Results 3,881-3,900 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

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

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will be aware, the 2005 Budget introduced a stamp duty relieving measure for first-time house purchasers who are owner-occupiers of second-hand houses by increasing the stamp duty exemption threshold for such purchasers from €190,500 to €317,500 and by having reduced rates for house values up to €635,000. Any further changes to the stamp duty regime are a matter for the Budget.

Written Answers — Departmental Offices: Departmental Offices (7 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that 300 applications were received in respect of summer employment with the Revenue Commissioners in County Mayo.

Written Answers — Tax Collection: Tax Collection (7 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a refund has been processed on behalf of the taxpayer and issued on 6 June 2006. The delay in issuing the refund was due to a technical difficulty which has since been resolved.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (7 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The relocation of civil or public servants within Dublin city or county is not part of this Government's Decentralisation programme. The aim of the programme as announced in Budget, 2004 is to move civil and public service posts to locations outside of Dublin. This is still the case.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (7 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: My Department is not in a position to predict how many Dublin based staff will be in the tranche of 1,000 as Departments must make assignment in accordance with the protocols agreed with the unions. Hence the ultimate breakdown of staff moving will be determined by the priority position of staff on the CAF, nos. of offers accepted, the nos. offered places under the 2-10 trawls, etc. However,...

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

Brian Cowen: Stamp duty is a duty on the transfer of title to property. It has been in existence in some form for many years and has not in general hindered persons moving, trading up or trading down. Stamp duty is a significant contributor to the Exchequer which permits Government spending on public services such as health and education. Stamp duty receipts also allow for a broader tax base than would...

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 1, the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005 [Seanad] — Second Stage and No. 3, the National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. Private Members' business shall be No. 29, Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed, to be taken immediately after the Order of Business and to conclude...

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the child protection joint working group for the register of persons who are considered unfit to work with children arises out of the North-South Ministerial Council format. Work on this Bill has concentrated on developing procedures for vetting of convictions through the vetting unit. The development of a register gives rise to a range...

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: It is. The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is taking charge of the situation. He is the first Minister of State to introduce vetting procedures in respect of this matter.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government approved the heads of the hepatitis C and HIV compensation tribunal (amendment) Bill, which we expect to publish in this session. I will ask the Tánaiste to contact the Deputy regarding the secondary legislation relating to charges imposed by medical professionals. I know only about the primary legislation issues.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: If so, I will check with him. I do not know what is the position in that regard. The Taoiseach indicated yesterday his understanding is that approximately 20 cases were involved in the relevant section to which the Deputy referred.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: In the printout that I saw from the Official Report of yesterday's proceedings, the Taoiseach undertook to contact Deputy Kenny on the exact number. He cited the figure from memory.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: There is no reason the Supreme Court decision should jeopardise proceedings for anyone awaiting trial. We know the constitutional parameters. An amending Act is now on the Statute Book and people can be arraigned again if necessary.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: Exactly, but a person charged can be rearraigned on other charges so nothing is irreversible until the judicial process begins.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: I have read the Official Report of yesterday's proceedings. The Taoiseach did not give a completion date for the all-party committee's deliberations. He left that open.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The all-party committee will determine how long it sits. That is how it works.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: I will answer Deputy Rabbitte because he is asking the questions. The Taoiseach indicated that the Government has some ideas on the terms of reference, which it would share with the Opposition for discussion and consideration. There is no prescriptive approach, it is a matter of working out the terms of reference. We have some views on the matter and if everyone is committed to dealing with...

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The fact that a person is in the public service should not indicate that he or she is incapable of doing his or her job with integrity. As the Minister with responsibility for the public service, I wish to make that clear. Legal submissions from the Attorney General's office or staff to the legal team would be the basis of the arguments made in open court. That is not a major issue. I do not...

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy posed several glib questions.

Order of Business. (8 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: Name-calling will get the Deputy nowhere.