodating monetary stance, including historically low interest rates. Housing supply has responded to demand with completions for 2005 reaching a historic high of about 81,000 units which, on a per capita basis, was among...

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: As I have said on previous occasions, the increase in house prices since the mid-1990s is seen in the context of considerable structural changes and advances in the economy since then. Employment has risen by about 50% since the mid-1990s, while per capita wages have also risen significantly over that period. This has been supplemented by a reduction in the burden of income taxation....

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: One has to take these figures into account and the state of the construction industry, given that it represents 12% of national output. We must take into account what the relative health of the construction industry would be in trying to project forward Revenue figures, given the good contribution it makes, as I have acknowledged. This is true in terms of the building industry, the materials...

House Prices. (23 May 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is important we try to ensure that first-time buyers have access to the market. We have taken some initiatives in that regard. It is to be hoped that the success of social and affordable housing initiatives will see a greater contribution from that sector than before. A great many interventions have been introduced, some of which have been successful and some less so. Ultimately, supply...