Results 3,981-4,000 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy will be aware from recent replies to similar questions on this issue, I want to make sure any such relief can work and does not open up the VAT system to other very costly demands. The examination of the matter is ongoing and I will consider it in the context of next year's Budget.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (27 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: Stamp duty is a tax on certain documents, generally legal documents, used in transferring property or in creating rights for the parties concerned. The stamp duty code generally does not provide exemptions based on an individual's particular circumstances and introducing such a provision would represent a significant departure from normal stamp duty rules. However, I have been advised by the...

Written Answers — Equal Opportunities Employment: Equal Opportunities Employment (27 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Department of Finance, in common with all other civil service Departments and Offices, fully implements the Government's policy on the employment of people with a disability. The Deputy may wish to note that, as part of a review of policy on the employment of people with a disability in the civil service, my Department commissioned independent research in relation to the operation of the...

Written Answers — Public Procurement Contracts: Public Procurement Contracts (27 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Government's policy objectives in relation to construction procurement reform is to seek to achieve greater cost certainty, better value for money and more cost effective delivery of public works projects. My Department, with the assistance of the Government Contracts Committee for Construction (GCCC), specialist legal drafters and external technical expertise, has developed a suite of...

Written Answers — Statutory Regulations: Statutory Regulations (27 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: No statutory regulations have been made by Mr. Tom Parlon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance. Mr. Parlon was appointed by the Government as Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and his activities at that Office arise from that appointment.

Written Answers — National Development Plan: National Development Plan (27 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The preparation of the next NDP (2007-2013) is proceeding at present. The NDP will be a high level strategic document which will set out a clear framework for investment priorities over the period to 2013. It will encompass 7 year indicative allocations at national level rather than the current two region level. Allocations will not be set out at county level. A key objective of the NDP will...

Social Partnership Agreements. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: We are very proud of that.

Social Partnership Agreements. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: That was the Democratic Left contribution to the Government.

Social Partnership Agreements. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: It was tried once and it did not work.

Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: I recall the Deputy's silence when she was in Government.

Order of Business. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: Deputy Rabbitte is an insulting boyo. When the pompous mask comes down we see it.

Pension Provisions. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The pensions policy in the non-commercial bodies is that recommended by the pensions commission and accepted by the Government, that is, the defined benefit model is generally used. However, there may be circumstances where, if staff are engaged on private sector pay terms and conditions, a defined contribution arrangement is appropriate. In regard to commercial State bodies, pension schemes...

Pension Provisions. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: My reply clearly states that pensions are, in the first instance, primarily a matter for the relevant board. Commercial State bodies have their own autonomy and it is for them to work out with their stakeholders how they wish to proceed on such matters. They seek my approval in regard to their pension scheme only after they have reached agreement on it at that level. The principle that guides...

Pension Provisions. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: I am not saying anything under my breath. I have said that the primary responsibility for these matters rests with the individual boards. The question of the sustainability of a pension scheme and the issues that arise in this regard will vary from board to board and body to body. The defined benefit scheme has generally been the norm in the non-commercial sector. Difficulties may arise in...

Pension Provisions. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The general pensions policy has been discussed in some detail in the context of social partnership. The agreement we have obtained includes a commitment to the production of a Green Paper on this issue in the next 12 months. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs has begun the process of consultation in this regard and I will also be centrally involved in terms of any issues that may...

Tax Code. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The Deputy refers to two separate circumstances of potential abuse of the tax system. The first relates to section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003, known as the family home relief, which provides an exemption in regard to second dwellings. With regard to section 86 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003, the purpose of this exemption is to benefit...

Tax Code. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: Unfortunately, the supplementary questions were prepared prior to my giving the answer. With regard to the first part of the Deputy's question on section 86, I have pointed out that the Revenue Commissioners do no have evidence of abuse as suggested. Claims under the section represent less than 3% of the cases. It is very unfortunate that the Deputy is suggesting that we are not giving her...

Tax Code. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: I reject the usual innuendoes from that side of the House regarding these matters. Unfortunately, I must listen to the same old stuff every day. I have no personal knowledge of anyone availing of such exceptions or reliefs. As is the requirement and norm for questions, I am giving the relevant information rather than engaging in assertion and innuendo. The reviews are being carried out at the...

Cross-Border Projects. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: The all-island dimension will be an important horizontal theme of the National Development Plan 2007-2013, which will be published next November. We face common challenges in the two parts of the island, such as the need to invest in infrastructure, energy provision, education and training, new technology and research and development. Co-operation in those and other areas can be of mutual...

Cross-Border Projects. (28 Jun 2006)

Brian Cowen: Given the logic of an island economy, it is an important horizontal theme cutting across the entire plan whereby one avoids duplication, applying a strategic framework that makes sense and is of mutual benefit to the two jurisdictions. That is eminently sensible and complies with the letter and spirit of the Agreement. It is true that there is an institutional requirement for everyone to...